Sioux

When we look up to the sky and see a beautiful eagle soaring by, we may stop to appreciate its graceful sight, but, as Kevin Locke explains, eagles also have powerful teachings to offer. In this book, Kevin shares with us that each feather on the eagle's wing represents a virtue that we can all learn from. 

Educator Information
This book is an adaptation of the book Dawn Flight for a younger audience (ages 4-6). Explores Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

A page at the back of the book includes a few words in Lakota.

Suggested for Ages 4-6.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K-2 in this area: Social Studies.

This book is available in French: La plume d'aigle

Additional Information
26 pages | 9.00" x 8.00"

The moss bags of the Plains Indians kept babies safe, content, and part of daily life. This two-part book first explores the features and purpose of moss bags, along with softly coloured illustrations. The second part includes step-by-step directions for making a moss bag, accompanied by explanatory photos. Discover more about moss bags, the ingenious creation of early mothers and grandmothers living close to Mother Earth.

Educator Information
Juvenile Nonfiction

Canada's relationship with its Indigenous people has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the historical and current impact of those schools. Healing and repairing that relationship requires education, awareness and increased understanding of the legacy and the impacts still being felt by Survivors and their families. Guided by acclaimed Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, readers will learn about the lives of Survivors and listen to allies who are putting the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into action.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 4 to 8.

A teacher guide for this resource is also available: Speaking Our Truth Teacher Guide

Additional Information
160 pages | 7.50" x 9.00"

“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. View: We Are All Connected Learning Intentions

Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771745963 

“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

Encourage children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.

Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

Reviews
"Smith's text is heartwarming! And the illustrations, by Danielle Daniel, reflect Native people in the present day. Like My Heart Fills with Happiness, this new book by Smith is one that parents, grandparents, pre-school and elementary teachers, and librarians, will want to have on their shelves." — Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature

"People of all ages can find something of value within the pages of Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel's book…Smith has Cree and Lakota ancestry, while Daniel is Métis. With this book, they become quiet and understated—yet powerful—voices in an age of reconciliation. You Hold Me Up is simple, yet beautiful, subtle but thought-provoking. It contains critical messages about love, unity, and support. Through carefully chosen words and strong, colourful are, the book presents an important reminder to readers to sustain and support one another. Highly Recommended." — CM Magazine

"Perfect for a shared storytime as well as a lap-sit reading session, the actions of each person emphasize community, togetherness, and mutual respect. While sharing is a universal concept, Daniel's illustrations bring specificity to the narrative…Just as in Smith's board book My Heart Fills with Happiness, readers will joyfully make connections between their own communities and the indigenous one depicted here." — IndiePicks Magazine

"You Hold Me Up is a rhythmic story that reinforces for young readers about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. The story aims to encourage children to build relationships, foster empathy and encourage respect between peers while considering each other’s well-being in their everyday actions." — The Dalai Lama Center 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in English and Plains Cree: You Hold Me Up / ê-ohpinitoyahk

This book is available in English and Anishinaabemowin: You Hold Me Up / Gimanaadenim 

This book is also available in French: Tu es là pour moi

This book is available in a board book format for younger audiences: You Hold Me Up (BB)

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

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"

Il y a très longtemps, quand un grand déluge lava le monde de ses malheurs, le Grand-Père envoya l’aigle Wanjblí pour sauver un membre vertueux de la race humaine et lui enseigner comment bien vivre. L’aigle est un puissant symbole de courage, de sagesse et de force. Il est connu dans la culture autochtone comme le lien entre le monde de l’esprit et la Terre. Dans son premier livre, Kevin partage le récit traditionnel de l’aigle qui est venu comme messager pour guider le genre humain. Il partage une vision inspirante d’unité et d’espoir pour qu’une nouvelle génération d’enfants apprenne à reconnaître l’aigle en eux-mêmes et chez les autres afin de toujours s’éloigner des ténèbres et voler vers la lumière.

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 English: Dawn Flight: A Lakota Story.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"

The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.

International speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.

Awards

• 2017 Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize winner

Reviews
"A quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and—yes—happiness emanate from this tender celebration of simple pleasures, which features a cast of First Nations children and adults...Short, first-person phrases...revel in both solitary and familial activities...Flett’s crisp-edged paintings blend universal and culturally specific experiences." — Publishers Weekly, Starred, November 2015

"Joyful and tender, this board book celebrates the activities that bring gladness through family and cultural connections...Flett’s quietly powerful gouache and digital collage illustrations emphasize the relationships between people...The sweet family story has universal appeal. A first purchase for all libraries." — School Library Journal, Starred, March 2016

"A celebration of aboriginal culture...but also universal in its message: sometimes it's the simplest things that lift our spirits highest...[The book] is beautiful in both its appearance and its intention." — Quill & Quire, March 2016

"My Heart Fills With Happiness is a story that focuses on supporting the wellness of Indigenous children and families, encouraging them to reflect on what makes them happy. The story looks at happy memories that readers can connect to and serves as a reminder to reflect and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy." — The Dalai Lama Center 

Educator Information
This book is also available in French: J'ai le coeur rempli de bonheur.

This book is also available in English and Plains Cree: My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih

This book is also available in English and Anishinaabemowin: My Heart Fills With Happiness / Nijiikendam

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.00" x 7.00"

This book introduces a young girl and her horse into Little Chief’s life. Their adventure takes them on an exquisite journey which transforms her loss and grieving into self-discovery and resilience through a new found hope.

Educator Information
This story takes readers of all ages on an adventure that teaches them about the circle of life. Singing Feather joins Little Chief who helps transform her loss and grieving of a treasured friend, in this case, Silver Sage her old and heroic horse, into self-discovery and resilience by finding a new hope.

The book comes with an attached CD of narration in English, Cree, Blackfoot and Lakokta as well as a song.

Additional Information
34 pages | 10.00" x 9.25"

Discover what happens when a young boy’s friendship with a gopher turns everyone’s life upside down!

Written by Indigenous author Victor Lethbridge and beautifully illustrated by Ben Crane, Little Chief and Mighty Gopher: The Pemmican Frenzy tells the story of a young boy who finds friends and acceptance in unexpected places. This is a funny, heartfelt story of hope, empowerment and determination suited to young readers, the young at heart and those who struggle with bullying and rejection.

This book has already become a Canadian bestseller and winner of numerous awards. It has become a favourite among many young readers and has garnered much attention in the literary world.

Anticipation is growing to see what adventures lie ahead for “Little Chief” and his cast of friends!

Awards

• 2011 Alberta Book Award: Children’s and Young Adult Book of the Year
• 2011 Nautilus Book Award Silver Medalist - Children’s Book Category
• 2010 SIWC Griffin Award
• 2010 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Bronze Medalist - Best First Book

Educator Information
Included: Bonus CD with narrated story and song. Special Feature: Word translation in Sioux, Cree, and Blackfoot.

Additional Information
34 pages | 10.00" x 9.25"

Comme un cœur qui bat, le tambour résonne dans la nuit invitant les danseurs à entrer dans la danse ronde. Il y a dans l'air une magie, une paix. À cette célébration nocturne sont conviés les esprits qui nous habitent et ceux qui nous entourent. Entrez dans la grande ronde et vous sentirez, vous aussi, leur présence.

De nouveau, cette fois-ci en collaboration avec le groupe Northern Cree, le peintre Jim Poitras, un Cri du nord, et de la poétesse crie Shelley Willier, David Bouchard, écrivain métis primé et auteur à succès, conjugue poésie, peinture et chant pour nous faire découvrir la beauté de la culture autochtone dans un album qui envoûtera, par sa sensibilité, autant les petits que les grands.

Educator Information
Includes a CD with French and Cree.

Recommended Ages: 8+

Additional Information
120 pages | 9.50" x 11.30"

This book provides a wonderful way to learn about First Nations cultures while counting! The traditional teachings are interesting and informative. Counting concepts, from numbers 1 to 21, promote harmony and goodwill.

Educator Information
The 1234 book gives children a chance to count while learning about Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island.  

Additional Information
45 Pages | 11” x 8.5”

There are 21 activities for children to complete in this activity book. From 3 tipis to 12 Eagle feathers in a feather fan, children will draw, cut, paste, and create!

Educator Information
This activity book pairs with the 1234 First Nations Explore book.  

Additional Information
23 Pages | 8.5” x 11”

The ABC’s of Our Spiritual Connection threads many First Nations Spiritual beliefs across North America.

Author/illustrator Kim Soo Goodtrack shares that our Cultural collective is rich with beauty, wisdom, and Spirit. We have so much to be proud of! Traditional teachings that have stood the test of time…even when many of the teachings were outlawed, they have survived!

Awards

• The first edition of The ABC’s of Our Spiritual Connection won a Children's Choice Award.

Educator Information
Sesame Street aired the ABC’s book for a few years. WAKANHEJA the Aboriginal Puppet show was based on the ABC book as well.

Many schools, reserves, community libraries, Head Start programs, and teacher’s colleges across North America have the ABC’s of Our Spiritual Connection in their library collections.

Additional Information
54 Pages | 11” x 8.5”