Haida

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 

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 

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 

Après avoir vu ses parents frustrés en regardant les nouvelles, Haywaas, un jeune garçon précoce de 12 ans, entreprend un voyage de plusieurs mois pour explorer de nombreuses réponses à ce qu'il croyait être une question simple : qu'est-ce que la réconciliation ? Rédigée avec brio par un duo enseignant-parent-auteur, la Question de Haywaas est pertinente, compréhensible et mène à une réponse à laquelle nous participons tous.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this picture book for Grades 4 to 10.

This book is available in English: Haywaas' Question: What Is Reconciliation?

Additional Information
7.00" 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 

In Wôpanâak Seasons a young Wampanoag child takes readers on a seasonal journey through Aquinnah, on Neope, known as Martha’s Vineyard. Spring brings the return of wildlife; summer brings beach adventures and clambakes; fall is for harvesting cranberries and making jams; and winter features cozy gatherings and heartfelt traditions. Each season showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Wampanoag people. With striking illustrations and lyrical prose, this book is about an appreciation of the land and the joy the joy of coming together with our community all year round.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Additional Information
40 pages | 7.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Imagine awaking these 14 creatures through colour! Some are strange, some familiar, all await your unique imagination. Enchanting line art is accompanied by brief descriptions to allure creativity. Colouring pages are single-sided so each one can continue to captivate outside the book.

• 28 pages
• Descriptions accompany art
• Perforated pages for easy display

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this work for ages 6 to 17.

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

After Haywaas sees his parents get frustrated while watching the news, this precocious 12-year-old begins a months-long journey navigating many different answers to what he thought was a simple question.

Expertly crafted by a teacher-parent-author duo, Haywaas’ Question is relatable, understandable, and aptly builds up to an answer we’re all a part of.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this picture book for Grades 4 - 10. 

This book is available in French: La Question de Haywaas: Qu'est-ce que la réconciliation? 

Additional Information
36 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

In this tender picture book, Sara Florence Davidson transports readers to the excitement of a potlatch in Hydaburg, Alaska—her last memory of dancing with her late brother.

It feels like my brother and I have always known how to sing the songs and dance the dances of our Haida ancestors. Unlike our father, we were born after the laws that banned our cultural practices were changed. The potlatch ban did not exist during our time, so we grew up dancing and singing side by side.

The invitations have been sent. The food has been prepared. The decorations have been hung. And now the day of the potlatch has finally arrived! Guests from all over come to witness this bittersweet but joyful celebration of Haida culture and community.

Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Sk'ad'a Stories series.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.12" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

A beautifully illustrated collection of inspiring life stories of fifty extraordinary historical women from BC and the Yukon.

This fascinating, informative, and charming book introduces young readers to a diverse group of women who changed the face of history in unexpected ways and defied the expectations and gender norms of their times. Through charming illustrations and concise biographies, Her Courage Rises features social activists and politicians, artists and writers, scientists and healers, pioneers and prospectors, athletes and entrepreneurs, teachers and cultural tradition keepers.

These women represented all ages, walks of life, and backgrounds. Some, like Cougar Annie and shipwreck heroine Minnie Paterson, became legendary in popular culture, long after their deaths. Others, like politician Rosemary Brown, artist Emily Carr, and Olympic sprinter Barbara Howard, achieved fame during their lives. Still others, including photographer and cultural teacher Elizabeth Quocksister, artist and cultural consultant Florence Edenshaw, land claims activist and translator Jane Constance Cook (Ga’axsta’las), and language champion Barbara Touchie, made great strides in preserving and promoting Indigenous rights and cultures. And many, like environmentalist Ruth Masters, water diviner Evelyn Penrose, and Doukhobor pioneer Anna Markova, are less well-known but still made important contributions to their communities and our wider collective history.

Her Courage Rises is full of inspirational female role models and insights into the trailblazing women who made history in BC and the Yukon.

Reviews
"[An] extra-textual approach blended with rigorous traditional research allowed Healey and Fraser to create a fresh and unique historical document – one that not only gives fascinating detail, but manages to capture an ineffable humanity and relatability in even the most exceptional people profiled."
Quill & Quire

“This easily approachable book is a celebration of the achievements of fifty women who had the determination and strength of character to fashion new directions, sometimes despite great odds. Their stories represent hope and courage and serve as a reminder that women have always played a defining role in shaping their societies.”—Cathy Converse, author of Following the Curve of Time and Against the Current: The Remarkable Life of Agnes Deans Cameron

"Haley Healey has written another very important book highlighting the achievements of many women in history. This short book, beautifully illustrated by Kimiko Fraser, will be one to treasure in your favourite historical non-fiction collection."—Valerie Green, historian and author of If More Walls Could Talk: Vancouver Island’s Houses from the Past

“An engaging book that encourages the interest of young readers by providing a factual way in to explore diverse lives. By reframing unorthodox lives and breaking down stereotypes, the author highlights the resilience and determination of her subjects, made more tangible through the illustrations.”—Linda J. Eversole, author of Victoria Unbuttoned: A Red-Light History of BC's Capital City and Stella: Unrepentant Madam

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+ 

Additional Information
128 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

Dear Jean,
I had a substitute teacher recently. He stood up for a girl wearing a cedar hat when she was told to take it off by the vice-principal…

Even though Jean and Michael come from different cultural backgrounds and live far apart, they are best friends. To keep in touch, they write letters. Read their letters to discover what Jean and Michael do when they see and experience racial prejudice in their communities.

I Wish You Were Here is based on the authors' childhood experiences as pen pals in Haida Gwaii and Terrace in northern British Columbia. The book explores themes of friendship, culture, family, and community. It also addresses some tough issues, such as racism and intolerance, and explores ways to respond proactively. Included are resources and discussion questions to encourage further learning and reflection.

Reviews
“This lovely book explores healthy strategies for addressing racism and discrimination, including ceremonies, art, and intercultural allies. It is necessary reading for fostering the reconciliation and Indigenous resurgence that is imperative for our collective growth and enlightenment.” – Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, musician, author, activist, artist, and lawyer 

“This book helps us to empower our children and each other in the important work of recognizing, talking about, and working through acts of racism.” – Severn Cullis-Suzuki, lifelong activist for intergenerational justice 

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This middle-grade picture book includes discussion questions, a glossary, and additional resources for further learning and reflection.

Curriculum Connections & Keywords: Reconciliation, Indigenous Education, Social Awareness and Responsibility, Social Studies, Allyship, Racism, Anti-Racism, Discrimination, Social Justice, Racial Injustice, Haida, Haida Gwaii, Gwaii Haanas National Park, Tsimshian, Terrace, Letter Writing, Pen Pals, Friendship, Diversity, Child Empowerment, Advocacy, Inclusivity.

This book provides readers the opportunity to look at racism and discrimination through two different cultural lenses.  It's a teaching tool to initiate conversations about issues such as racism, discrimination, and reconciliation.

In the video below, Erica Jean Reid Gidin Jaad shares how to pronounce Haida and Tsimshian words in I Wish You Were Here.

Additional Information
32 Pages | 6.5" x 9.5" | Hardcover | ISBN: 9781771745727

Every summer, a Haida girl and her family travel up the Yakoun River on Haida Gwaii, following the salmon. While their father fishes, the girl and her brother spend their time on the land playing and learning from Tsinii (Grandfather).

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Sk'ad'a Stories series.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.12" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

Based on Haida artist Robert Davidson's own experiences with Tsinii (his grandfather), this beautiful story highlights intergenerational knowledge and authentic learning experiences.

Off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii, a boy goes fishing with his tsinii, his grandfather. As they watch the weather, jig for halibut, and row with the tides, there’s more to learn from Tsinii than how to catch a fish.

Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Haida Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.

Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Sk'ad'a Stories series.

Keywords & Themes: Haida, Haida Gwaii, Family, Elders, Intergenerational Knowledge, Fishing, Outdoor Activities, Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Harvesting, Coast.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.12" x 9.00" | Hardcover

Based on Haida artist Robert Davidson's own childhood experiences, this beautiful story highlights learning through observation, as well as the role of Elders in sharing knowledge and mentorship.

Learning to carve is a lifelong journey. With the help of his father and grandfather, a boy on Haida Gwaii practises to become a skillful carver. As he carefully works on a new piece, he remembers a trip to Slatechuck Mountain to gather the argillite, as well as his father’s words about the importance of looking back to help us find our way.

Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Haida Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.

Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Sk'ad'a Stories series.

Keywords & Themes: Haida, Haida Gwaii, Art, Elders, Carving, Multigenerational, Intergenerational Learning, Family, Mentors.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.12" x 9.00" | Hardcover