Salish

Aux yeux de Jessie et Johnny, leur amitié est simple.

Jessie et Johnny sont inséparables depuis que Jessie est déménagée dans leur petite ville insulaire, au cours des vacances d’été. Mais alors qu’ils débutent ensemble leur quatrième année, l’année scolaire s’annonce mouvementée, quand des pressions de l’extérieur et des différences dans leur vie familiale viennent menacer leur amitié. Jessie mène une vie confortable et n’a jamais à s’inquiéter d’argent, tandis que Johnny vit avec son père et sa belle-mère dans la réserve en dehors de la ville. Grâce aux conseils de Corbeau et de leur professeur spirituel, Steven, les deux amis comblent les lacunes entre eux et apprennent à compter l’un sur l’autre, malgré leurs soucis familiaux et leurs différences culturelles.

Également disponible sous le titre Two Tricksters Find Friendship en anglais.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is available in English: Two Tricksters Find Friendship.

Additional Information
104 pages | 5.25" x 7.62" | Paperback 

A lyrical informational picture book about how open-net pen fish farms impact wild salmon and their ecosystems

Salmon are central to their ecosystem and the lives of many Indigenous Nations, but the rapid rise of open net-pen fish farming has threatened these longstanding connections. Salmon have followed the same migration routes for thousands of years, but the fish farming industry has had a deadly impact on their annual journey. Open-net pen farms release harmful waste into the ocean that is lethal to the wild salmon forced to swim through it. Now, the salmon must battle against the human-made destruction of their habitat, and many Nations are advocating for change and creating calls of action to protect salmon for future generations.

As the young salmon journey from their gravel nests to the open ocean, readers learn about the life cycle of wild salmon, the effects of open-net pen fish farms, and the role of salmon as a keystone species.

Boldly illustrated with gorgeous Northwest Coast formline art, rhythmic poetry combines with supportive nonfiction content to illuminate the struggles faced by wild salmon populations.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: J 
Lexile measure: 980L

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

Corbeau Blanc est née sur une île, dans un joli village. Pendant les premières années de sa vie, elle a grandi entourée de sa famille, de sa communauté et de la nature. Tout a changé quand elle avait six ans.

Maintenant adulte et mère de famille, Petit Loup quitte la ville pour retrouver l’île de ses ancêtres. Elle veut faire connaître à ses filles la beauté et les mystères du monde naturel et les rapprocher de leur culture. Sa mère, Corbeau Blanc, vient souvent leur rendre visite. Mais le plaisir de voir les fillettes s’amuser et apprendre ne l’empêche pas d’avoir le cœur lourd.

Corbeau Blanc est l’une des 150 000 enfants autochtones placés de force dans des pensionnats canadiens. Elle doit maintenant raconter son histoire à ses petites-filles. Parler de ces moments difficiles l’aide à trouver la guérison et unit la famille encore davantage. Corbeau Blanc retrace l’expérience de la mère de l’auteure dans un pensionnat. C’est un récit de survie, de guérison et d’unité familiale.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is a part of the Petit Loup (Little Wolf) trilogy. It was translated from English to French by Nicole Laurendeau.

This book is available in English: White Raven

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

At Elk Falls on Vancouver Island, the children gather around the campfire, ready for one of Nana Kelly’s stories.

She tells them of a time, long ago, when dragons were born from the love of forest creatures and the flames from the Great Spirit’s fire. As the wood burned low, that love and warmth filled the logs—and the Great Spirit transformed them into glowing dragon hearts and heads. Lifted by the fire, the heads floated toward the falls, where only the rushing water could give them bodies and give them life.

But when the ancient forests were cut down, only one dragon remained. Lonely and full of sorrow, it wept—until one night, the dragon’s tear met a glowing ember . . .

Momo, carrying her heart in her mouth, must find her way to the falls before her small body fades. With help from the Princess of Peace and a river full of salmon, Momo races against time to complete her transformation into a dragon.

A story as old as the forests and the falls, Dragon’s Tears shows how love, courage, and the kindness of others can bring something beautiful back to life.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 11 and under.

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

Petit Loup se couvre les yeux. Pas besoin de regarder pour savoir ce qui se passe. Une cicatrice rugueuse bien marquée apparaîtra sur la personne, là où elle a blessé le serpent. Les serpents ont disparu, mais les cicatrices restent. Elles rappellent les dangers de laisser la peur prendre le contrôle. Petit Loup n’a pas de cicatrice. Elle est récompensée pour son calme.

Toute sa vie, Petit Loup a vu des injustices qui l’ont bouleversée. À son école, elle a été intimidée pour son héritage autochtone. Sa mère, Corbeau Blanc, a passé dix ans dans un pensionnat, séparée de sa famille et loin de sa culture. Petit Loup s’inquiète pour l’avenir de ses filles. Mais une nuit, un rêve lui rappelle son rôle important dans la communauté comme guide de paix.

Femme Ormeau est le troisième livre de la série Petit Loup, et aborde les thèmes du racisme, du traumatisme et de l’unité familiale à travers un récit à la portée des enfants. Cette histoire inspirante est racontée au moyen d’images et de symboles qui marquent l’imaginaire.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is a part of the Petit Loup (Little Wolf) trilogy. It was translated from English to French by Nicole Laurendeau.

This book is available in English: Abalone Woman

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

Celebrate contemporary Indigenous traditions with this illustrated children’s picture book!

A young Nisg̱a’a boy, Simgan, learns to cook hamburger soup and fry bread with Grandmother on a crisp fall day. As they gather ingredients, chop vegetables and stir the pot, Grandmother remembers coastal fishing trips and community with friends—blending Nisg̲a’a vocabulary into her stories of food, family and tradition to create cultural memory and document everyday life.

Indigenous people have many differences from Nation to Nation, yet the hamburger soup recipes in these households are often very similar. This story celebrates shared traditions, the wisdom of Elders and the importance of giving back to the community.

To assist early language learners, a pronunciation guide to the Nisg̱a’a vocabulary found within Hamburger Soup will be available on the author’s website, www.samanthabeynon.com.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

Aujourd'hui, nous nous rassemblons
Aujourd'hui, nous écoutons
Aujourd'hui, nous apprenons
Aujourd'hui, nous ouvrons nos coeurs

Une première conversation sur l'importance de la Journée du chandail orange – Chaque enfant compte et permet aux tout-petits de savoir ce qu'ils peuvent s'attendre à voir et à faire lors de la Journée du chandail orange – Journée nationale pour la vérité et la réconciliation.

Un tout-carton authentique et adapté à l'âge, conçu pour les enfants de 0 à 3 ans, écrit par la fondatrice du mouvement La Journée du chandail orange et auteur du livre d'images primé « Chaque enfant compte ».
La Journée du chandail orange est reconnue chaque année le 30 septembre pour honorer les survivants des pensionnats indiens, leurs familles et les enfants qui ne sont pas rentrés.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under. 

This book is available in English: Today is Orange Shirt Day (BB) 

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.00" x 7.00" | Board book

Voici l’histoire vraie de jeunes filles d’un pensionnat pour Autochtones qui ont cousu des poches secrètes dans leurs robes pour cacher de la nourriture afin de ne pas mourir de faim.

Mary avait quatre ans lorsqu’on l’a emmenée pour la première fois au pensionnat pour Autochtones de Lejac, bien loin de sa maison et de sa famille. Toujours affamées et frigorifiées, la jeune Mary et les autres filles vivaient sans confort. On leur interdisait de parler leur langue, le dakelh. De plus, les religieuses et le prêtre les surveillaient constamment, prêts à les punir. Mary et les autres filles ont eu une idée de génie : s’inspirant des connaissances de leurs mères, de leurs tantes et de leurs grands-mères, qui étaient toutes des couturières très habiles, les filles ont cousu des poches dans leurs vêtements pour y dissimuler de la nourriture. Elles rassemblaient des bouts de tissu en cachette et cousaient la nuit, puis elles cachaient des pommes, des carottes et des morceaux de pain dans leurs poches secrètes pour les partager avec les pensionnaires plus jeunes.

L’autrice s’est inspirée de l’expérience de sa mère dans un pensionnat pour Autochtones pour écrire La poche secrète, une histoire de survie et de résilience dans un contexte de génocide et de cruauté. Ce livre est aussi une façon de célébrer la résistance silencieuse à l’injustice des pensionnats et la façon dont les connaissances en couture transmises de mère en fille ont donné un avenir à ces jeunes Autochtones, un point de couture à la fois.

Également disponible sous le titre The Secret Pocket en anglais.

Reviews
« Le livre attire la sympathie des lecteurs et retient leur attention. […] Ce récit d’une période tragique de l’histoire a été adapté pour les jeunes par une équipe de créateurs autochtones. » — Critique étoilée parue dans le School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is available in English: The Secret Pocket.

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

Join ošil and her grandparents as they harvest food along what is now called the southwest coast of British Columbia!

It’s ošil’s favourite time of year! When the seasons change and the weather grows warm, the ɬagət̓ (herring) return to the waters of the ɬaʔəmɩn Nation, located on the southwest coast of British Columbia. For ošil and her grandparents, their arrival is the beginning of a full year of harvesting traditional foods provided by the sea and land. Together they fish, pick berries, and dig for clams. Everything tastes so good. And the best part is that there is enough for everyone to share!

Connect with the land and explore traditional Indigenous ways of gathering food in this beautifully illustrated picture book written in the language spoken in Tla’amin and English. Drawn from the childhood memories of ošil (betty wilson), this book is sure to charm readers of all ages.

Reviews
“I absolutely loved this story. [It] gives readers the opportunity to experience life through the main character's eyes as she harvests traditional foods with her grandparents.The colourful images and descriptions—of herring roe, fish soup, and mashed fresh harvested berries with oven bread—are wonderful and made me wish for all these delicacies.”—Nicola I. Campbell, author of Stand Like a Cedar

“Prashant Miranda's expressive illustrations bring ošil’s story of ɬaʔəmɩn lands, language, and food to life. Whether this is an introduction to ʔayʔajuθəm or a warm trip down memory lane, as it was for me, this book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.”—Cameron Fraser-Monroe, dancer and choreographer (Royal Winnipeg Ballet)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Explore this captivating story that bridges generations, celebrates cultural practices, and immerses readers in the rich traditions of the Tla’amin Nation.

Connect with the land and explore traditional Indigenous ways of gathering food in this beautifully illustrated picture book written in the language spoken in ʔayʔajuθəm and English.

Dual-Language: written in the language spoken in Tla'min and English.

The backmatter includes information on traditional foods in Tla'amin, a glossary, a note from the author, and a map.

Big Ideas: Land-Based or Place-Based Learning, Aspects of Indigenous Cultures: Traditional Foods, STEM: Seasonal Cycles, STEM: Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability.

Additional Information
44 pages | 7.75" x 10.25" | Hardcover 

Today is a good day to go for a walk on Mother Earth.

Come on a journey with young Sachiiwin and Waawaasbiikse as they count all the wonderful animals they can see. With each new animal friend, learn their Anishinaabemowin name, and discover what makes them special.

This delightful resource for little ones from Ojibway author, Juliana Armstrong, combines concepts of counting, Anishinaabemowin language learning, and traditional teachings. Accessible, repetitive and gentle, this book offers readers a space to celebrate the beauty of language, and reflect on what guides us in our own walk on Mother Earth.

Educator Information 
Recommended for ages 4 to 11.

This is not a fully dual-language book, but it includes the Anishinaabemowin name for each animal in the story.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

En plein cœur de la ville, sur une rue très animée, Petit Loup aime s’assoir sur les marches du perron chez sa grand-mère. Parfois, les odeurs de la forêt lui manquent tellement qu’elle hurle à la lune. Ce chant animal réjouit son cœur.

Petit Loup est venue habiter en ville avec sa mère et sa sœur, mais l’ajustement n’a pas été facile. La nature et les animaux lui manquent terriblement. Le territoire traditionnel et sa culture lui manquent également. Puis le temps passe, et Petit Loup découvre la beauté de son nouvel environnement. Elle reste liée à sa culture, grâce au perlage et aux danses traditionnelles. Malgré des débuts difficiles, Petit Loup grandit dans la fierté de son héritage autochtone, prête à faire face à l’avenir.

Reviews
« Petit Loup de Spathelfer est un récit inspirant qui peut redonner courage aux enfants ayant perdu leur sens d’appartenance. Il convient parfaitement aux jeunes lecteurs et lectrices de la maternelle à la 4e année. »—Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools

« La force de Petit Loup réside dans le rapport délicat tissé entre difficultés vécues et espoir, dont le fil conducteur peut être la fierté de sa culture.... Recommandé. »—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is a part of the Petit Loup (Little Wolf) trilogy. It was translated from English to French by Nicole Laurendeau.

This book is available in English: Little Wolf

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

A beautifully illustrated reimagining of the origins of hockey from an Indigenous lens.

Killer Whale and Brown Bear are arguing: Brown Bear says he can beat Killer Whale at any challenge, yet Killer Whale disagrees. When Powerful Mena overhears their bickering, he comes up with a solution: a game on the ice, played with sticks, nets, and a star for a puck. But who will win and earn the trophy?

For kids aged 4-8, The Game features:

• An introduction to Musqueam language and culture
• Beautiful watercolor artwork from a celebrated Haida artist
• Detailed backmatter and a pronunciation guide

With poetic text by gifted Indigenous storyteller Henry Charles (Ten Bears), an elder of the Musqueam First Nation, and breathtaking illustrations by Haida artist, Shoshannah Greene, The Game offers a vibrant introduction to Musqueam language and culture and inspires readers to rediscover a sport we know and love.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

Friendship can overcome any obstacle.

To Jessie and Johnny, their friendship is easy.

Jessie and Johnny have been inseparable ever since Jessie moved to the small island town during summer break. But as they begin fourth grade together, the new school year gets off to a rocky start when outside pressures and differences in their home lives threaten their friendship. Jessie lives comfortably and never worries about money while Johnny lives with his father and stepmother on the reserve outside of town. With guidance from Raven and spiritual teacher, Steven, the two friends bridge the gaps between them and learn to lean on each other through family troubles and cultural differences.

Reviews
"From the first paragraph, I was hooked. This is a beautiful story about friendship, family and community. The characters take us on adventures of discovering the connection to land, animals and history. Their friendship helps us understand how we care for each other on this journey of truth and reconciliation. My new favorite book!”— Monique Gray Smith, award-winning author of My Heart Fills With Happiness

“Set in the peace of a rural coastal community, this thoughtful and inspiring book creates space not just for playful adventure but reflection, curiosity and learning. Young Jessie and Johnny demonstrate the power of true friendship to bridge cultural difference, and their story shows us that wisdom comes from many kinds of teachers—the land, trickster Raven, Elders and, importantly, one another. Well-paced and charmingly illustrated, this book draws you into a beautiful world among trees and berry bushes, at the beach and the Bighouse, and it teaches that approaching each other with openness, support and respect allows for the discovery of many gifts.”— Amy Reiswig, reviewer, writer, editor

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Orca Echoes series.

Key features:

• Two friends face the fourth grade together while learning to overcome cultural prejudices. Reconciliation is exemplified by a friendship between a non-Indigenous child and an Indigenous child.
• The authors use fictional versions of their younger selves to reimagine what it would be like if they met as children today.
• Extended family are shown as key supporters for Johnny and Jessie, and positive relationships with a grandmother, aunties, and a cousin are depicted.
• Coast Salish culture is celebrated by author Johnny Aitken’s own experiences and teachings.
• An Indigenous character, who identifies as 2Spirit, acts as a role model and educator to the two friends.

Reading Levels: 
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: R 
Lexile measure: 720L 
Guided Reading Level: R

This book is available in French: Johnny et Jessie reçoivent un message de Corbeau.

Additional Information
96 pages | 5.25" x 7.62" | Paperback 

Prepare to embark on a journey rich with the wisdom of our ancestors and the secrets shared by Mother Earth.

In this children’s book, you will follow a path once tread by those before us, where the songs of the trees, the dance of the rivers, and our stories are carried by the wind. These teachings are invaluable treasures passed down through generations.

You’ll discover the language of animals, the lessons of plants, and the wisdom of the land. If you listen closely, you will hear the “Whispers of the Earth,” guiding you on this incredible adventure.

Educator Information
Recommended for kindergarten to grade 7.

Carl Sam advised on the language, and is “Ha7li” of the Bear Clan from Skookumchuck, part of St’at’icmulh Nation, sometimes referred to as the Interior Salish. Through this book, he shares elements of the Ucwalmícwts language.

Includes some words in Ucwalmícwts.

Additional Information
60 pages | 20 × 20 × 1 cm | Paperback | Printed locally on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

The captivating story of how the Blue Camas, a flower that has been cultivated on Canada’s west coast since time immemorial, came to symbolize the meeting of two contrasting ways of life and the perseverance of traditional knowledge against all odds.

Blue Camas, Blue Camas tells the story of a flower that is native to the Northwest Coast of North America. For thousands of years, it has been considered a sacred and valuable plant by the Indigenous Peoples of this region, who harvested and traded Blue Camas bulbs all along the west coast. At the height of this period, meadows would come alive with the bright wildflowers, which would attract dozens of species of butterflies and birds, and entire villages would work together to harvest the plant and ensure its continued growth.

When Europeans arrived and began to colonize the land, they did not see the value of the Blue Camas plant, and in fact saw the meadows where the plant had been harvested as ideal terrain to grow their own crops. The story takes place at the point of contact between a Lkwungen community and a group of Irish settlers, who see the land in very different ways.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is an ode to a way of life that was threatened and nearly destroyed through miscommunication and colonization. It also raises awareness for food rights, biodiversity, and the preservation of ecosystems, offering children and teachers the opportunity to discuss these important themes in an open and constructive way.

Reviews
"Blue Camas, Blue Camas is a captivating story revealing the overlooked history of colonial contact and its impact on Indigenous communities. Through vivid storytelling and diverse voices, it emphasizes land stewardship, cultural heritage, and fostering empathy, making it a valuable resource for children.”—Samantha Beynon, author of Oolichan Moon

“A beautiful story and an important narrative about the timeline of colonial contact . . . I am happy to share this book with my children.”—Sen’ákw, Senaqwila Wyss, Squamish Nation ethnobotanist

“Danielle S. Marcotte offers a rich, historical perspective of the amazing Blue Camas plant through the eyes of a First Nations family and a settler family.”—Teoni Spathelfer, Heiltsuk author of the Little Wolf Series

“This beautiful story weaves together a rich and important narrative. Family, nature, and the village are all intertwined, with the camas at the centre of it all. So simple and yet so poignant and true!”—Robert "Lucky" Budd, co-author (with Roy Henry Vickers) of the Northwest Coast Legends Series and A Is for Anemone: A First West Coast Alphabet

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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