Indigenous Peoples in Canada

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 

Meet Kaboom: Zack Commonda, agent of F.U.S.I.O.N (First Universal Secret Indigenous Operatives Network), and the newest superkid on the block! Well . . . sort of. He’s still figuring it all out.

When we meet Zack, he’s being looked after by his super-cool Auntie Jess and dreaming of one day being like his hero, slick business tycoon Konstantin Pierce. Zack’s parents are away — yet again — for their important careers in “refrigerator sales.” Little does Zack know their true identities: Greywolf and Shadowbird are F.U.S.I.O.N agents on a mission to protect Indigenous artifacts from a nefarious tomb-robber!In this series launch, acclaimed creator and lifelong comics fan Jay Odjick introduces a superhero for our times.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
142 pages | 6.00" x 8.75" | Paperback

Shirley is only five years old when she is taken away by the Indian agent to live at a residential school. She loves learning, but she is not there by choice. From the first day walking up the long, lonely stone steps of the school building, life is hard and full of rules. Separated from her brothers and sisters, she is truly on her own.

Shirley is very brave, but there is no one she loves to hold her at night when she is afraid. No one to tuck her in and comfort her. Shirley keeps going despite the sadness. She makes friends and has adventures. And most of all, she looks ahead to summertime, when she will be able to return to her family and the happiness of home.

A true story.

Reviews
"Through powerful words and illustrations, this book honors Shirley’s lived experiences at residential school while also highlighting her advocacy in ensuring that residential school histories are remembered and taught. Shirley offers an accessible entry point into a complex topic while centering Survivor voices. This book is a moving resource for educators and families committed to truth-telling and learning."- Krista McCracken, Researcher & Curator, Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is available in French: Shirley: une histoire de pensionnat indien.

Additional Information
70 Pages | 7" x 8.5|" | Paperback

Shirley n'a que cinq ans quand l'agent des Indiens l'emmène vivre dans un pensionnat autochtone. Elle adore apprendre, mais elle n'est pas là de son propre gré. Dès le premier jour où elle gravit la longue volée de marches en pierre de l'école, la vie est difficile et les règles sont innombrables. Séparée de ses frères et soeurs, elle est livrée à elle-même.

Shirley est très courageuse, mais elle n'a personne pour la rassurer le soir quand elle a peur. Personne pour la border et la réconforter. Shirley tient bon malgré sa tristesse. Elle se fait des amis et vit des aventures. Et surtout, elle attend impatiemment l'été, car elle pourra alors retrouver sa famille et le bonheur d'être à la maison.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is available in English: Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story 

Additional Information
70 pages | 7.00" x 8.50" | Paperback 

Using age-appropriate and empathetic language, Tess’s Red Dress introduces young children to Red Dress Day and the importance of remembering the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2 Spirit People. Backmatter pages include resources to support parents and educators through this important and difficult conversation with their children.

Six-year-old Tess is excited to welcome her new baby sibling into the world! She asks her mom what it was like growing up with a sibling. Tess’s mom tells her stories about baking in the kitchen, singing loudly in the bathtub, sharing a bedroom, and braiding her sister’s hair.

Despite their excitement over their growing family, they have experienced loss: her Auntie is one of the missing. The loss of any family member makes a drastic change for those left behind and the generations to come. As the family gets ready for the Red Dress Day march, Tess's mom and dad show her how to honour her Auntie by wearing her red dress and keeping the stories and memories of her family alive.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11" x 8.5" | Hardcover 

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Lexile measure: 1050L

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

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

Discover the history of the endangered Ojibwe horse and the daring intervention of the Lac La Croix First Nation in this celebration of community, tradition, courage, and hope.

It’s a cold, snowy night at Lac La Croix First Nation, and two siblings are too excited to fall asleep. The horses are coming tonight! Amid the buzz of aunties and uncles and cousins, Nookomis tells a story that began many years ago, when their people shared the land with herds of wild ponies. In a symbiotic relationship, the people provided the horses with food and shelter, while the horses helped them run traplines and travel. But after many years had passed, and the herd had dwindled to four, the government threatened to shoot them. It was time to move the remaining horses to safety—but getting them there would be harder than they thought! Follow the true story of a “heist across the ice” from Ontario to Minnesota and learn how a small herd of hardy, indigenous horses returned years later to their native land. Rich illustrations honor the life of the Ojibwe people over time, as well as the land and living things that have survived under their stewardship.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.62" x 10.62" | Hardcover 

“Papa, what is a Potlatch?”  

Inspired by Ts’msyen Chief William Beynon’s historic notebooks on Potlatches in the Gitxsan village of Gitsegukla, Celebrating Potlatches pairs intergenerational storytelling with beautiful illustrations to honour Indigenous traditions. From the award-winning author of Oolichan Moon and the accomplished illustrator of Be a Good Ancestor, this book recounts the 1885 Potlatch ban and the resilience of the communities who fought to keep their traditions alive. 

Reviews
“Heartfelt and timely, Celebrating Potlatches gifts readers with cultural teachings through an intergenerational account of Indigenous resilience. This book is a beautiful tribute to the author’s great-grandfather, William Beynon, whose life’s work documenting oral histories of Sm’algya̱x-speaking Peoples and their Potlatches continues to be foundational to our cultural resurgence today.” – Sm Łoodm ‘Nüüsm (Dr. Mique’l Dangeli), Sm’algya̱x language expert and Assistant Professor of Indigenous Arts at the University of Victoria

“This beautiful book shares the importance of community, culture, and identity. As you make your way through the pictures and words, they bring you to an understanding of how important the Potlatch ceremony was and continues to be for Indigenous Peoples.” – Carolyn Roberts, educator, speaker, and author of Re-Storying Education

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Through this conversational historic account, readers can learn alongside the narrator as his Papa shares his wisdom about the rich history of the Potlatch.

Curriculum Connections

• Early literacy – listening, reading, and discussing
• Art – traditional Indigenous art, drumming, and regalia
• Social studies – the 1885 Potlatch ban, history of Indigenous Peoples, connection to community
• Social responsibility – uplifting ourselves and others, honouring traditions
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions – traditional teachings, Potlatch ceremonies, intergenerational storytelling

 

Two free, downloadable lesson plans—one for kindergarten to Grade 1 and one for Grades 2 to 3—provide connections to Social Studies curriculum.

Additional Information
32 Pages | 10" x 8.5" | Hardcover 

There, in the middle of the forest, the young calf stood alone. 

When a young moose calf gets lost in a storm, he is found by Nana and Papa, a kind couple who offer him shelter and a name: Charlie. They bring him home to Matachewan First Nation, where two dogs, Spike and Molly, happily welcome him into their pack. Together, Charlie and his friends spend their days digging holes on the beach, playing fetch, and having fun. 

But Charlie is growing fast, and soon it will be time for him to return to the forest. With Spike and Molly by his side, Charlie sets off on an adventure to learn more about himself—and what it means to be a moose. 

Educator Information 
This illustrated chapter book is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 2.9

The chapters are each titled with an Ojibwe word or phrase, and a glossary of the Ojibwe words and their pronunciations is included at the back of the book. Discussion questions and an author’s note can also be found at the end of the book, and a free lesson plan is available for download on our website. 

With an engaging story, lovable characters, and powerful messages, Charlie the Matachewan Moose is perfect for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Meaningful themes of identity and self-awareness provide opportunities for discussion, making this book an excellent choice for homes and classrooms. 

Curriculum Connections 

• English Language Arts – figures of speech, reading, listening, discussing 

• Science – diverse ecosystems, animal behaviours and habitats 

• Personal and Social Awareness – personal and cultural identity, connecting to community, identifying values 

• Art – traditional Indigenous art styles 

• Social-Emotional Learning – recognizing and managing emotions, building positive relationships, showing empathy  

• Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions – Ojibwe language and teachings, cultural significance of animals

Additional Information 
112 Pages | 5.5” x 8.5” | Paperback | Printed in Canada 

An evocative autobiographical picture book about Cree activist Na'kuset's life as a young girl taken from her home along with thousands of other indigenous children during the 1960s, and the journey of discovery that leads her to reclaim her life and culture.

I have come from somewhere else, where
I am Cree and I have a big sister
and another name.

One night, a very young girl was removed from her home during Canada’s Sixties Scoop, which tore children from their Indigenous communities. She woke in a new home, with a new family and a new name—her former life fading to a ghost of a memory. The only place she ever felt like she fit in was with her grandmother—her Bubbie—who listened to her and made her chicken soup and wrapped her in her loving arms. Until one day…the girl discovered the truth. And her beloved Bubbie helped her on her journey to claim her identity, her voice—and her name.

Together, Na'kuset and Judith Henderson tell the powerful story of the Indigenous experience for a child during the Sixities Scoop. Cree illustrator Onedove shared how inspired they are by Na'kuset's story and activism, and that is made evident in the tender and vivid illustrations that bring Na'kuset's story to life.

Educator Information
Recommendations for ages 6 to 9.

Lexile measure: 450L 
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: O

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover

I am not a costume.

Ayasha’s school is having a costume party and she is so excited!

But when Ayasha arrives at school and sees other students wearing fake regalia, she is confused and upset. She doesn’t understand why they think her culture is a costume. Ayasha turns to her family and together they come up with a way to teach her classmates about her culture and how to honor her people respectfully.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6+.

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

Young readers will get ready for autumn on a moose tracking adventure with Joshua and Kokum.

When the harvest begins every fall, Joshua looks forward to eating Kokum's delicious moose meat stew at family feasts. He loves being on the land, and he can't wait to go moose hunting with his kokum.

Joshua and Kokum are careful not to make too much noise as they look for moose tracks in the forest. There are so many different animal tracks and Joshua can find them all. But which ones are moose tracks?

In the back of the book, find a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Omushkegomowin (Swampy Cree language) and Anishaabemowin (Ojibwe language) words featured throughout the story. A wonderful cultural learning experience for 5- to 8-year-olds!

Reviews
"A great learning tool for kids! This book not only teaches Omushkegomowin and Anishinaabemowin words and how to identify different animal tracks, but also, and most importantly, it instills respect for all living creatures and consideration for Mother Nature. I hope to one day harvest a moose with my kids, but in the meantime, we’ll try Kokum’s recipe for moose meat stew." — Chuck Hughes, chef and host of Chuck and the First Peoples' Kitchen

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Reading Levels:

• Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: L
• Lexile measure: 760L

This book is part of the Joshua Learns from the Land series.

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

A beautifully illustrated book that gently explores the complicated feelings a young girl experiences as she learns about tragedy and injustice.

Miya loves her school and she especially loves storytime. One day, her teacher shares a story about a little girl who was taken away to a residential school. The little girl wasn’t allowed to go home. Her hair was cut and she wasn’t allowed to keep her favourite doll. She was taken away from her family because she was Indigenous, just like Miya!

Miya worries the same thing will happen to her. Her mom tells her that Indigenous girls and boys aren’t forced to leave their families anymore. Miya is relieved, but she is still sad. What can she do about these feelings?

Reviews
"A moving and important story that deftly explores the fear a little Indigenous girl feels when she learns the truth about residential schools. Miya finds solace in her mom’s words, and readers will too. A sensitive explanation of residential schools that prioritizes the emotional safety of all readers, especially Indigenous children."— Jen Moss, lecturer at UBC's School of Creative Writing

"opens the door to an important discussion about residential schools" - School Library Journal 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

In this story, a young girl named Miya feels scared and sad after learning about residential schools, but she learns how to cope with the help of her mother. 

A gentle story about big feelings and finding courage.

Big Ideas: Social-Emotional Learning: Emotions and Feelings; Social Justice: Intergenerational Trauma, Residential Schools.

This book is available in French: Le Chandail orange de Miya.

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

A powerful and hopeful ode to Indigenous children.

Indigenous. Native. On this land, you may roam.
Child of the sun, on this land, you are home.

Of the Sun is an uplifting and mighty poem that wraps the Indigenous children of the Americas in reassuring words filled with hope for a brighter future and reminders of their bond and importance to the land. Each page fills them with pride and awe of their cultural heritage and invites them to unite and inspire change in the world.

Paired with powerful art reflecting cultures of various Indigenous Nations and Tribes, the poem offers all readers a sense of the history and majesty of the land we live on and how we can better care for ourselves and the world when we recognize our connection to the land and to each other.

Written by Xelena González, poet and activist in the Native and Latinx communities, and an enrolled member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation. Bold illustrations by prominent Anishinaabe illustrator Emily Kewageshig depict landscapes across the Americas and children from many backgrounds
Endnotes provide more information on Native and Indigenous unity and activism in younger generations

Reviews
"Of The Sun is a loving homage to the Indigenous peoples of this land—both in González’s beautiful, lyrical poem and Kewageshig’s warm, vibrant Anishinaabe-styled artwork. A wonderful read aloud you must add to bookshelves at home, at school, and in community!" - Traci Sorell, award-winning author of We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga and At The Mountain’s Base

"A luminous song, poem, promise
of cultures and connection,
of kinship and caring,
for Indigenous children across the continent." - Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Jingle Dancer

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Subjects / Themes / Topics Included: Indigenous Peoples in the Americas; Poetry; Land Connection; Inuit Clothing; Traditional Hair Bun (tsiiyéél); Concheros Dance; Three Sisters; La Danza de la Flor de Piña; Smoke Dance; Jingle Dress Dance; Manoomin (Wild Rice); English Words from Indigenous Languages; Indigenous Farming Practices; Bison; Land Back Movement.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.75" | Hardcover

After uncovering long forgotten secrets hidden deep beneath the earth, Silversong now finds himself in the middle of a battle for the soul of the Four Territories. On one side is the Heretic, the leader of the exiles intent on destroying the Wolven Code and conquering all wolfkind by force. On the other side is the Warden, who aims to impose her dogmatic and oppressive interpretation of the Wolven Code on all the packs.Silversong understands that the Four Territories cannot truly thrive when confined to the Warden's narrow vision, but he also can't let the Heretic bring devastation to all who resist him. By using his newfound powers, Silversong takes it upon himself to break the boundaries between the Four Territories and unite them as one, undermining the Warden's authority in the process. Only by standing together as true allies can they hope to defeat the enemy.

Reviews
"A mysterious, magically animated landscape juiced by superb sensory detail. The wolves of the Northlands are plagued by infighting among a threadbare alliance of packs. Enter Silversong, desperate to unite wolfkind against the enemy from without as well as the treachery within of blighted tradition and toxic loyalties. He is a hero with a brilliant weapon he can’t quite master and a jumbled head full of futures pitted against a dire present. Terrified and defiantly brave, frustrated and stalwart, Silversong is our guide to a world of wind weavers and quicksand conjurors. What an exciting, big-hearted romp into a fantastical kingdom that is eerily familiar." -- Tim Wynne-Jones, author of The Starlight Claim

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 13 to 17.

This is the second book in the Wolf in the Sun series.

Additional Information
250 pages | 5.50" x 8.50" | Paperback