Indigenous Peoples in Canada

En plein cœur de la ville, sur une rue très animée, Petit Loup aime s’assoir sur les marches du perron chez sa grand-mère. Parfois, les odeurs de la forêt lui manquent tellement qu’elle hurle à la lune. Ce chant animal réjouit son cœur.

Petit Loup est venue habiter en ville avec sa mère et sa sœur, mais l’ajustement n’a pas été facile. La nature et les animaux lui manquent terriblement. Le territoire traditionnel et sa culture lui manquent également. Puis le temps passe, et Petit Loup découvre la beauté de son nouvel environnement. Elle reste liée à sa culture, grâce au perlage et aux danses traditionnelles. Malgré des débuts difficiles, Petit Loup grandit dans la fierté de son héritage autochtone, prête à faire face à l’avenir.

Reviews
« Petit Loup de Spathelfer est un récit inspirant qui peut redonner courage aux enfants ayant perdu leur sens d’appartenance. Il convient parfaitement aux jeunes lecteurs et lectrices de la maternelle à la 4e année. »—Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools

« La force de Petit Loup réside dans le rapport délicat tissé entre difficultés vécues et espoir, dont le fil conducteur peut être la fierté de sa culture.... Recommandé. »—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is a part of the Petit Loup (Little Wolf) trilogy. It was translated from English to French by Nicole Laurendeau.

This book is available in English: Little Wolf

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

Let's go on a walk and practice our language!

What birds will we see? I see one sîsîp / pêyak little duck!

In a celebration of the connection between language learning and the land, a young child enjoys a walk in nature and spots different birds while practicing counting from one to ten in Plains Cree. With bright illustrations, rhyming clues in English and pronunciation guides on every page, pêyak little duck is a friendly introduction to Plains Cree and a celebration of the beauty of springtime in the Prairies and the Plains.

Reviews
"Ideal for families, educators, and those beginning their exploration of Indigenous languages, peyâk little duck is a wonderful contribution to language preservation and a celebration of identity through storytelling." - Anika L., Middle School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Learn to count from one to ten in Plains Cree. Simple rhyming English text complements Plains Cree vocabulary to help readers learn and practice the numbers one through ten. Illustration labels for birds and other natural objects are an opportunity for additional language learning.

Pronunciations are given beside each Cree number to support readers in their learning. The rhyme and rhythm of the English text also provides clues about how the Cree is pronounced. Additional pronunciations and information about language learning are provided in the back matter.

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 3 classrooms for English Language Arts. 

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

June 21 is celebrated all over Turtle Island (North America) as National Indigenous People’s Day. François and his friends are excited to celebrate their first public commemoration of this day with Poppa. They will host a morning sunrise ceremony, including Poppa’s teaching on the Seven Lessons of the Mi’kmaw Medicine Wheel.

In this third book of the “Poppa” series, Poppa celebrates his first National Indigenous People’s Day with his Mi’kmaw Community of St. George’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He can finally do so without fear of discrimination or oppression. After many years of having to hide his Indigenous ancestry, due to the colonial assimilation of his generation, Poppa’s grandson, François, invites him to his school as a respected Mi’kmaw Elder.

Poppa realizes with much joy that his Indigenous culture is bursting with revitalization and renewed pride in a heritage he feared would be lost and forgotten forever. He does not have to practise his cultural ceremonies in private any longer.

Come, join us as we rediscover the teachings of our Mi’kmaw Medicine Wheel and how our ancestors depended on it as a valuable teaching tool for our Peoples. The lessons of the Medicine Wheel are deeply profound and rich with Indigenous spirituality. The Medicine Wheel begs the utmost respect for the Creator as well as every other living creature in existence.

We are all connected in this great circle of life, and we are encouraged to share in each other’s life journey with the help of our Spirit Guides and ancestors’ guidance. Poppa invites us to participate in celebrating the joy of this day with him. Let’s all seek to find our own balance and reconciliation with love and acceptance that can be found within the realms of our own Mi’kmaw Medicine Wheel.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 12.

This book is part of the Poppa series.

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

A joyous celebration of gender expression through an Indigenous lens, by New York Times bestselling author Tasha Spillett and Ojibwe elder Daniel Ramirez

Raven loves round dances. The drums sing to the people, and the people dance to their songs. Raven especially loves dancing with his grandma, sidestepping to the rhythm of the drums. His favourite part of all is watching the ribbon skirts swirl like rainbows.

"Nohkum, do you think a boy could wear a ribbon skirt?" Raven asks his grandmother one day. She tells him she has lived for a long time, but she has never seen it. That evening, she sews late into the night, and Raven awakes to a rainbow skirt of his own. "I've lived for a long time," his grandma says, "and I'm lucky to see beautiful things that I've never seen before." At the next dance, Raven wears the swirl of unique ribbons with pride.

With illustrations infused with joy and colour, this moving intergenerational story celebrates self-expression, honouring traditions, and finding room for reinvention.

Reviews
"Weaves Two-Spirit self-expression and collective belonging into a beautiful tribute to Indigenous heritage." — Kirkus Reviews - STARRED REVIEW

"Cree author Spillett (I Sang You Down from the Stars) captures the joy of the round dance, and a feeling of belonging and connection offered in intergenerational Indigenous community." — Publishers Weekly - STARRED REVIEW

"[A] welcome story about an Indigenous child's gender expression." — The Horn Book

"In this heartfelt story, Spillett shows that love and support matter more than tradition, gently challenging expectations while honouring culture." - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 2 to 4 for English Language Arts, Art, Dance, Music, and Social Studies.

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

You are more powerful than you imagine.

In this lyrical picture book, young readers are reminded of their cultural roots, the wisdom of their ancestors and their own potential. Each page offers an affirmation about identity, respect, love and truth, encouraging all children to embrace their unique gifts and power. From the resilience flowing through their veins to the knowledge written in the stars, Remember Who You Are inspires children to see themselves as integral parts of their community, capable of great leadership and great kindness.

Perfect for bedtime reading and classroom discussions, this book fosters a deep sense of belonging and pride by celebrating Indigenous heritage and reminding young readers who they truly are.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in a dual-language format: Remember Who You Are / kiskisi awîna kiya.

This book is available in French: N'oublie jamais qui tu es.

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

You are more powerful than you imagine.

In this lyrical picture book, young readers are reminded of their cultural roots, the wisdom of their ancestors and their own potential. Each page offers an affirmation about identity, respect, love and truth, encouraging all children to embrace their unique gifts and power. From the resilience flowing through their veins to the knowledge written in the stars, Remember Who You Are inspires children to see themselves as integral parts of their community, capable of great leadership and great kindness.

Perfect for bedtime reading and classroom discussions, this book fosters a deep sense of belonging and pride by celebrating Indigenous heritage and reminding young readers who they truly are.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Dual-language: English and Plains Cree.

Plain Cree translation by Dorothy Thunder. 

This book is available in English: Remember Who You Are.

This book is available in French: N'oublie jamais qui tu es. 

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

A celebration of traditional ways of life and the power of sharing what we have.

”Rez kid!“ The girl ignores the taunt as she hurries to the back of the school bus. She just wants to get home to the reservation, where she can feel safe. One by one, she tells her mom, nóhkom, moshum and aunty about what happened. And one by one they offer her advice on what to do. Each one has a different idea, but each idea is the same at heart: share something from the reservation with the other children. The girl listens, but decides to come up with her own idea. And, as with everything else about her life as a rez kid, her idea grows out of all she has been given by those who came before her.

Andrea Landry has written a beautiful story that celebrates Indigenous ways of life and encourages readers to be proud of who they are. The traditions practiced on the girl’s reservation are showcased as she beads, harvests medicine, gardens and rides horseback with her elders. Isabella Fassler’s stunning art, with swirls of bold colors, evokes the majesty and splendor of nature. The message of showing kindness in response to aggression offers a powerful lesson for all readers. This book could augment social studies lessons on Indigenous cultures and character education conversations about courage, compassion and inclusiveness. An author’s note gives a brief history of reservations/reserves.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Curriculum Connections: Compassion; Courage; Empathy; Inclusiveness; Indigenous peoples; Rural communities

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

From the author of I'm Finding My Talk comes a candid picture book about the importance of Indigenous place names, and acknowledging traditional lands.

Sem is confused. The map Mr. Trainer has just put on the screen is all wrong. It's the same shape as Turtle Island but it's nothing but boxes and lines, and it's filled with names he doesn't know. There's no reference to the stories of the land his Kiju tells him every night while she braids his hair. But Sem's teacher and classmates claim there's nothing wrong. It's the same map they've always used.

See tries to see the land the way Mr. Trainer showed him, but it just doesn't feel right. Where is the story of how the moose gets his dinner? Or where the fish run in the spring? Or when to tap the trees for syrup?

With the help of Kiju, Sem will show his teacher and his classmates how the stories of the land, the Indigenous place names, are far older than any map.

A gentle calling-in, this assured story from Governor General's Award finalist Rebecca Thomas is paired with colourful, lively illustrations from Azby Whitecalf, as well as colonial and decolonial maps of Turtle Island (North America) for reference. Sem's Map is an invaluable resource for caregivers, educators, and young readers about the importance of acknowledging the traditional lands we live on, and unlearning colonial ways of the past.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

Themes / Subjects: First Nations, Indigenous Knowledge, place names, land acknowledgement, decolonization, history, social studies

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Paperback 

It is very cold in the Far North.

The Great Manitou knows that winter is the harshest season for the Innu, and he decides to find a way to make their winters a little brighter. He searches through the trees in the forest to find one who will bring joy, beauty and warmth to all. Could it be the larch, the tree that the Innu use to make sleds, bows or ointments? The birch, malleable and robust? Or the magnificent black spruce? “Do you want to become the Christmas tree?” he asks each one. But one after the other, the trees decline his offer. All except one, the little fir tree, whom the Great Manitou had initially overlooked.

Reviews
“The Great Manitou appears in vibrant fuchsia as various woodland creatures, standing out against the cool winter palette. A Christmas-themed look into Indigenous culture tradition that encourages further exploration.”— School Library Journal (SLJ)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in French: Le premier arbre de Noël.

Additional Information
56 pages | 8.50" x 10.75" | Hardcover 

A modern story of traditional Indigenous knowledge from the author of The Sharing Circle that teaches young readers about the importance of the Friendship Centre for urban Indigenous peoples.

Matthew is visiting his uncle in the big city! He can't wait to tour the Friendship Centre, where Uncle Hunter works, and enjoy all the food, activities, and resources it has to offer.

With language classes, drumming circles, feasts, and more, Matthew learns that the Friendship Centre provides a home away from home for urban Indigenous people. It's a space created for Indigenous people by Indigenous people, and Matthew feels welcomed right away. Matthew drums, smudges, and tastes freshly baked bannock, but his favourite parts of his visit are the people he meets.

From the author of Sweetgrass, The Gathering, and The Sharing Circle, and the illustrator of Muinji'j Asks Why, this story welcomes all into a safe and inviting community space.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Indigenous Knowledge Series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 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.

Reviews
"This book is written in English with some words in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓. It begins with an introduction of the author, Henry Charles (Ten Bears), as the book was published posthumously. The story imagines hockey in the long ago; Mən’ə decided that a game played on ice was the only way for Killer Whale and Brown Bear to settle their dispute. Mən’ə made a trophy for the winner, but when Killer Whale wins, he declines the trophy as he is heading back to the ocean. The reward is then shared with a boy who invited others to witness the game, and he shares it with his people. Students can learn about important traditional practices (witnessing, inviting others to witness, and the use of a game to settle a dispute) through the story. Older students could use the story to learn about sportsmanship and review the characteristics of fair play." - Alethea S., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It's recommended for K to 4 classrooms for English Language Arts and Physical and Health Education.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

How can the small mouse and squirrel play lacrosse with the big animals? A fun Native American tale that first graders can read on their own.

A game of lacrosse is about to begin—with the four-legged animals facing off against the winged animals. Mouse and Squirrel want to join!

But Bear and Deer won’t let animals so small on their team. The birds would welcome the small animals, but Mouse and Squirrel can't fly. The winged team has a clever plan.

This Native American tale about the origin of the bat and flying squirrel is framed by a grandfather sharing a story with his grandson.

Educator & Series Information
Phonics features are noted on the copyright page.

This book has been officially leveled by using the F & P Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System. It is a Level I for Grade 1.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on books for kindergarteners and first graders. Acclaimed author-illustrators create original, high-quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.77" x 9.99" | Paperback

From an acclaimed Ojibwe artist comes a story that offers an empowering universal message about finding inner strength.

Zoon’s shadow is always in his way. It makes a mess of his room, disrupts his class at school, and trips him on the soccer field. Zoon doesn’t know what to do! Until he tells his grandmother about it, and she gives him his grandfather’s drum. Its rhythm is like a heartbeat. If only Zoon can listen to the drum’s song, and ultimately to his own heart, he may yet find a way to thrive alongside his shadow.

Pawis‑Steckley's striking, graphic art brings to vibrant life both the challenges of controlling our trickster impulses and the luminosity of ancestral and inner wisdom, paving the way for us all to listen to our hearts.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

In this charming debut, a feather from a red-tailed hawk finds its home in a little girl's dreamcatcher

When a gust of wind blows a feather off a flying red-tailed hawk, it marks the beginning of that feather's quest to find a new home. The feather ends up in a squirrel's nest, a woman's hat, and atop a sandcastle-but none of these spots feel right.

Soon, the feather is picked up by a little girl who lovingly takes it home to join two other feathers as part of a special craft project. When the project is complete, the reader discovers that the feather has found its home in a dreamcatcher.

Bright illustrations bring young readers along on this lost feather's search for purpose, and the heartwarming conclusion weaves in a tribute to an Indigenous cultural object.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M 
Lexile measure: AD630L

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 7.75" | Hardcover