Strong Stories
Our Strong Stories focus on Indigenous communities 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.
Watch a Strong Stories series overview: https://youtu.be/MO-bP0PHYO0

Synopsis:
Kwakwaka’wakw (kwok-wok-ya-wokw) people harvest many types of berries. We are careful to take care of our berries in the forest. What do you take care of in the forest?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
Traditional Berry Picking is part of the Strong Stories: Kwakwaka’wakw 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743136

Synopsis:
A beautiful traditional Métis story about the creation of the moon. How did Mother Earth and Grandmother Moon come to be named as they are? Do you know why you have the name you were given?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
How the Moon Came to Be is part of the Strong Stories: Métis 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743143

Synopsis:
Both the Métis people and dandelions have great resiliency in their ability to survive. They both have similar characteristics. What is it about dandelions that makes them strong and resilient?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
Métis and Dandelions is part of the Strong Stories: Métis 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743150
Synopsis:
Métis Singing Sticks are more than musical instruments, they are also special family time spent together. Join Leah as she shares a family story. What is a special family time that your family has?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
A Story About Métis Musical Traditions is part of the Strong Stories: Métis 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743167

Synopsis:
People need boxes to put things into when moving from one place to another. There are many kinds of boxes today. Long ago, there were only wooden boxes which were all handmade. What kinds of boxes have you seen?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
Métis Transport Boxes is part of the Strong Stories: Métis 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743174

Synopsis:
Long ago, pemmican was a staple food for Métis people. At that time, it was made with dried and crushed buffalo meat mixed with grease and dried berries. Pemmican could last through the winter months in storage. What is a type of food that you know of that can last a long time?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
Pemmican Berries is part of the Strong Stories: Métis 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743181

Synopsis:
Leah Marie Dorion’s poetry reflects her deep connection to Mother Earth, which she has had since she was a child. Each poem gently recognizes all that is around us and the importance of being respectful. What is one way that you show respect to Mother Earth?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
Poems to Honour Mother Earth is part of the Strong Stories: Métis 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743198

Synopsis:
A playful story about how Sasquatch is always being helpful. Sasquatch is honoured with an offering of food to show gratitude. What is something that you do to show gratitude?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
The Helpful Sasquatch is part of the Strong Stories: Métis 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743204

Synopsis:
Creator advised us not to compare ourselves to each other. We all have a special place within the circle of life. What do you think happens when Tamarack seeks the attention of the Muskeg people?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for intermediate students (grades 4-6).
The Story of the Tamarack Tree is part of the Strong Stories: Métis 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743211

Synopsis:
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

Synopsis:
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

Synopsis:
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

Synopsis:
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

Synopsis:
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

Synopsis:
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




















