Indigenous Peoples in Canada

From these hands, old to new, a tradition of love passes through.

In Alaska, Fall is moose season. When the hunt is over, the community comes together to transform the raw moose hide into something truly special, step by step, with the work of many hands.

From stretching and scraping to making brain stew, each part of the process is a celebration! With humor and heart, debut author Karina Iceberg (Aleut/Alutiiq) and award-winning illustrator Natasha Donovan (Métis) share a resonant message of gratitude, community, and shared knowledge as an intertribal Native Alaskan community works together to tan a moose hide.

Features author's note and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

Jenny's Concrete Powwow tells the story of a young Indigenous girl that attends her very first Powwow. Jenny doesn't want to go because she would much rather be home in the city with her friends, but once she arrives at the reserve, she begins to feel a deep-rooted connection to nature, the Powwow, and the community. The next day, Jenny realizes that while the city is busy and full of people, she does not feel that same connection. She spots a crow flying down the street and follows it to the park, where she is inspired to find that same spark of cultural connection she felt at the Powwow within herself.

This unique and beautifully illustrated book addresses the challenges of urban Indigenous experience, validates the feeling of cultural identity disconnect, and considers ways to regain that connection. Through the beauty, joy, and spirit of powwows, Jenny demonstrates how children can take action to reclaim their Indigenous identity and pride.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

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

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

The inspiring story of a young girl's resilience and survival at the Shingwauk Indian Residential School.

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.

A vital residential school account, told from Shirley's own lived experience. Written with care and sensitivity from an Indigenous perspective.

In her author's note, Shirley shares more about her family, the impact of residential school on their lives, and the importance of remembrance.

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 

The Mighty Muskrats' new case is a real showstopper!

School's out for the four Cree cousins, but this is no ordinary summer-a movie is being filmed in Windy Lake First Nation. With superheroes in their backyard, the cousins can't wait to show the actors and stunt doubles all that Windy Lake has to offer-as soon as they actually meet them, that is. On a film set, everyone has a job. Even the Muskrats, who are helping Mavis, owner of Windy Lake's well-loved House-taurant, with the film's catering.

As Sam, Otter, Atim, and Chickadee take care of the cast and crew, a truck filled with specialty props and equipment disappears. Filming is halted-a disaster for everyone, including Mavis-and Windy Lake's reputation is suddenly at stake. It's up to the Mighty Muskrats to find the culprits and get the filmmaking back on track!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9-12.

This book is part of the fun and adventurous A Mighty Muskrat Mystery Series. This series puts an Indigenous spin on the classic Hardy Boys and Three Investigators books. 

Additional Information
152 pages | 5.25" x 7.5" | Paperback 

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 

When the mighty oak whispers, you will hear
That our loved ones are still very near.

The Trees Talk is a lyrical poem that teaches children about the wisdom of the trees. When our loved ones pass on to the next world, author Jennifer Scott encourages us to sit with the trees. They carry messages from our ancestors for each of us, if we just take the time to listen.

Sweeping and lush paintings by Carla Joseph move readers through a journey to learn about the relationship between our ancestors and the nature around us.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

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

Hello, sweet baby. Can you please hurry up and get here already?

So begins this sweet love letter to a baby-to-be. Accompanied by adorable photos, this book speaks directly to the baby, anticipating all the moments they will have together—from walking together under the same moon to kissing baby's tummy and toes, and from sharing hugs and snuggles to blooming and growing together as a family.

Reviews
“Bring[s] forth quiet, or warm, or jubilant emotions! We see a mother and child, their hands embracing the baby in the mother’s body. The anticipation in their faces is quiet and filled with love. I’m so pleased to see this book and happy to recommend you get it for your home, classroom, school, or public library.”- Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 and under. 

Additional Information
20 pages | 6" x 6" | Board Book 

A long time ago, Robin wore a white breast, Rattlesnake didn't rattle, Rabbit and Bear both sported luscious, long tails, and the naked-necked Turkey Buzzard meant to be fully clothed. Witness how these animals were transformed into the ones we recognize today with these traditional tales re-told.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades 6 and under.

Additional Information
45 pages | 4.25" x 5.50" | Paperback


 

A middle-grade-friendly introduction to flora of the Great Lakes Region, with outdoor activities, games and quizzes that make learning about nature fun! Great for families and educators.

Get dirty digging up roots. Crouch down to look closely at a carnivorous sundew dissolving a dragonfly. Make an elderberry concoction. Test your plant ID skills with a winter twig quiz. Make a soothing plantain salve to treat an itch. Learn which berries you can eat and which to avoid.

Time spent outdoors encourages children’s self-confidence and independence, increases attention span and physical well-being, and fosters care for the environment. With the increasing intrusion of technology into daily life, and the challenges of climate chaos, it has never been more essential for parents and educators to encourage kids to engage with the natural environment. Plants are everywhere, even in urban areas where parks, empty lots and backyards offer the opportunity to learn from and connect to nature.

Drawing on their years of experience as outdoor educators, co-authors Philippa Joly and Danielle Gehl Hagel feature fifty richly illustrated plant profiles, including information on identification and ecology, cultural uses, and fun activities—all in a way that is accessible and interesting to readers of all ages.

Educator Information
Juvenile Nonfiction.

Additional Information
224 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | 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 

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 

Voici la véritable histoire derrière une chanson qui fut autrefois le souvenir d?un hymne appris en pensionnat. Avec l?aide de sa famille et de sa communauté, notamment grâce à la détermination de son fils et aux paroles encourageantes de sa Grand-mère, le Gardien du Savoir Quuia Charleson (Nuu-Chah-Nulth) a repris possession de Love Your Creator et continue de partager la chanson et son histoire par la tradition orale à la fois lors d?événements et de ses voyages.

Les illustrations captivantes de Stefan Brunette représentent avec passion les personnes et les événements de ce livre illustré, destiné à tous les âges.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades 7 and under.

This book is available in English: Love Your Creator: The Story of a Prayer Song.

Additional Information
10.00" x 8.00" | Paperback