Indigenous Peoples

When he is gifted a handmade drum by his mother, Ren learns the teachings of the drum that she also passes down to him. Ren discovers that through this special drum, he is able to connect to his culture and find a confidence in his voice to joyfully share in singing the traditional songs of his Nuu-chah-nulth Nation.

Reviews
“A beautifully told story that shows the power of song and ceremony for our people. As well as the importance of family in the passing of traditions and the unconditional love and support each member of the family gives. A truly inspiring story for our youth to learn the songs of their families and nations.” - Tiffany Adams, Nlaka’pamux, Indigenous Educator

Educator Information
A Teacher Lesson Plan is available HERE!

This resource is available in French: Joue du tambour avec coeur

An adaptation of this book for children ages 4 to 6 is available: Teachings of the Drum

Additional Information
34 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Paperback

In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage.

At four years old, Ria Thundercloud was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the special jingle dress her mother made for her. As she grew up, she danced with her brothers all over Indian country. Then Ria learned more styles--tap, jazz, ballet--but still loved the expressiveness of Indigenous dance. And despite feeling different as one of the only Native American kids in her school, she always knew she could turn to dance to cheer herself up.

Follow along as Ria shares her dance journey--from dreaming of her future to performing as a professional--accompanied by striking illustrations that depict it while bringing her graceful movements to life.

Reviews
"A warmly illustrated memoir of dance and culture, this will have broad appeal about using art for expression and to overcome difficulties." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A moving picture book about the resilience one can find in one’s cultural inheritance." —Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.44" x 10.31" | Hardcover 

A true story of life in a residential school and of moving on. Written by Award-Winning Cree author Larry Loyie with Constance Brissenden.

Goodbye Buffalo Bay is set during the author's teenage years. In his last year in residential school, Lawrence learns the power of courage to stand up for his beliefs. When he returns home he feels like a stranger to his family. The traditional First Nations life he once knew has changed. With Grandfather's guidance he finds his way. A book of self-discovery and the importance of friendship.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of The Lawrence Series.

Recommended for grades 4 to 9.

Additional Information
142 Pages | Paperback

Nature is a place to both play and learn. The physical self is moving and active, the mental self is thinking and questioning, the emotional self is feeling and experiencing, and the spiritual self is connecting and thankful. We see what we have been taught to see. We love and respect our natural surroundings when we see ourselves as belonging to that community. This resource leads readers on a rich learning journey as they deepen their connections to nature and culture.

The activities inside instill traditional teachings of respect, honour, resourcefulness, and humility in children. This handbook is intended to inspire parents, caregivers, and educators to provide children with meaningful outdoor experiences interwoven with traditional indigenous knowledge.

Educator Information
For use with children.

Table of Contents
Introduction

The Power of Ceremony
- Introduction
- Ceremony and Daily Life
- Sunrise Ceremony
- Nature Picnic
- Sharing
- Navajo Forgiveness Ceremony
- Smudging Ceremony

Mindfulness: Meditation of Gratitude
- Introduction
- Gratitude
- Silent Study
- Sensory Wake-Up
- Walking Meditation
- Guided Meditation
- Nature Meditation
- Traditional Prayers

We Are All Related
- Honouring the Plants, Earth and Water
- Medicine Wheel Teachings in Nature
- Water is Life
- Find the Rock Game
- Adopt a Tree
- Read a Tree
- Earthing
- Build a Nature Structure

Swimmers, Walkers and Fliers
- The Animal People
- Walk Like the Animal People
- Tracking

Indigenous Games
- Introduction
- Blindfold Detective
- Stalk the Drum
- Fire Keeper
- Deer Cliff Arrow
- Hunter
- Run and Scream
- Metis Map-Making

Conclusion

Additional Information
84 pages | 9.00" x 7.00" | Paperback

A beautifully illustrated collection of inspiring life stories of fifty extraordinary historical women from BC and the Yukon.

This fascinating, informative, and charming book introduces young readers to a diverse group of women who changed the face of history in unexpected ways and defied the expectations and gender norms of their times. Through charming illustrations and concise biographies, Her Courage Rises features social activists and politicians, artists and writers, scientists and healers, pioneers and prospectors, athletes and entrepreneurs, teachers and cultural tradition keepers.

These women represented all ages, walks of life, and backgrounds. Some, like Cougar Annie and shipwreck heroine Minnie Paterson, became legendary in popular culture, long after their deaths. Others, like politician Rosemary Brown, artist Emily Carr, and Olympic sprinter Barbara Howard, achieved fame during their lives. Still others, including photographer and cultural teacher Elizabeth Quocksister, artist and cultural consultant Florence Edenshaw, land claims activist and translator Jane Constance Cook (Ga’axsta’las), and language champion Barbara Touchie, made great strides in preserving and promoting Indigenous rights and cultures. And many, like environmentalist Ruth Masters, water diviner Evelyn Penrose, and Doukhobor pioneer Anna Markova, are less well-known but still made important contributions to their communities and our wider collective history.

Her Courage Rises is full of inspirational female role models and insights into the trailblazing women who made history in BC and the Yukon.

Reviews
"[An] extra-textual approach blended with rigorous traditional research allowed Healey and Fraser to create a fresh and unique historical document – one that not only gives fascinating detail, but manages to capture an ineffable humanity and relatability in even the most exceptional people profiled."
Quill & Quire

“This easily approachable book is a celebration of the achievements of fifty women who had the determination and strength of character to fashion new directions, sometimes despite great odds. Their stories represent hope and courage and serve as a reminder that women have always played a defining role in shaping their societies.”—Cathy Converse, author of Following the Curve of Time and Against the Current: The Remarkable Life of Agnes Deans Cameron

"Haley Healey has written another very important book highlighting the achievements of many women in history. This short book, beautifully illustrated by Kimiko Fraser, will be one to treasure in your favourite historical non-fiction collection."—Valerie Green, historian and author of If More Walls Could Talk: Vancouver Island’s Houses from the Past

“An engaging book that encourages the interest of young readers by providing a factual way in to explore diverse lives. By reframing unorthodox lives and breaking down stereotypes, the author highlights the resilience and determination of her subjects, made more tangible through the illustrations.”—Linda J. Eversole, author of Victoria Unbuttoned: A Red-Light History of BC's Capital City and Stella: Unrepentant Madam

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+ 

Additional Information
128 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

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 of the journey of the Midnight Sun Mosque.

In 2010 a Winnipeg-based charity raised funds to build and ship a mosque to Inuvik, one of the most northern towns in Canada’s Arctic. A small but growing Muslim community there had been using a cramped trailer for their services, but there just wasn't enough space. The mosque travelled over 4,000 kilometers on a journey fraught with poor weather, incomplete bridges, narrow roads, low traffic wires and a deadline to get on the last barge heading up the Mackenzie River before the first winter freeze. But it made it just in time and is now one of the most northern mosques in the world.

This beautiful picture book reminds us that the collective dream of fostering a multicultural and tolerant Canada exists and that people of all backgrounds will come together to build bridges and overcome obstacles for the greater good of their neighbors.

Reviews
"Roman Catholic clerics and Gwich'in First Nations elders are present at the official opening of the new mosque. A short introduction and author's note provide additional details for consideration and discussion." - Kirkus Reviews

A simple, celebratory story of community collaboration and religious tolerance.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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

In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the Pilgrims. But without members of the Wampanoag tribe who already lived on the land where the Pilgrims settled, the Pilgrims would never have made it through their first winter. And without Weeâchumun (corn), the Native people wouldn't have helped.

An important picture book honoring both the history and tradition that surrounds the story of the first Thanksgiving.

Reviews
"A Wamponoag grandmother plants her garden with weeâchumun (corn), beans, and squash, or the Three Sisters. When her grandchildren ask to hear the story of Thanksgiving, N8hkumuhs tells them that their people call it Keepunumuk, “the time of harvest,” and explains what really happened. The tale opens with Seagull warning Weeâchumun—depicted as a woman with a translucent body—of the Pilgrims’ arrival; Weeâchumun worries because many of the First Peoples who cared for her have gone to the Spirit World, and she fears this will be her last winter. Fox keeps an eye out and in spring tells Weeâchumun and her sisters that the newcomers endured a hard winter; many died. Weeâchumun and her sisters want to help: “We will send the First Peoples to help the newcomers.” The Wampanoag people teach the survivors how to plant corn, beans, and squash. The settlers hold a feast to celebrate the harvest; though it’s remembered by many as the first Thanksgiving, backmatter explains that because of the disease and warfare brought by the settlers, for the Wampanoag people, it is remembered as a day of mourning. Rich, saturated acrylics imbued with a touch of magic add to the vibrancy of this important, beautiful story.  A much-needed Thanksgiving retelling that centers the Wamponoag people. (glossary, information on the Wampanoag map, recipes) (Picture book. 3-7)" —Kirkus, starred review

"This picture book features a contemporary Wampanoag grandmother and her grandchildren. N8hkumuhs shares the story of the Three Sisters—Corn, Beans, and Squash—and the first Thanksgiving, known as “Keepunumuk” by the Wampanoag people. The book transitions into a combination of history and storytelling about contact between the “First Peoples” and the newcomers. This format will be novel to some young children given the setting and timeframe of the story, though the book attempts to differentiate the parts that are the story by changing the typeface and including ethereal-like images of the Three Sisters. “Before You Begin” and “Important Words to Know” sections also provide context. Rich back matter includes more information about the Wampanoag tribes, a traditional recipe, and a photo and information about the real Maple and Quill, the grandchildren in the story. Overall, this story is a good addition for the historical knowledge of the first Thanksgiving from the Wampanoag viewpoint. VERDICT: A good choice for libraries striving to share Indigenous perspectives."— School Library Journal

Additional Information
32 pages | 11.38" x 8.81" | Hardcover 

Learn all about this delicious treat! Bannock is enjoyed by people across Nunavut. Many families have their own recipes that have been passed down for generations. This book provides information about bannock, its history, and how it is made.

Educator & Series Information
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. It is a Level 10 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 L.

Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback