Previous Years' Selections

We can learn many things from the stars, the plants, the animals, and Ena Makoochay (Mother Earth) herself. But how do we show gratitude for the gifts we receive?

Paul Wahasaypa—Siha Tooskin—knows that whether we are taking berries or plants from the earth or knowledge from a learned person it is so important to offer a gift back to show honour and appreciation. Join Paul and his teacher Mrs. Baxter to find out what they discover about the protocol of offering the tobacco plant.

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Educator & Series Information
The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy. Explore Nakota culture and traditions alongside Paul Wahasaypa and his community in this eight-book series.

Key Features:

• A coming-of-age story about a Nakota boy learning about his identity and developing a sense of cultural responsibility in a contemporary, urban setting. Also touches on issues of environmental ecology and bullying.
• Charlene Bearhead and Wilson Bearhead are both well-respected and accomplished educators and storytellers.
• A part of the Siha Tooskin Knows series with teachings that show an Indigenous community and family in a positive light.
• Nakota lessons aim for universality, informing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers.
• This book illustrates how traditional teachings can play a vital role in contemporary life.
• Dynamic illustrations by Nakota artist Chloe Bluebird Mustooch bring this story to life.

Recommended for ages 9 to 11.  Early Chapter Books.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for Grades 3 to 6 in the areas of Applied Design, English, Science, and Social Studies.

Keywords/Themes/Subjects: Cultural Practices, Tobacco Offering, Plants, Land, Stars, Nakota.

Additional Information
24 pages | 5.50" x 8.00"

For as long as Paul could remember there were eagle feathers around him…but how had they come to be in all of those places in his life?

Paul Wahasaypa—Siha Tooskin—already knows that the eagle is important because of the way that his family respects and cares for eagle feathers. Now he’s old enough for the teachings of where the feathers come from and why they are so sacred. Walk with Paul and Mitoshin (his grandfather) so you too will understand the teaching of the sacred eagle feather.

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Educator & Series Information
The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy. Explore Nakota culture and traditions alongside Paul Wahasaypa and his community in this eight-book series.

Key Features:

• A coming-of-age story about a Nakota boy learning about his identity and developing a sense of cultural responsibility in a contemporary, urban setting. Also touches on issues of environmental ecology and bullying.
• Charlene Bearhead and Wilson Bearhead are both well-respected and accomplished educators and storytellers.
• A part of the Siha Tooskin Knows series with teachings that show an Indigenous community and family in a positive light.
• Nakota lessons aim for universality, informing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers.
• This book illustrates how traditional teachings can play a vital role in contemporary life.
• Dynamic illustrations by Nakota artist Chloe Bluebird Mustooch bring this story to life.

Recommended for ages 9 to 11.  Early Chapter Books.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for Grades 3 to 6 in the areas of English and Social Studies.

Includes a glossary with Nakota words.

Keywords/Themes/Subjects: Nakota, Eagle Feathers, Customs and Traditions, Culture, Connectedness to Plants and Animals. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 5.50" x 8.00" | Colour Illustrations

Where can you find strength when someone disrespects you? And what does having strength really mean?

Paul Wahasaypa—Siha Tooskin—has learned from Ena (his mom) and Ade (his dad) to maintain a strong mind, heart, and spirit. Though starting at a new school can be hard, especially when the kids there have never experienced the values and culture of the Nakota people. Join Paul as Mitoshin (his grandfather) helps remind him how strength of character can be found in the strength of his hair.

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Educator & Series Information
The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy. Explore Nakota culture and traditions alongside Paul Wahasaypa and his community in this eight-book series.

Key Features:

• A coming-of-age story about a Nakota boy learning about his identity and developing a sense of cultural responsibility in a contemporary, urban setting. Also touches on issues of environmental ecology and bullying.
• Charlene Bearhead and Wilson Bearhead are both well-respected and accomplished educators and storytellers.
• A part of the Siha Tooskin Knows series with teachings that show an Indigenous community and family in a positive light.
• Nakota lessons aim for universality, informing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers.
• This book illustrates how traditional teachings can play a vital role in contemporary life.
• Dynamic illustrations by Nakota artist Chloe Bluebird Mustooch bring this story to life.

Recommended for ages 9 to 11.  Early Chapter Books.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for Grades 3 to 6 in the areas of English and Social Studies.

Keywords/Themes/Subjects: Nakota Culture, Respect, Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Includes a Nakota glossary.

Additional Information
24 pages | 5.50" x 8.00" | Colour Illustrations

Return to the valleys of the River of Mists with award-winning author Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson). Nox xsgyaak, the eagle mother, cares for her brood in the embrace of a black cottonwood with the help of her mate. Will both eaglets survive the summer in an environment that is both delicate and unforgiving?

Learn about the life cycle of these stunning birds of prey, the traditions of the Gitxsan, and how bald eagles can enrich their entire ecosystem. Evocative illustration brings the Xsan's flora and fauna to life for middle years readers in book three of the Mothers of Xsan series.

Reviews
“The Eagle Mother by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) and illustrator Natasha Donovan, the third in the Mothers of Xsan series, which offers a perspective on the life cycle of animals important to the land and to people.”— Publishers Weekly

"For further learning about the Gitxsan, the author has included a glossary titled "The Gitxsan Moons" and a summary of Gitxsan Nation clans" - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021

Educator & Series Information
Recommended ages: 9 to 12 (Grades 3 to 7).

This is the third book in the Mothers of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life. The traditional Gitxsan formline art and language weave together throughout the stories in this series to paint a vivid picture of the Gitxsan people. 

The Mothers of Xsan series is a collection of stories that connect the world to the matrilineal society of the Gitxsan people, located in Northwestern British Columbia. It presents scientific knowledge in language and a format that is accessible. Each book in the series showcases the depth and importance of the knowledge that has been gathered and shared through this unique style of storytelling. The stories of life cycle, connection the land and language are told from the perspective of the Mothers of Xsan system's animals.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades 1-4 in the areas of Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"

Richard Van Camp, reconnu à travers le monde à titre de conteur et d’auteur des ouvrages à succès Welcome Song for Baby et We Sang You Home, s’est associé à la grande illustratrice Julie Flett. Cet album cartonné destiné aux bébés et aux bambins rend hommage, avec tendresse, à l’enfant à l’intérieur de chacun. Grâce à ses illustrations contemporaines adorables, Tout petit toi est un ouvrage parfait pour être regardé, lu à voix haute ou même chanté à tous les petits qui vous entourent… ou qui partageront votre vie bientôt !

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 0-2.

This is the French translation of Little You.

This book is available in a dual-language hardcover format in English and Anishinaabemowin: Little You / Gidagaashiinh

Keywords: bébés, famille, nouveau-nés, poésie, autochtone.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as a French resource.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover

This richly illustrated book by writer David Bouchard and illustrator Kristy Cameron, weaves together Woodland style paintings with a rhythmic poem about the spiritual lessons that we can learn from the Sun and the seven sacred teachings.

Educator Information
David Bouchard is a bestselling author, speaker and educator. He is Canada’s most sought after public speaker. We Learn from the Sun is an Indigenous rhyming poem based on his best selling book Seven Sacred Teachings.

An accompanying lesson plan and resource guide entitled We Learn from the Sun: Lesson Plans and Resources can be found on our site as well.

This book is available in French: On apprend du soleil.

Recommended for ages 5 to 12.

This resource is included in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K to 7 for Language Arts.

Additional Information
34 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | 26 colour illustrations

When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.

Awards

• 2022 Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award
• 2021 Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Shining Willow

Reviews
“A perfect addition to your bedtime routine, and would make a great gift for every teacher and librarian your child knows, so each school has a copy upon reopening.” — them.

“Simple statements have the resonance of affirmations and establish a clear chain of connectedness…A panoply of Indigenous characters is featured in rich detail. A visual feast for families interested in seeing the Native world through small, kind deeds.” — Kirkus Reviews

“An accessible picture book that will work well as a read-aloud in a group or for quiet reading alone. Whether at home or in the classroom, its pleasing repetition of phrases. such as 'I am kind when' and 'I feel', will appeal to young readers and invite re-reading. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Themes: Teaching Compassion, Being Kind, Family, Friendship, Gratitude

Simple, pointed text gives examples of how children can be kind to those around them, the different emotions that receiving kindness can make us feel, and how we maintain a connection with one another through acts of kindness within our community.

This book is also available in a dual-language format: When We Are Kind / Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íįgo

This book is also available in French: Nous sommes gentils

This book is available as a board book: When We Are Kind (BB)

This resource is recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K to 4 for use in these areas: Career Education, English Language Arts, Social Studies.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

A tender, luminous portrait of art, nature, and connecting across generations.

When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend? Acclaimed author and artist Julie Flett’s textured images of birds, flowers, art, and landscapes bring vibrancy and warmth to this powerful story, which highlights the fulfillment of intergenerational relationships and shared passions.

Awards

• TD Canadian Children's Literature Award

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 3 to 8

Recommended Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3.

Curriculum Connections: Family - Indigenous, Friendship, Emotions and Feelings, Nature, Seasons

Gorgeous artwork captures life cycles, changing seasons, and the passing of life, providing a gentle way to discuss difficult subject matter with youth including loneliness, death, and grief.

Guided Reading Level: L

RRL: 19

Common Core State Standards
W.2.3,5,7,8
SL.2.1,1b,1c,2,3,4,6
RF.2.3,3d,3f,4,4a,4c
L.2.3,4,4a,4d,5,5a,5b,6

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K-2 in these areas: English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"

Based in Duck Bay, Manitoba, in the 1940s, an Elder shares his experience of packing up to go out to collect blueberries, a traditional gathering that took place every summer. He describes the journey and landscape with humor and such vivid imagery that readers will see themselves there with him, boarding the trail of wagons from surrounding communities and heading east toward the blueberry patch. The Elder's stories offer a journey back in time and are complemented by images of fields of plump blueberries, tall green grass, bannock baking over an open fire, clear freshwater streams and the tents the people slept in.

Educator Information
Written in English and Anishinaabemowin. Includes a page of after-reading activities for kids at the back of the book that both test reading comprehension and encourage further inquiry and exploration.

Recommended for ages 6-8.

Themes: Manitoba, Berries, Food Sovereignty, Indigenous, Traditions, Food, Culture, Family, Community, Anishinaabe.

Includes a recipe for bannock.

Translated by Norman Chartrand.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K-3 in these areas: English Language Arts, Art, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

This updated edition is expanded to include more numbers and new illustrations, making it an even finer resource for teaching the basics of counting in English, French, and Cree.

Neepin Auger’s books for children contain original, brightly coloured images and early education level concepts familiar to everyone. Playful and bold, this dynamic series will educate and entertain preschoolers, parents, and teachers alike.

In addition to the English words presented, the French and Cree equivalents are also given, making these some of the most dynamic and useful board books on the market, perfectly suitable for the classroom, library, and nursery.

Neepin Auger is a Cree artist, educator, and mother. Originally from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta, she has been painting for over ten years, having studied art under her father, Dale Auger, a renowned First Nations artist and author of the award-winning children's book Mwâkwa Talks to the Loon: A Cree Story for Children.

Reviews
"Neepin Auger has created a simple board book that illustrates the numbers one to ten and includes the words in English, French and Cree. Bright, simple drawings attract the eye. The subjects are those familiar to Cree children but have universal application. This book and its companion Discovering Words will be useful in preschool and kindergarten classrooms, especially those introducing multiple languages." —Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools, 2014-2015

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of Neepin Auger's Discovering series.

This is the 2nd, updated edition.

Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 6.50" | 2nd Edition 

The fourth book in this colourful and unique series introduces twenty-two basic words in English, French, and Cree relating to familiar people at home and in the community. 

Neepin Auger's books for children contain original, brightly coloured images and early education level concepts familiar to everyone. Playful and bold, this dynamic series will educate and entertain preschoolers, parents, and teachers alike. 

In addition to the English words presented, the French and Cree equivalents are also given, making these some of the most dynamic and useful board books on the market, perfectly suitable for the classroom, library, and nursery.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under.

This is the fourth book in a series of Discovering books from Neepin Auger.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K-1 in these areas: Career Education, English Language Arts, and Social Studies.

Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 6.50"

This updated edition includes a few replacement words and new artwork, gently refreshing the content to help teach the basics of early language in English, French, and Cree.

Neepin Auger's books for children contain original, brightly coloured images and early education level concepts familiar to everyone. Playful and bold, this dynamic series will educate and entertain preschoolers, parents, and teachers alike.

In addition to the English words presented, the French and Cree equivalents are also given, making these some of the most dynamic and useful board books on the market, perfectly suitable for the classroom, library and nursery

Neepin Auger is a Cree artist, educator, and mother. Originally from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta, she has been painting for over ten years, having studied art under her father, Dale Auger, a renowned First Nations artist and author of the award-winning children's book Mwâkwa Talks to the Loon: A Cree Story for Children.

Reviews
"Neepin Auger's alphabet board book uses the same bright, simple style of illustration as the companion Discovering Numbers. English, French and Cree words accompany each illustration. Only the English words, in fact, follow the alphabet while the French and Cree words are translations. The pictures will be familiar to Cree children and provide a useful introduction to the other languages." —Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools, 2014-2015

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of Neepin Auger's Discovering series, for ages 3 and under.

This is the updated 2nd edition.

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 6.50" | 2nd Edition

In this book, Gifts From Raven, Kung Jaadee a Haida storyteller, shares with us that Raven has given each person a special gift to share with the world. That gift is their unique talent or passion. 

Reviews
"This story opens opportunities for discussions about generosity, community, diversity, unique talents, and helping others. This resource also supports learning about traditional Indigenous uses of natural resources in Social Studies and Science. Gifts from Raven is suitable as an enjoyable read-aloud for early primary students, and as an independent read for students in grades two and up. This resource features a short guide to Haida words with a visual for each." - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021

Educator Information
This is an adaptation of her book Raven’s Feast for a younger audience. 

A page at the back of the book includes a few words in Haida and how to say them.

Suggested for ages 4-6.

Included in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K-1 in the areas of Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts.

This book is available in French: Les cadeaux du corbeau

Additional Information
34 pages | 9.00" x 8.00"

Combining graphic fiction and non-fiction, this young adult graphic novel serves as a window into one of the unique dangers of being an Indigenous teen in Canada today. The text of the book is derived from excerpts of a letter written to the Winnipeg Chief of Police by fourteen-year-old Brianna Jonnie — a letter that went viral and was also the basis of a documentary film. In her letter, Jonnie calls out the authorities for neglecting to immediately investigate missing Indigenous people and urges them to "not treat me as the Indigenous person I am proud to be," if she were to be reported missing.

Indigenous artist Neal Shannacappo provides the artwork for the book. Through his illustrations he imagines a situation in which a young Indigenous woman does disappear, portraying the reaction of her community, her friends, the police and media.

An author's note at the end of the book provides context for young readers about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada.

Awards

• 2021 Indigenous Voices Awards winner for Published Graphic Novels, Comics, and Illustrated Books in any Language.

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 12 - 18. 

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 7 to 12 for use in these areas: English Language Arts, Social Justice, and Social Studies.

This book is available in French: Si je disparais

Additional Information
64 pages | 8.50" x 9.50" | 100+ 2-colour illustrations

Hockey is a relatively new sport in Canada's North. It wasn't until 2003 that Jordin Kudluk "Thunder" Tootoo became the first Inuk to play in an NHL game. Although hockey is a rough sport to begin with, Jordin Tootoo is known for having to "fight his way through." Jordin has had more than his fair share of fights — both on and off the ice. He's had to overcome the social problems that are associated with the North, fight his way through the discrimination and culture shock he encountered after leaving Rankin Inlet and moving to Alberta to play in the Juniors, and see his way through the grief of losing his NHL-bound older brother and hero, Terence Tootoo, to suicide in 2002.

This new, updated biography explores the struggles and accomplishments of the most recognized role model for young Indigenous people today.

Eduactor & Series Information
Fry Reading Level - 4.6

This book is part of the Recordbooks Series. Recordbooks help reluctant readers understand social issues through the lens of a true story of a sports hero.

Series features:

• Ideal for reluctant readers
• Hi-lo
• Short chapters, easy-to-read format
• Great for ESL and adult students
• Writing with a flair for making history feel like novels
• Accompanied by historical photos and sports trivia
• Ideal for ages 12+

Additional Information
160 pages | 4.25" x 7.00"