Canadian Indigenous Resource Lists

Big or small, sweet or savoury, with stew or with sprinkles, there are tons of ways to enjoy bannock!

This rhyming book explores a favourite Inuit food, and has some fun along the way. What’s your favourite way to eat bannock?

Try it at home with the included bannock recipe!

Written by Inuk/Dene writer Masiana Kelly, this sweet and simple narrative celebrates this delicious food!

Reviews
"Masiana Kelly’s Bannock in a Hammock is a lively and engaging read-aloud that young children are sure to enjoy. Its playful rhythm and rhyme will keep listeners entertained while inspiring them to create rhymes of their own. Even children who have never tasted bannock will be eager to try it after hearing about the many delicious ways it can be enjoyed. A simple recipe at the end of the book invites families to make their own bannock at home, bringing the story to life in a fun and tasty way." - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Includes a glossary of Inuktitut words at the back.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 3 classrooms for English Language Arts and Foods.

Additional Information
28 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

In this engrossing graphic novel, teen hockey player Chase learns more about himself and his identity in the face of prejudice and homophobia.

Thirteen-year-old Chase’s life and identity should be simple. He’s the goalie for his hockey team, the Eagles. He’s a friend to Kevin and Jade. He's Kookum's youngest grandchild. He’s a boy. He should like girls.

But it’s not that simple. Chase doesn’t like girls the way that the other boys do. It’s scary being so different from his peers. Scarier still is the feeling that his teammates can tell who he is—and that they hate him for it. If he pretends hard enough, maybe he can hide the truth.

Real strength and change can’t come from a place of shame. Chase’s dreams are troubled by visions of a bear spirit, and the more he tries to hide, the more everything falls apart. With the help of an Elder, and a Two-Spirit mentor, can Chase find the strength to be proud of who he is?

Between the Pipes explores toxic masculinity in hockey through the experiences of an Indigenous teen.

Reviews
“Highlights the importance of community and cultural connection as roots for embracing one’s identity.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The authors deftly confront multiple layers of intolerance exacerbated by toxic masculinity. Ojibwe artist RL uses saturated full color (with well-placed, empowering rainbows) to capture Chase’s self-empowering journey. The result is a compelling, hope-giving antidote against potential at-risk suicide among 2-Spirit/Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ youth.” — Booklist

“This hopeful...story offers valuable insight into Chase’s experience as a gay, Indigenous teen. Hockey and identity collide in this affirming graphic novel about recognizing and valuing one’s authentic self.” — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12 - 18.

Reading Level: Fountas & Pinnell Y

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 6 to 9 for Career Education, English Language Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Social Studies. 

Caution: Bullying and homophobia.

Additional Information
56 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback

Hello! Who do you see and hear in the woods today? Meet a variety of woodland and water animals in this story written in Anishinaabemowin and English.

Can you see a fox digging, spot two minnows dancing or hear a swarm of bees buzzing? Boozhoo! / Hello! introduces children to familiar animals as they go about their daily activities: walking, running, swimming, climbing and finally - when the day is done - sleeping! Illustrated in a vibrant and colorful woodland style that will appeal to readers young and old alike, and accompanied by an author's note.

Awards

•  2025 PMC Indigenous Literature Award Winner

Reviews
"This book is written in both English and Anishinaabemowin. This dual-language approach helps immerse readers in the Anishinaabe culture and language, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Indigenous connections to animals and land. It serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the vital role that cultural heritage plays in the lives of Indigenous communities through art and language. A book that all children would enjoy!" - David D., Indigenous Educator & Administrator, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Dual-Language: Anishinaabemowin and English.

Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere.

Key Text Features: Author's note, translations, illustrations

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 3 classrooms for Art, English Language Arts, and Social Studies.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 8.75" | Hardcover

In this story, the class enjoys a picnic lunch. They eat bannock, jam, and other tasty foods.

Bannock is a type of bread that is important to Mi’gmaq. Bannock is often eaten with jam or butter.

What is your favourite lunch food?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Bannock for Lunch is in Set 2 – Digraphs, and reviews ch and wh. Books in Set 2 have 60-80 words.  

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 and Set 2:

• consonants
• beginning and end blends
• short vowels
• digraphs
• a /o/
• s – /s/ and /z/
• -s suffix

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 2 classrooms for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746427

In this story, it is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Jen shares her story of healing with the students. 

For a long time, Mi’gmaq were not allowed to speak their language at school. Today, many Mi’gmaq are reconnecting with their language. 

How do you honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Elder Jen’s Story is in Set 6 – R-Controlled Vowels, and reviews er, ir, and ur. Books in Set 6 have 110-125 words. 

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 6: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short, long, and r-controlled vowels 

• digraphs 

• suffixes and ending spelling patterns 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words 

• possessives 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746540

In this story, Log Pond has frozen over, and the class is ice fishing! Bell sings a song for good luck. Will the class catch anything? 

Mi’gmaq go ice fishing in the winter. Traditionally, they used sticks as fishing rods.  

Have you ever gone ice fishing? 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Fishing for Smelts is in Set 4 – Longer Words, and reviews -es, -ed (/d/, /t/, and /ǝd/), and -ing. Books in Set 4 have 90-100 words.   

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 4: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• -s, -es, -ed, and -ing suffixes 

• VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words 

• possessives 

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 2 classrooms for English Language Arts and Social Studies. 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746472

In this story, Gus learns to drum. He drums to the sun and his favourite animals. 

Mi’gmaq use moose hide to make drums. Drumming is medicine to Mi’gmaq. The drum sounds like the beat of Mother Earth’s heart. 

Have you ever played a drum? 

Educator Information

Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Gus Can Drum is in Set 1 – Short Vowels, and reviews short u. Books in Set 1 have 40-60 words.  

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1:

• consonants
• beginning and end blends
• short vowels
• s – /s/ and /z/
• -s suffix

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 1 classrooms for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746380

In this story, Miss Sam talks to the class about powwows. Miss Sam has danced at powwows since she was a child.  

Mi’gmaq gather with their community to dance and sing at powwows. This is also a time for healing and prayers. 

What celebrations do you go to? 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Miss Sam’s Powwow is in Set 4 – Longer Words, and reviews closed/closed syllable words and compound words. Books in Set 4 have 90-100 words. 

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 4: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• -s, -es, -ed, and -ing suffixes 

• VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words 

• possessives 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 2 classrooms for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746489

In this story, Tom and Liv learn how to collect sap from maple trees. Back at school, Miss Sam heats the sap, and it turns into maple syrup!

Mi’gmaq use maple syrup to sweeten their foods and as medicine.

Have you ever tasted maple syrup?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Sap! is in Set 1 – Short Vowels, and reviews short a and nasalized a. Books in Set 1 have 40-60 words.

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1:

• consonants
• beginning and end blends
• short vowels
• s – /s/ and /z/
• -s suffix

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 1 classrooms for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746359

In this story, Jen takes the class on an adventure to harvest sweetgrass.

Sweetgrass is a traditional medicine plant for Mi’gmaq. The grass can be braided and given to friends and family. Mi’gmaq give thanks to the land before a harvest.

How can you give thanks to the land?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Smell the Sweetgrass is in Set 2 – Digraphs, and reviews the FLSZ spelling rule (ff, ll, ss, zz). Books in Set 2 have 60-80 words.

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 and Set 2:

• consonants
• beginning and end blends
• short vowels
• digraphs
• a /o/
• s – /s/ and /z/
• -s suffix

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 2 classrooms for English Language Arts and Social Studies. 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746403

In this story, Gus and Tom are upset. Miss Sam helps them smudge to feel better.

Mi’gmaq burn sage and other traditional medicines to smudge. Smudging helps people let go of sadness and anger.

What do you do when you are feeling sad?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. We Smudge is in Set 5 – Ending Spelling Patterns, and reviews -tch and -dge. Books in Set 5 have 100-110 words.  

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 5: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• suffixes and ending spelling patterns 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words 

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 1 classrooms for English Language Arts and Social Studies. 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746502

Clyde River, Nunavut is a great place to live! In this bilingual picture book, Louise tells us about all the things she and her family like to do. With the annual fishing derby in the spring and Hamlet Day in the summer, there are lots of fun things to do throughout the year. Winter brings plenty of time to connect with people in the community and support each other. Learn about the different activities people do in each season in Clyde River, its landmarks, and the amazing wildlife you can see there, like bowhead whales.

Reviews
"This bilingual book, written in English and Inuktitut, follows young Louise as she shares her deep connection to Clyde River, Nunavut, her childhood home. Through vivid descriptions of community sites and seasonal traditions, Louise offers readers a glimpse into Inuit life, blending modern and Traditional practices. Site names are given in both languages to celebrate cultural preservation and identity. As Louise’s story reflects the author’s own roots, the narrative feels intimate and authentic. The book encourages understanding of Canada’s diverse cultures and fosters appreciation of Inuit heritage and storytelling." - Anika L., Middle School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Dual-Language: English & Inuktitut 

This book is part of the Community Connections series.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 2 to 5 for English Language Arts and Social Studies. 

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

Learning to count is easy and fun with Counting at Kits Beach. Follow Oliver McDonald’s delightful and colourful pictures, which count various beings at Kits (Kitsilano) Beach, Vancouver. The images begin at ten and count down to one, the last being the sunset. Then come back to Kits Beach and watch and count again. Children ages three to six will love Counting at Kits Beach!

Reviews
"McDonald’s colourful and artfully illustrated children’s book Counting at Kits Beach is a beautiful celebration of life by the ocean at Kitsilano Beach, with a counting theme. Children will be engaged by the vibrant illustrations and depictions of the ocean wildlife, fishermen, boats, and bunnies. There are also reflective counting questions at the end to reinforce the theme.
This book would be a welcome addition to any classroom or library, especially those near the coast or ocean. Children will love exploring this book and reflecting on their own experiences by the water." - Lori B., Indigenous Educator & Administrator, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 2 classrooms for English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 6.50"

Mistakes can be an opportunity for growth.

Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells the tale of a wood duck and a crow who turn a mistake into an opportunity for friendship and growth.

Qwiwilh the wood duck is preparing to nest in his favorite tree when Q'uleeq'e' the crow invites him to play in the tall branches. They jump higher and higher up the tree until they accidentally break the branches and come crashing down into the stream below. After a daring rescue, Qwiwilh sadly realizes his nesting spot is gone, and Q'uleeq'e' decides to make things right for her new friend.

In this original story set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, author and artist Andrea Fritz uses Indigenous storytelling techniques and art to share the culture and language of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Peoples. This is the second book in the Coast Salish Tales, following Otter Doesn't Know.

Reviews
"Crow Helps a Friend... focuses on social-emotional learning and literacy development. In Social Studies, the book reinforces concepts of community and cooperation through Crow’s journey of helping a friend. It supports Language Arts by prompting discussions on empathy, friendship dynamics, and problem-solving strategies illustrated in the story. The narrative also enhances Personal and Social Development by encouraging students to recognize and manage emotions, fostering emotional intelligence crucial for their social interactions. This book teaches Hul'qumi'num and Coast Salish art." - David D., Indigenous Educator & Administrator, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This is the second book in the Coast Salish Tales series, following Otter Doesn't Know.

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Art in K to Grade 3.

Themes: Animals, Art, Community, Connectedness to Nature, Respect, Language, Relationships, Traditional Knowledge

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, this book takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to attend residential school.

While the child’s internal monologue expresses his fear, confusion, and loss, the father’s monologue conveys his own sadness, fears, and hopes for the future of his child. The narrative gives voice to the things left unsaid between a parent and child experiencing this heart-rending separation. Upon his return to his community, when father and son are reunited, they must start the long process of reconnection.

Based on the author’s family history of residential school separation, this book provides a unique perspective on the difficult cycle of loss, reconnection, and regaining hope for the future.

Reviews
"Inuk author Nadia Sammurtok offers a moving dual narrative that explores the intergenerational impact of residential schools. Through the voices of a young boy sent away to school and his father left behind, the story reveals their shared pain and emotional disconnect. Although the two never speak to each other directly, their perspectives unfold in parallel, capturing the quiet devastation of forced separation. The father’s recurring line—“They said it will be better this way”—reflects the historical rationale used to justify residential schools, making this book a powerful tool for reflection and discussion." - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 2 to 6 for Family Studies, Physical and Health Education, and Social Studies. 

Additional Infroamtion
40 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover