Cree (Nehiyawak)

This thrilling conclusion to the Algonquin Quest series ends the Anishinaabe peoples' fifty-year odyssey from the east coast of Turtle Island to the mysterious shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Algonquin Legacy starts out fifteen years after the Battle of Crow Wing River where the combined allies of the Anishinaabe had fought the powerful Lakota nation in the Lakota homelands. The battle ended abruptly when there was a solar eclipse - an actual event that took place on July 16, 1330, from 1:03 to 3:10 p.m., in the area where they were fighting. The warriors on both sides thought it was an omen and retreated.

When the Anishinaabe returned to their village the decision was made to go towards the western sun to settle. This decision came at great cost to the surviving family of the late Omàmiwinini (Algonquin) leader Mahingan. His son, daughter, and the great Mi'kmaq warrior Crazy Crow, went to the west with the Anishinaabe. Mahingan's wife and nephews, along with their wives, friends, and Mahigan's brother, Mitigomij, the greatest warrior of them all, who was also a shape shifter, travelled back to their homelands along the Kitcisìpi Kitchi (Ottawa River), splitting up the very strong family.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 15.

This is the fourth book in the Algonquin Quest series.

This novel continues on in the tradition of the previous three with Native languages in the vernacular, teachings about the culture of that era, hunting practices and how they lived day to day. Life before the Europeans, before the Four Horsemen of the Native Apocalypse came into their lives; Disease, Alcohol, Guns and Religion.

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

Readers follow along step-by-step as Benjamin plants and cares for his garden and imagines the harvest to come.

Benjamin loves springtime. The grass grows bright green, the birds sing sweet songs and, best of all, Benjamin and his mother start their garden. In just the right order, they plant mahtâmin (corn), pîmiciwacis (beans), and osawipak (squash) for Three Sisters Soup. They plant strawberries to serve with bannock, then zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers. Benjamin and his mom lovingly tend to the garden and watch it grow into a plentiful harvest with enough to share. Throughout the whole summer, Benjamin dreams about the fall, when they’ll have all the ingredients for a feast – and everyone will be invited!

In this heartwarming story, award-winning author Melanie Florence evocatively portrays the pleasures and rewards of growing and sharing food. The steps of the gardening process – digging holes, planting seeds, watering – are carefully described, and the yearly cycle of growing, harvesting, eating and then starting again the next year is emphasized. Special attention is paid to the tradition of planting corn, beans and squash together so that each plant by its nature helps the others grow. Benjamin and his mother use Cree words throughout the story, and a pronunciation guide is included at the back of the book for further inquiry. Vivid illustrations by Hawlii Pichette make this a perfect follow-up to the author and illustrator duo’s previous book, Benjamin’s Thunderstorm.

Reviews
"A comforting tale of cohabitation between humans and nature." — School Library Journal, April 2025

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Includes Cree words throughout the story. A pronunciation guide is included at the back of the book.

Curriculum Connections: Caring; Growth and changes in plants; Indigenous peoples; Patience; Plants; Word recognition 

This book is part of the Benjamin Outdoors series. From dancing in the rain with thunder for a drum to planting a vegetable garden with his mom, Benjamin loves being in nature. With evocative text and vibrant art, this delightful picture book series celebrates the joys of spending time outdoors and weaves in nature-related Cree words.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | 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 

Learn about the rhythms of the seasons with Joshua in this captivating read-aloud story for ages 5 to 8.

Join Joshua as his father teaches him about traditional food harvesting.

Joshua loves being on the land. When the weather is warm, Joshua and his dad gather mint from the shores of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon First Nation) in northeastern Ontario. But when will that be? It’s not when the leaves are changing colour. It’s not when the snow falls from the sky. It’s not when the flowers are budding. When is it time to gather mint from the land?

In the back of the book, find a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Swampy Cree and Anishinaabemowin words featured throughout the story.

Reviews
"Tyna Legault Taylor delivers a magical story of the seasons through Joshua’s sweet anticipation as he learns how to know when it is time to harvest katakipanik / gaaminomaagobagak / mint from the land. In this beautifully illustrated book, Joshua gains important land-based traditional knowledges from his father about harvesting, medicines, and Indigenous food sovereignty and learns key words in Northern Swampy Cree and Anishinaabemowin as he discovers his relationships to land. With the inclusion of a recipe for Mint From the Land Iced Tea and a glossary, this book will engage readers of all ages, but will be especially treasured by children who see themselves in Joshua’s curious and adventurous spirit!" — Barbara Parker, Associate Professor, Lakehead University

“Swampy Cree…and Anishinaabemowin words are interwoven seamlessly into the simply stated sentences. Dao’s vibrant illustrations radiate warmth and connection. Sharing land-based Indigenous knowledge, this is an informative picture-book-series opener.”—Booklist

“A warm and colourful tale that brings traditional teachings to life. This is a story from the home and the heart that the whole family will enjoy.”—Don Kelly, Gemini Award–nominated host of APTN's Fish Out of Water and Crazy Like a Lynx

“The lived experience of Joshua and his family...is a testament to the sacred connection between Indigenous people and the land. A great tool for all children to learn more about Indigenous people and Indigenous languages.”—Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Includes some Swampy Cree (n-dialect) words in brown and Anishinaabemowin words in green, but this is not a dual-language book.

The backmatter includes a Swampy Cree/Anishinaabemowin Glossary and a recipe for Mint From the Land Iced Tea. 

Big Ideas: Land-Based and Place-Based Learning, Traditional Foods, Traditional Clothing, Traditional Medicine, STEM: Seasonal Cycles, STEM: Plants.

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

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

Let Dragonfly lead you on a journey of inspiration!

Following your winged guide, visit the places and things that can help you find strength in the present and imagine your amazing future. Dream alongside everything from a giant construction site and a sewing machine to the river and a blanket of moss. After your travels, Dragonfly asks: What do you like to dream about? With its mixed setting in rural and urban environments and exploration of both the natural and modern world, Dreaming Alongside gives readers permission to daydream and think of what magic their lives have the potential to hold.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5. 

This book is available in English and Plains Cree: Dreaming Alongside / ê-pawâtamahk.

Reading Levels: 
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: L 
Lexile measure: 900L 
Guided Reading Level: L

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

Let Dragonfly lead you on a journey of inspiration!

Following your winged guide, visit the places and things that can help you find strength in the present and imagine your amazing future. Dream alongside everything from a giant construction site and a sewing machine to the river and a blanket of moss. After your travels, Dragonfly asks: What do you like to dream about? With its mixed setting in rural and urban environments and exploration of both the natural and modern world, Dreaming Alongside gives readers permission to daydream and think of what magic their lives have the potential to hold.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5. 

This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Plains Cree.
Translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder.

This book is available in English only: Dreaming Alongside.

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

We are all connected. Whether it is with your family, the mossy earth beneath your feet, the warm guidance of your ancestors, you belong in connection with all around you.

Along the backdrop of Haida Gwaii's breathtaking landscapes, Indigenous storyteller, Ḵung Jaadee, invites you to witness the many threads of relationship that connect us across time and space.

What makes you feel connected?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6+.

Includes a few word and phrases in the Haida language.

A teacher lesson plan is available here: I am Connected Teacher Lesson Plan.

This book is available in French: Je suis liée.

Additional Information
28 pages | 9.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

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 

Chaque personne est liée. Qu’il s’agisse de vos relations familiales, du contact de vos pieds avec le sol ou des conseils bienveillants de vos ancêtres, vous avez des liens avec tout ce qui vous entoure. Sur fond d’époustouflants paysages de Haida Gwaii, la conteuse Kung Jaadee vous invite à découvrir les nombreux liens qui nous unissent à travers le temps et l’espace. Quels sont vos liens?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6+.

This book is available in English: I am Connected.

Additional Information
28 pages | 1.40" x 2.40" | Hardcover 

This beautifully illustrated Métis picture book is fully bilingual in Michif and English. A feast for the eyes and a tickle for the funny bone, Kohkum cooks up a HUGE order of bannock in her own kitchen, for the Queen and 299 guests!

This lively and whimsical tale begins with a letter from the government asking Kohkum to cook bannock for the Royal visit. Kohkum's grandson Xavier is as excited as she is, until they do the math and are shocked to learn that they are cooking not just for the Queen but for her entourage and guests too. A mad scramble ensues, with a rushed trip to the grocery store to buy a ridiculous amount of flour and milk, and a perilous trip home with the car stuffed with supplies and Xavier riding on the roof. Several aunties come to the rescue, helping with bannock assembly and sharing in the excitement of cooking for the Queen.

Written by an educator, this story provides many opportunities to count in English and Michif, with many laughs along the way as Kohkum, aunties, and Xavier scramble to cook the bannock in time for the Queen's visit. Boldly colourful, humourous illustrations by illustrator Hawlii Pichette bring this entertaining story to life. Full translation makes this book ideal for in-class cultural learning and Michif language acquisition.

Educator Information
Recommended for preschool to Grade 4.

Bilingual: Michif and English

Michif Translation by Irma Klyne and Larry Fayant.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.00" | Paperback

Les histoires traditionnelles autochtones sur le ciel et les constellations rencontrent la légende de Narnia dans cette série fantastique et épique destinée aux préadolescent·es, écrite par l’auteur primé David A. Robertson.

Dans ce deuxième livre de la série, Eli et Morgan se rendent une nouvelle fois à Misewa en remontant le temps.

De retour chez eux après leur première aventure dans les terres isolées, Eli et Morgan sont tous deux confrontés à des problèmes personnels : Eli est victime d’intimidation à l’école et tente de le cacher à Morgan, tandis que cette dernière doit prendre une décision importante au sujet de sa mère biologique. Ils se tournent alors vers l’endroit où ils savent qu’ils peuvent apprendre le plus, et font le voyage jusqu’à Misewa pour rendre visite à leurs amis les animaux. Cette fois, ils remontent le temps et rencontrent un jeune pécan qui pourrait bien être leur ami disparu. Ils découvrent cependant que le village est à nouveau en péril et doivent puiser au plus profond d’eux-mêmes pour trouver la force de protéger leurs amis bienaimés. Pourront-ils ramener cette force à la maison pour faire face à leurs propres défis?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.

This is the French translation of The Great Bear.

This book is part of La saga Misewa.

Additional Information
256 pages  | Paperback

Les autrices abordent les questions environnementales, le bien-être des animaux, l’estime et le respect de soi, ainsi que l’importance de la communauté. Elles livrent un message touchant et universel de manière accessible : nous devons tous être de bons ancêtres pour le monde qui nous entoure. Le texte du livre présenté sous forme de strophes nous porte à réfléchir à notre manière d’influencer les générations futures. Chaque décision que nous prenons a des conséquences et nous pouvons exercer une influence sur le monde qui nous entoure en réfléchissant bien à ces décisions.

Également disponible sous le titre Be a Good Ancestor en anglais.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in English: Be a Good Ancestor.

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

Miya adore l’école et surtout l’heure du conte. Aujourd’hui, Madame Munro leur raconte l’histoire d’une petite fille emmenée un jour très loin de chez elle dans un pensionnat, où on a coupé ses longs cheveux et enlevé sa poupée préférée. Les enfants autochtones devaient quitter leur famille et n’avaient pas le droit de rentrer chez eux à la fin de la journée ou pour les vacances. Miya, qui est la seule autochtone de sa classe, panique. Est-ce qu’ils vont venir la chercher pour l’emmener loin de chez elle? Même si l’enseignante parle de porter un chandail orange pour se souvenir, elle n’écoute plus et une boule se forme dans son ventre. Plus tard, sa Maman la rassure, ces pensionnats ont été fermés bien avant sa naissance. Apaisée, elle retournera à l’école, portant fièrement son chandail orange. Pour ne pas oublier

Educator Information
Juvenile Fiction.

This book is available in English: Miya Wears Orange.

Additional Information
Hardcover 

Des Cris des Plaines vivant au pied des Rocheuses albertaines jusqu’aux Attikameks du Québec, ils sont nombreux à avoir fait le voyage pour assister à l’Assemblée nationale des Cris, qui se tient cette année dans la petite communauté de Lac-aux-Vents. Depuis plusieurs jours, des tipis, des tentes et des véhicules récréatifs se dressent dans tous les coins de la réserve, s’installent sur chaque parcelle vacante. L’événement, qui doit durer sept jours, est l’occasion pour les communautés de se rencontrer, de participer à des activités traditionnelles et de transmettre aux jeunes générations des savoirs immémoriaux. Sam, Otter, Atim et Chickadee sont surexcités. Or la bonne tenue de l’Assemblée est mise en péril par la disparition d’un précieux traité contenu dans un sac dépositaire de la mémoire de la nation. Est-ce un hasard si Pearl, qui trône au sommet de la hiérarchie des durs à cuire de la réserve, s’est éclipsée au même moment? Quoi qu’il en soit, tous les regards sont tournés vers la communauté de Lac-aux-Vents. Comme le dit toujours le grand-père des Rats musclés : « On est le territoire dans lequel on vit. » Il en va donc de leur dignité : il faut absolument retrouver le traité envolé! Cette série primée au Canada anglais reprend la formule aguerrie des romans d’enquête pour la jeunesse en mettant en scène quatre apprentis détectives qui n’ont pas froid aux yeux. Sous un couvert ludique, elle révèle aux jeunes lecteurs tout un pan de la réalité des Premières Nations du Canada en abordant des sujets sensibles tels que la colonisation et l’effacement des cultures autochtones. Une excellente porte d’entrée pour parler de réconciliation tout en gardant un pied dans l’aventure.

Educator Information
Juvenile Fiction

This book is available in English: The Case of the Burgled Bundle 

Additional Information
Paperback