First Nations

When a baby is born, she is wrapped in a moss bag to keep her warm, secure and protected until she can move about on her own. This story tells of Fawn, whose mother brings home a new baby sister. She teaches Fawn all about the moss bag (wâspison). It is made from soft hide and decorated with beautiful beadwork.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is part of the Little Women's Lodge Stories series.

Additional Information
28 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, Carole Lindstrom's bold and lyrical picture book We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguarding the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.

Featuring illustrations by Michaela Goade.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Includes information on water protectors and the importance of water protection at the back of the book, as well as a glossary with a few words in different Indigenous languages, such as Ojibwe, Tlingit, and Lakota.

This book is available in French: Nous sommes les protecteurs de l'eau

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"

This story tells of the origin of the baby swing in the Cree (Nehiyaw) tradition. Morning Star’s mother is bringing home a new baby, so Nôkhom (her grandmother) and her father are making a swing for the baby. Grandmother tells Morning Star the legend of how Grandmother Earth brought materials for the swing to a young woman named White Flower who had been left to care for many babies while the parents were off hunting. White Flower was in tears because the babies would not stop crying, so she prayed to the grandmothers in Spirit World for help. When White Flower and Grandmother Earth put the babies in the swings, they calmed down and White Flower was able to get her chores done.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is part of the Little Women's Lodge Stories series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

In this book, Gifts From Raven, Kung Jaadee a Haida storyteller, shares with us that Raven has given each person a special gift to share with the world. That gift is their unique talent or passion. 

Reviews
"This story opens opportunities for discussions about generosity, community, diversity, unique talents, and helping others. This resource also supports learning about traditional Indigenous uses of natural resources in Social Studies and Science. Gifts from Raven is suitable as an enjoyable read-aloud for early primary students, and as an independent read for students in grades two and up. This resource features a short guide to Haida words with a visual for each." - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021

Educator Information
This is an adaptation of her book Raven’s Feast for a younger audience. 

A page at the back of the book includes a few words in Haida and how to say them.

Suggested for ages 4-6.

Included in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K-1 in the areas of Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts.

This book is available in French: Les cadeaux du corbeau

Additional Information
34 pages | 9.00" x 8.00"

This book explores the Nuu-Chah-Nulth.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Indigenous Communities in Canada series.

Additional Information
24 Pages

The dual language edition, in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English, of the award-winning story of a determined Ojibwe Nokomis (Grandmother) Josephine-ba Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walked to raise awareness of our need to protect Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men, and youth, have walked around all the Great Lakes from the four salt waters, or oceans, to Lake Superior. The walks are full of challenges, and by her example Josephine-ba invites us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.

Educator Information
This is the dual-language edition, in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English, of The Water Walker. 

Recommended for ages 6-9.

This dual-language edition contains a note on the book's translation into Anishinaabemowin by Shirley Williams -- a fellow water walker -- and Isadore Toulouse, both of whom are from Josephine-ba's home community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation. The translations draw special meaning from the fact that both Shirley and Nokomis were sent to residential school, where they were forbidden from speaking their language. Nokomis was able to read the translation before her passing, and took great joy in the fact that this book would now be shared in Anishinaabemowin. 

This book is available in English: The Water Walker

This book is available in French in June 2021: Nokomis et la marche pour l'eau

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 7.00"

Métis author, Spencer Sheehan-Kalina, uses poetry to highlight the beauty of the Nootka Sound and the animals that live there, with Aboriginal connections to the poem's content. Learn all about the traditional harvesting of the land plants and sea life by Nootka Sound's Indigenous people- the Mowachaht/Muchalaht.  In addition, young readers will learn the Indigenous words of the animals that live in the Nootka Sound area. The Aboriginal connections in this children's book align with the BC curricular competencies of kindergarten to grade 3.

Nootka Sound in Harmony was released to coincide with the 2019 Year of Indigenous Languages.

Educator Information
Indigenous Children's picture book - Ages 3-8

With appreciation for permissions and support from the Cultural Resource Centre committee and Chief Jerry Jack of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation in Tsaxan, BC.

Additional Information
8" x 8" | 32 pages

Without warning, a deafening boom drove us to the ground, even Nutaui. I heard my heart pound hard against my chest. Seconds later another earsplitting blast struck us.

A moving story of protest and determination, Nutaui's Cap tells of a young Innu girl, Nanas. The low-level flying of NATO supersonic jets disrupts her family's traditional way of life, and endangers both them and the wildlife they depend upon, so Nanas' father and the other members of the Sheshatshiu community decide to protest by occupying the military's runways. Nanas is proud and eager to join in the social action, but then her father is arrested. Nanas has little to comfort her except his well-worn ball cap, and the promise of the land itself that the resilience, wisdom, and strength of the Innu people will one day triumph.

This true account of one small moment in the years-long struggle of the Innu people against NATO and the Canadian government brings to light the on-going fight for Innu rights on their own unceded land. Author Bob Bartel, an activist and volunteer, participated in the efforts to stop those NATO practice flights; he learned Nanas's story from her aunt and has Nanas's permission to tell the story. Bartel writes with care, simplicity, and deep awareness; he portrays with both power and subtlety the struggle as seen from a child's perspective.

Illustrations by acclaimed Innu artist Mary Ann Penashue capture the gentle relationship between Nanas and her father, and highlight the beauty and dignity of her people's culture. Her blending of traditional imagery with modern technique offers a visually rich and compelling accompaniment to Bartel's text.

Educator Information
Compelling story about Innu protests as seen from the perspective of child.

Author Bob Bartel, an activist and volunteer, participated in the efforts to stop those NATO practice flights; he learned Nanas's story from her aunt and has Nanas's permission to tell the story.

Nutaui's Cap has been translated into two dialects of Innu-aimun, both of which appear alongside the English. Some Innu-aimun words are also integrated into the English text; a glossary is provided. A map of the locations and a historical afterword, offering further context, are included as well.

Translated by Stella Rich, Sebastian Piwas, and Mani Katinen Nuna, with Laurel Anne Hasler, Penash Rich, and Marguerite MacKenzie

This book is a co-publication with Mamu Tshishkutamashutau Innu Education.

Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

Additional Information
68 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

When Phyllis was a little girl she was excited to go to residential school for the first time. Her Granny bought her a bright orange shirt that she loved and she wore it to school for her first day. When she arrived at school her bright orange shirt was taken away. This is both Phyllis Webstad's true story and the story behind Orange Shirt Day which is a day for us all to reflect upon the treatment of First Nations people and the message that 'Every Child Matters'.

Educator Information
Phyllis's Orange Shirt is an adaptation of The Orange Shirt Story which was the best selling children's book in Canada for several weeks in September 2018. This true story also inspired the movement of Orange Shirt Day which could become a federal statutory holiday.  A page of information about this day is included at the end of the book.  A short author biography is also included.

Adapted for ages 4-6.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K-1 in the areas of English Language Arts and Social Studies.

This book is available in French: Le chandail orange de Phyllis

Additional Information
30 pages | 9.00" x 8.00"

The Eagle Feather Story is a beautiful and ancient Dakelh (Carrier Peoples) story about learning to respect people who live their lives with integrity. The story features both the Dakelh and English languages. There is also sections that provide readers with an overview of the Dakelh culture, history and territory. For all ages.

The Eagle Feather Story utilizes concepts from the Dakelh culture to teach about respecting each other and our Mother Earth. The story is beautifully illustrated and features creatures from the Dakelh territory as characters who struggle, but eventually, learn to embody the characteristics and principles that we all strive to live by. The Eagle Feather Story is a tale that encourages people, young and older too, to try to be the best they can be. 

Educator Information
This a picture book that is recommended for all ages by its publisher.

Dual-language in Dakelh and English languages.

Storyteller: Francois Prince

Dakelh Language & Translations: Francois Prince and Aggie Anderson 

Cultural Advisors: Leona Prince, Mark Barfoot, Kelly Brownbill 

Includes a page of questions at the end of the book, entitled "Thoughts For Inquisitive Minds", for children to answer.  These questions and discussion prompts relate to the book's content and prompt further conversation, learning, and inquiry.

Additional Information
Approx. 25 pages 

An engaging look at how the animals, people, and seasons within an ecosystem are intertwined.

To the Gitxsan people of Northwestern British Columbia, the grizzly is an integral part of the natural landscape. Together, they share the land and forests that the Skeena River runs through, as well as the sockeye salmon within it. Follow mother bear as she teaches her cubs what they need in order to survive on their own.

The Mothers of Xsan series uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life.

Awards

• Animal Behavior Society's Outstanding Children's Book Award
• 2020 Manuela Dias Design and Illustration Awards, Children's Illustration winner 

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 - 12.

This is the second book in the Mother of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"

When We Had Sled Dogs: A Story from the Trapline - ācimowin ohci wanihikīskanāhk takes readers young and old on a journey into the past when dog teams were part of the traditional way of life in Northern Saskatchewan. Inspired by Elder Ida Tremblay’s childhood memories, and told in English with Woodland Cree words and phrases, the story follows the seasonal cycle of trapline life.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 - 10.

Delivered in English with Woodland Cree words and phrases.

This resource is recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K to 4 for use in these areas: Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Career Education.

Additional Information

All Creation Represented is a child’s guide to the Medicine Wheel. Told from an authentic perspective of an Anishinaabe / Ojibwe knowledge holder, Joyce Perreault skillfully weaves together traditional teachings with modern educational goals, making this book an excellent resource for children of all ages.

The Medicine Wheel is a foundation of teaching and learning that shows how different parts of life are connected and balanced. Many generations of Indigenous cultures have understood the world through Medicine Wheel teachings. The Medicine Wheel offers holistic and relational ways of understanding the self, the family, the community, the natural and spiritual world. The book introduces the concept of a Medicine Wheel, highlighting the significance of the associated ancestral teachings as it discusses various aspects of human well-being, the physical world, and Indigenous culture. This book is designed as an education resource and embodies First Peoples Principles of Learning.

Learn the Ojibwe words that are represented by various aspects of the Medicine Wheel with a glossary at the back of the book, and explore a way of looking at the world that is holistic, sacred, and powerful. All Creation Represented will help readers consider the wisdom and knowledge of the First Peoples who used the Medicine Wheel to teach about and understand the world around them.

Educator Information
This book is designed as an education resource and embodies First Peoples Principles of Learning.

Additional Informaiton
32 pages | 8.25" x 8.25"

A book about the Algonquin Nation. 

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Indigenous Communities in Canada series.

Additional Information
24 Pages

A book about the Haida Nation.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Indigenous Communities in Canada series.

Additional Information
24 Pages