First Nations

The moss bags of the Plains Indians kept babies safe, content, and part of daily life. This two-part book first explores the features and purpose of moss bags, along with softly coloured illustrations. The second part includes step-by-step directions for making a moss bag, accompanied by explanatory photos. Discover more about moss bags, the ingenious creation of early mothers and grandmothers living close to Mother Earth.

Educator Information
Juvenile Nonfiction

Meet Tom Longboat, the Onondaga runner who broke world records... on his own terms!

On April 19, 1907, a hundred thousand people lined up to watch the eighth running of the Boston Marathon. At the start of the race, more than one hundred runners surged forward, and at the end, Tom Longboat won it in a record-breaking four minutes, forty-six seconds. He became the most famous runner in the world, yet faced scrutiny and criticism of every part of his life, from his revolutionary training techniques to his Indigenous heritage.

This picture book will introduce young readers to a brave and fascinating man whose legacy as Canada’s foremost distance runner continues to be recognized to this day.  

This biography features accessible text, full-colour illustrations, with historical notes and timelines that provide even more information on Tom Longboat’s background and incredible accomplishments.

Educator Information
Recommended ages: 6-10.

Themes/Key Ideas: Biography, Sports, Canada, Indigenous Canadians, Social Topics, Prejudice & Racism.

Additional Information
32 pages

Join the authors as they lead the children through important Cree cultural experiences, tell stories, and share their wisdom and truths with compassion. Learn the protocols for building a tipi, trapping a beaver, laying the grandfather stones for a fire, smudging, and harvesting salt from the Salt Plains in Wood Buffalo National Park. In Cree, tapwe means "it is so" or "the truth." In this, Henry writes, "We can tell you what to do with the truths we share in this book, but we hope that reading our story will help you get to know us a little better so that together we can make this nation a place we can all be proud of."

Reviews
"An intimate gateway to learning about the Cree First Nations people from the perspective of its elders." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for Ages 8-12.

This is the 9th book in the This Land Is Our Storybook series, which considers the diverse lands and cultures of Canada's Northwest Territories. Told in a uniquely diverse range of northern voices, with a child-centred approach, books in the series highlight each official Aboriginal language group in the NWT, revealing a richly textured picture of life in the North--on the trapline, around the campfire, in communities, at school, and within the outdoor school that is the land itself. The series celebrates the seasons, ages, genders, traditional activities, and communities of the NWT.

The stories are illustrated by the striking images of acclaimed northern photographer, Tessa Macintosh and depict the similarities in lifestyle between children of the North and South, as well as the marked cultural differences, and highlight the special relationship these First Nations people have with the land and how they are adapting to rapid change while remaining connected to the land. Images of the landscape and animals within it, of trapping, hunting, fishing, and bannock baking sit alongside pictures of children at school, swimming at recreation centres, and reading in libraries. Here is modern northern culture painted beautifully: a complex mix of the new and the old.

These wonderful books, written with a variety of provincial and territorial curricula in mind, are specially designed for the classroom and include special features such as glossaries relating details on animals biology and cultural definitions, regional and language maps. The text of the stories also have sidebars such as Our Stories, which contain the stories of the people and language group featured, and Our Words, which highlight words in the featured language that are important to the story.

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Library Binding

Spirit Bear is off on another adventure! Follow him as he learns about traditional knowledge and Residential Schools from his Uncle Huckleberry and his friend, Lak'insxw, before heading to Algonquin territory, where children teach him about Shannen's Dream.

Spirit Bear and his new friends won't stop until Shannen's Dream of "safe and comfy schools" comes true for every First Nations student.

Dear Uncle Huckleberry,

Look up at the stars tonight. If you look closely, you'll see Shannen Koostachin lighting the way.

Shannen knew that school should be a time for dreams and that every child deserves to have a safe and comfy school, a proper education, and to feel proud of who they are. Every child is sacred.

Did you know that many First Nations schools get less money from the government than other schools? Shannen knew this was wrong. And so do I.

And like my mom, Mary the Bear, always says, when we see something wrong, we need to help make things right!

Did you know that Lak'insxw means "grizzly bear" in Gitxsan language?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is part of the Spirit Bear series.

This resource is also available in French: Spirit Bear: pêcher le savoir, attraper des rêves : Base sur une histoire vraie

Additional Information
52 pages | 216 x 216 mm

Bundle includes all 8 titles, 6 of each, in the Strong Stories Dakelh series (48 books total).

These books are recommended for primary students.

Books in the Dakelh series include the following from author and illustrator Cecilia John:

Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle
Berries of the Dakelh Territory
Berry Picking with ‘Atsoo
Counting in Carrier (delivered in a dual-language format of Carrier and English)
Fall in Saik’uz (delivered in a triple-language format of Carrier, English, and French)
Spring in Saik’uz (delivered in a triple-language format of Carrier, English, and French)
Summer in Saik’uz (delivered in a triple-language format of Carrier, English, and French)
Winter in Saik’uz (delivered in a triple-language format of Carrier, English, and French)

For the books containing Carrier, downloadable pronunciation guides are available:
Spring in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Summer in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Fall in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Winter in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Berries of the Dakelh Territory Pronunciation Guide
Counting in Carrier Pronunciation Guide

Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771746687

Own the entire set of Dakelh Strong Stories! (8 books total)

Recommended for primary students.

Books in the Dakelh series include the following from author and illustrator Cecilia John:

Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle
Berries of the Dakelh Territory
Berry Picking with ‘Atsoo
Counting in Carrier (delivered in a dual-language format of Carrier and English)
Fall in Saik’uz (delivered in a triple-language format of Carrier, English, and French)
Spring in Saik’uz (delivered in a triple-language format of Carrier, English, and French)
Summer in Saik’uz (delivered in a triple-language format of Carrier, English, and French)
Winter in Saik’uz (delivered in a triple-language format of Carrier, English, and French)

For the books containing Carrier, downloadable pronunciation guides are available:
Spring in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Summer in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Fall in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Winter in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Berries of the Dakelh Territory Pronunciation Guide
Counting in Carrier Pronunciation Guide

Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771745765

There are many animals that live within the Dakelh Territory. Follow along with this playful poem as the animals spot each other. What kinds of animals have you spotted in your area?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).

Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743228

Wild berries grow almost everywhere. Some wild berries are good to eat while others will make you sick. It is important to know if a berry is safe to eat before you pop it into your mouth! What kinds of berries have you eaten?

Educator Information
Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).

Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in the story: Berries of the Dakelh Territory Pronunciation Guide

Berries of the Dakelh Territory is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743235

Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory and see the leaves turn colour in fall! What is something that you love about fall?

Educator & Series Information
A triple-language resource written in Carrier, English and French.

Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).

Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in the story: Fall in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide

Fall in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743266

Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory and see the trees bud and the birds come back! What is something that you love about spring?

Educator & Series Information
A triple-language resource written in Carrier, English and French.

Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).

Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in this story: Spring in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide

Spring in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743273

Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory and see the berries and animals! What is something that you love about summer?

Educator & Series Information
A triple-language resource written in Carrier, English and French.

Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).

Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in the story: Summer in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide

Summer in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743280

Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory and see what happens on cold winter days! What is something that you love about winter?

Educator & Series Information
A triple-language resource written in Carrier, English and French.

Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).

Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in this story: Winter in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide

Winter in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743297

Bundle includes all 8 titles, 6 of each, in the Strong Stories Kwakwaka’wakw series (48 books total).

Recommended for intermediate students.

Books in the Kwakwaka’wakw series include the following from authors Sally Williams and Bobbie Wildman and illustrator Lou-ann Neel:

A Kwakwaka’wakw Potlatch
Button Blankets
Hereditary Chiefs and Matriarchs
Our Traditional Medicines
Planning a Kwakwaka’wakw Potlatch
Strength in Our “Ways of Knowing”
The Cedar Tree Our Culture, Our Tree
Traditional Berry Picking 

Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771746694

Own the entire set of Kwakwaka’wakw Strong Stories! (8 books total)

Recommended for intermediate students.

Books in the Kwakwaka’wakw series include the following from authors Sally Williams and Bobbie Wildman and illustrator Lou-ann Neel:

A Kwakwaka’wakw Potlatch
Button Blankets
Hereditary Chiefs and Matriarchs
Our Traditional Medicines
Planning a Kwakwaka’wakw Potlatch
Strength in Our “Ways of Knowing”
The Cedar Tree Our Culture, Our Tree
Traditional Berry Picking 

Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771745840

Kwakwaka’wakw (kwok-wok-ya-wokw) people have many sacred ceremonies to protect, nurture, and uplift their spirits. A Potlatch is a time for ceremony and community. What kinds of community gatherings and ceremonies do you participate in?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).

A Kwakwaka’wakw Potlatch is part of the Strong Stories: Kwakwaka’wakw series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743068