Biographies

Little Ocean likes to play outside. In this picture book, Ocean shows us how she has fun outside in all types of weather. Outside is where new discoveries are made and adventures happen!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for preschool-aged children.

This book is part of the The Adventure Series of Learning With Ocean.

Additional Information
16 Pages 

Little Ocean is learning about her identity. In this picture book, Ocean’s Mom teaches her about her Ojibwe and Cree culture and how to walk proud.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for preschool-aged children.

This book is part of the The Adventure Series of Learning With Ocean.

Additional Information
28 Pages 

Dear Jean,
I had a substitute teacher recently. He stood up for a girl wearing a cedar hat when she was told to take it off by the vice-principal…

Even though Jean and Michael come from different cultural backgrounds and live far apart, they are best friends. To keep in touch, they write letters. Read their letters to discover what Jean and Michael do when they see and experience racial prejudice in their communities.

I Wish You Were Here is based on the authors' childhood experiences as pen pals in Haida Gwaii and Terrace in northern British Columbia. The book explores themes of friendship, culture, family, and community. It also addresses some tough issues, such as racism and intolerance, and explores ways to respond proactively. Included are resources and discussion questions to encourage further learning and reflection.

Reviews
“This lovely book explores healthy strategies for addressing racism and discrimination, including ceremonies, art, and intercultural allies. It is necessary reading for fostering the reconciliation and Indigenous resurgence that is imperative for our collective growth and enlightenment.” – Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, musician, author, activist, artist, and lawyer 

“This book helps us to empower our children and each other in the important work of recognizing, talking about, and working through acts of racism.” – Severn Cullis-Suzuki, lifelong activist for intergenerational justice 

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This middle-grade picture book includes discussion questions, a glossary, and additional resources for further learning and reflection.

Curriculum Connections & Keywords: Reconciliation, Indigenous Education, Social Awareness and Responsibility, Social Studies, Allyship, Racism, Anti-Racism, Discrimination, Social Justice, Racial Injustice, Haida, Haida Gwaii, Gwaii Haanas National Park, Tsimshian, Terrace, Letter Writing, Pen Pals, Friendship, Diversity, Child Empowerment, Advocacy, Inclusivity.

This book provides readers the opportunity to look at racism and discrimination through two different cultural lenses.  It's a teaching tool to initiate conversations about issues such as racism, discrimination, and reconciliation.

In the video below, Erica Jean Reid Gidin Jaad shares how to pronounce Haida and Tsimshian words in I Wish You Were Here.

Additional Information
32 Pages | 6.5" x 9.5" | Hardcover | ISBN: 9781771745727

On the river, beaver smacks his tail, the salmon swim, and a family pull in the catch. As a member of her community, six-year-old Monica participates in the traditional salmon harvest among the picturesque scenery, cold mornings, warm fires, and extended family.

Educator Information
Recommended for kindergarten to grade 3.

This book is available in French: Dans Notre Territoire Traditionnel.

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.25" x 8.25" | Paperback

Indig-Enough is a rhyming story that captures the author's journey in navigating and embracing her indigeneity, honouring her roots, and walking tall towards the future. This book can help guide young people in the exploration and the awareness of identity and intersectionality which can sometimes make it difficult to fit in and find their place.

Educator Information
Recommended by publisher for grades 3 to 7.

Additional Information
16 Pages 

In this harrowing survival story, Brian Koonoo takes off on a hunting trip in Canada’s Arctic. After his snowmobile breaks down, his GPS loses signal, and his camping fuel runs low, he is left alone to survive for seven days. Inuunira is an Inuktitut term that means "how I'm alive," and this account shows exactly how Brian managed to stay alive. He experiences close encounters with planes, blizzards, and hunger, all while much of his gear is lost. Walking 60 kilometres in search of safety, he uses the knowledge his father and Elders taught him—modern and traditional means of navigation, finding water, making shelters, and keeping his spirits up—to continue on. With photos, illustrations, and diagrams throughout, readers are sure to be inspired by this story of strong will and hope.

Additional Information
37 pages | 6.75" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

Jerleen Sullivan Anderson from Norway House Cree Nation shares the story of her brother Jordan River Anderson and their Mom Virgina Anderson in her book Jordan and Mom.

Jerleen writes this book so that we can remember Jordan and the way he was treated as a First Nations child, with his serious health condition, by the governments of Manitoba and Canada. It is a book for us to learn and understand how Jordan’s Principle came about and that Jordan had a Mom and family who loved him dearly.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this picture book for grades seven, eight, and nine.

Keywords / Themes: Jordan's Principle; Health; Family.

Additional Information
24 Pages | Paperback

This is the true story behind a song that was once a hymn remembered from residential school. With the help of his family and community, especially the determination of his son, and encouraging words of his Grandmother, Knowledge Keeper Quuia Charleson (Nuu-Chah-Nulth), has reclaimed Love Your Creator and continues to share both the song and its story through oral tradition at events and on travels. Engaging illustrations by Stefan Brunette passionately portray the people and events in this exciting picture book for all ages. Discover the story and learn the strength of a song.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 12.

This book is available in French: Aime ton Créateur: L'histoire d'une chanson de prière.

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

Discusses the life and accomplishments of Mary Simon, the first Indigenous person to hold office. She has served as the 30th governor general of Canada since July 26, 2021.

Educator Information
Juvenile Nonfiction.

Indigenous consultant: Dennis McPherson

Additional Information
24 Pages

An educational and heartfelt retelling of the story of the Mi'kmaq and their traditional lands, Mi'kma'ki, for young readers, focused on the generational traumas of the Indian Residential School System.

"The story of the Mi'kmaw people is one that very few truly know, Ladybug. Even fewer understand what happened at the residential schools. It is a hard story to tell, but you must know the truth. Sit and I will tell you the story."

When seven-year-old Muinji'j comes home from school one day, her Nana and Papa can tell right away that she's upset. Her teacher has been speaking about the residential schools. Unlike most of her fellow students, Muinji'j has always known about the residential schools. But what she doesn't understand is why the schools existed and why children would have died there.

Nana and Papa take Muinji'j aside and tell her the whole story, from the beginning. They help her understand all of the decisions that were made for the Mi'kmaq, not with the Mi'kmaq, and how those decisions hurt her people. They tell her the story of her people before their traditional ways were made illegal, before they were separated and sent to reservations, before their words, their beliefs, and eventually, their children, were taken from them.

A poignant, honest, and necessary book featuring brilliant artwork from Mi'kmaw artist Zeta Paul and words inspired by Muinji'j MacEachern's true story, Muinji'j Asks Why will inspire conversation, understanding, and allyship for readers of all ages.

Educator Information
Juvenile Nonfiction 

Additional Information
40 pages | Paperback

A woman fondly reflects on her childhood with her Nuakuluapik.

She remembers all the things they used to do together and how kind her Nuakuluapik always was. This heartfelt story illuminates the strength of intergenerational relationships and the ways we hold onto loved ones even after they are gone.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 7.

This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. This book is a Level 9 book in the series.

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. This book's F&P Level is I.

Additional Information
20 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Little Ocean has a friend. She has four legs and a tail! In this picture book, Ocean and her friend show us what friendship is all about.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for preschool-aged children.

This book is part of the The Adventure Series of Learning With Ocean.

Additional Information
16 Pages 

Little Ocean has a special blanket made just for her. In this picture book, Ocean shows us how her Star Blanket is special to her.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for preschool-aged children.

Little Ocean shows us how Star Blankets are important to her Cultures.

This book is part of the The Adventure Series of Learning With Ocean.

Additional Information
24 Pages 

The descendant of Cherokee ancestors who had been forced to walk the Trail of Tears, Wilma Mankiller experienced her own forced removal from the land she grew up on as a child. As she got older and learned more about the injustices her people had faced, she dedicated her life to instilling pride in Native heritage and reclaiming Native rights. She went on to become the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Traci Sorell, readers learn about the amazing life of Wilma Mankiller--and how she persisted.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Wilma Mankiller's footsteps and make a difference!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This book is part of the She Persisted series, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds.

Additional Information
80 pages | 5.31" x 7.63" | Paperback

Meet the Super SHEroes of History, the women who have shaped history and society since ancient times.

Indigenous women were prominent members of their communities long before Europeans reached North America. When the newcomers arrived, they played a key role in holding their communities together in the face of social turmoil. Some joined male warriors to fight European settlement, while others such as Nanyehi/Nancy Ward argued that the two peoples could coexist peacefully. Indigenous women led political and legal fights to preserve their traditional rights throughout the 20th century and still do so today. Some became active campaigners in numerous causes, especially in the struggle to protect sacred lands from construction. This book tells their stories and describes their vital contributions.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
48 pages | 7.12" x 8.37" | Paperback