Indigenous Peoples in the United States

Peyton loves to dance, and especially at Pow Wow, but her Auntie notices that she’s been dancing less and less. When Peyton shares that she isn't comfortable wearing a dress anymore, Auntie Eyota asks some friends for help to get Peyton what she needs.

Reviews
"How do you stay true to yourself when you don’t feel like you fit in? In 47,000 Beads, young Peyton discovers the power of family, culture, and community as she uncovers the very special role she has as a Two-Spirit person.... Full of colorful, intricate illustrations, this picturebook captures the necessary care, attention, and tiospaye (extended family) support that goes into the creation of the jingle dance regalia. Against this specific context, the book celebrates everyone’s unique identity. The authors reject colonized ideas of gender by using the singular pronoun “they” throughout the book. 47,000 Beads celebrates the resilience of Two-Spirit peoples despite decades of stigmatization and trauma as a result of the oppression of Indigenous peoples in the settler-colonial culture. It is rare, but enlivening, to see a picture book that successfully depicts the continuum of gender identity and expression in a Native community. It is liberating to see a book that frames gender fluid identities as reasons to celebrate." - Emma Heckel, Children's Literature @ UMN

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
28 pages | 10.75" x 8.25" | Paperback

“We Are All Connected” is a series that explores how we all live together in a shared balance upon Mother Earth. Each book explores a specific ecosystem with a focus on one animal and its adaptations for survival within that ecosystem. Indigenous interviewees, each living within the same area, have responded to strategic questions as to how their community interacts with the land, their traditional territory. Explore each text with a sense of inquiry in mind.

8 We Are All Connected Titles Coast Salish, Coastal Rainforests and Cougars Haisla, Rivers and Chinook Salmon Inuit, Tundra and Ravens Lakota, Mixed Grasslands and Bald Eagles Métis, Wetlands and Mallards Nisga'a, Ponds and Leopard Frogs Nlaka'pamux, Grasslands and Rattlesnakes Sto:lo, Riparian Forests and Black Bears Each title covers the following curricular areas. Traditional storytelling and artwork begin each title from the focus Indigenous territory. Science: Biodiversity, classification, life cycles, food chains, food webs and connections between living and non-living things are just some of the science concepts included in each book. Social Studies: Contemporary and historical Indigenous cultural knowledge flows throughout each book. Local land forms, gatherings, harvesting practices and government are some of the social studies concepts included in each book.

2 Foundation Titles The two foundational books provide deeper understanding of the content of the “We Are All Connected” titles. We Are All Connected: The Earth, Our Home- explores biomes, ecosystems and biodiversity. We Are All Connected: The Earth, We Share- explores the interconnectedness between living and non-living things. 

Authenticity Note: This work contains some Indigenous artwork and photographs throughout, such as artwork from Kim Soo Goodtrack.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | ISBN" 9781771742474

Who are the Ojibway people, and how did they come to live in the lands of the Great Lake? Let Mishomis, or “Grandfather” in the Ojibway language, draw you a picture. In these delightful coloring books, the history of the Ojibway unfolds, beginning with the story of creation.

As Original Man (some will call him Anishinabe) walks the Earth, giving names to all things, Mishomis carries young readers along with Ojibway lore and wonder and with pictures asking to be brought to colorful life. The story follows the first five books of The Mishomis Book, telling of the Original Man’s grandmother, Nokomis; of the Earth’s first people; and of the Great Flood that changed everything. Thank Gitchie Manito for Turtle, on whose back the new world rests! Coloring along with Mishomis’s words, readers will be enchanted to learn the legends and discover the spirit of the Ojibway traditions and way of life.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 4 to 6.

This is a set of five coloring books that accompany the book The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway (sold separately).

Additional Information
111 pages | 11.00" x 11.00"

Long ago, when a great flood cleansed the land of unhappiness, the Grandfather sent Wanjblí the eagle to save one virtuous member of the human race and teach her how to live a good life. The eagle is a powerful symbol of courage, wisdom, and strength. In Kevin’s book he shares an inspiring vision of unity and hope for a new generation teaching children to recognize the eagle in themselves and others and always to soar above the darkness into the light.

Educator Information
This resource is also available in French: L’Envol de L’Aube: Un Récit Lakota

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"

In this Coast Salish story, told in the voice of a young girl, she describes how she and her Granny get ready for their naming ceremony. When the special day arrives, the Longhouse fills with people who will witness and celebrate the sharing of their traditional names.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Grand-maman et moi recevons des noms traditionnels.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741279

In this Coast Salish story, step-by-step instructions for gathering wood and catching, filleting and then smoking fish are given. The text and illustrations support the reader’s understanding of the process and emphasize the respect shown by the Coast Salish people for the circle of life.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Maman, comment fait-on du poisson fumé ? 

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741224

In this Coast Salish story, it is explained how each family played a traditional role in taking care of our Mother Earth. From controlled burning to ethical hunting and fishing practices, the Coast Salish people were, and still are, taught by their elders to respect Mother Earth.

Educator & Series Information
Taking Care of Our Mother Earth is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Prendre soin de notre Terre-Mère.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741286

In this Coast Salish story, learn about the importance of the cedar tree to the culture and history of the Coast Salish people. Descriptions of items made from the wood and bark of this special tree are included. Also explained in the story is the protocol for harvesting cedar bark.

Educator & Series Information
The Cedar Tree: The Heart of Our People is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Le Cèdre, le coeur de notre peuple.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741293

In this Coast Salish story, to make up for her children’s rudeness to Snow, Mother Tree gives up her life as a tree and transforms into a great blanket of moss. The moss blanket protects the younger trees from Snow’s anger. Respect for the wisdom of the elders is a theme woven throughout this delightful story that will appeal to readers of all ages.

Educator & Series Information
The Great Blanket of Moss is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Grande Couverture de mousse.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741248

In this Coast Salish story, how Bald Eagles got their name, how Geese got their long necks and how Hummingbirds got their colourful feather coats are all told. Something is traded, something is transformed and something is taken to make this little chapter book come alive.

Educator & Series Information
The Great Trade is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Donnant-donnant.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | IBSN: 9781771741255

In this Coast Salish story, to help make their children happy, the sun and the moon make the difficult choice to part from each other. The Creator allows them to visit only at the time of an eclipse and at sunrise and sunset. The great love between the sun and the moon can be seen in the beauty of those times.

Educator & Series Information
The Sun and the Moon is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Le Soleil et la Lune.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741262

In this Coast Salish story, a wolf pup is transformed into a raven so that he can help his mother hunt during the long winter months. When the time of hardship is over, the Creator agrees to make the transformation permanent. To this day, you can hear the wolf family calling out to say goodnight to the raven who watches over them.

Educator & Series Information
Why Ravens and Wolves Hunt Together is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Pourquoi les corbeaux et les loups chassent ensemble.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741231

Through the seasons, the stars move across the night sky. One set of stars tells the story of seven hunters chasing a big bear. Follow the stars through each season to discover the story. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about not giving up on your goals. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
Big Bear is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen'kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Grande Ourse.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741149

A long time ago, the world was just water - there was no land! Then a curious woman fell from the sky world and with the help of the birds and animals created a land to live on. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about the origin of the land where we live today. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
Creation Story Sky Woman is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen'kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Femme du Ciel

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741156

The Kanyen’kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) people each belong to a clan. A clan is like a large family. There are nine clans, each one named after an animal or bird. This Kanyen'kehà:ka story is about connecting and belonging to your family and the world around us. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
Kanyen’kehà:ka Clans is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen’kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Les clans des Kanyen’kehà:ka.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741163