Inuit

In The Legend of Thunder and Lightning, a traditional legend that has been told in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut for centuries, two siblings resort to stealing from their fellow villagers.

In this tale of guilt and consequence, the actions of the two children lead them to flee punishment by escaping to the sky as thunder and lightning.

This beautifully illustrated traditional legend weaves together elements of an origin story and a traditional cautionary tale, giving young readers an accessible window into centuries-old Inuit mythology that is specific to the Kivalliq region of Nunavut.

In the time before animals were as they are today, Raven and Loon were both white. Their feathers had no colour at all. Raven spent his days swooping through the sky trying to fight off his incessant boredom, while loon spent her days in her iglu working away on her sewing. One day, too bored to even fly, Raven visited Loon and suggested a sewing game that would give their feathers some much-needed colour. The results—not at all what the two birds expected—led to Raven and Loon acquiring their now-familiar coats.

This whimsical retelling of a pan-Arctic traditional story features lively, colourful illustrations from Kim Smith.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3-5.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.25" x 7.30"

Ukaliq is a fun and informative activity book about Nunavut, designed for readers aged three to six.

It's jam-packed with comics, stories, games, facts, photographs, and illustrations, providing young readers with entertaining and engaging opportunities to practice their independent reading skills.

This book features everything kids could want to know about Arctic puppies, complete with full-colour photographs, a beautifully illustrated version of a traditional myth, and a lively and exciting array of educational activities, from mazes to colouring pages!

Nothing will stop a strong-minded young Inuit girl from learning how to read.

Olemaun is eight and knows a lot of things. But she does not know how to read. She must travel to the outsiders' school to learn, ignoring her father's warning of what will happen there.

The nuns at the school take her Inuit name and call her Margaret. They cut off her long hair and force her to do chores. She has only one thing left -- a book about a girl named Alice, who falls down a rabbit hole.

Margaret's tenacious character draws the attention of a black-cloaked nun who tries to break her spirit at every turn. But she is more determined than ever to read.

By the end, Margaret knows that, like Alice, she has traveled to a faraway land and stood against a tyrant, proving herself to be brave and clever.

Based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and complemented by stunning illustrations, When I Was Eight makes the bestselling Fatty Legs accessible to young children. Now they, too, can meet this remarkable girl who reminds us what power we hold when we can read.

Reviews
"A searing account of assimilation policies and a celebration of the human spirit In this picture-book memoir, an Inuit recollects how she begged her father to attend the church-run Indian residential school so she could fulfill her cherished dream to learn to read... What she discovers is the school is draconian... Olemaun describes how a nun cuts her braid, changes her name, and assigns an endless list of chores... Even as she labors, Olemaun finds strength in memories of her father's love and uses every opportunity to study the alphabet and sound out words. Effective shadow-ridden illustrations capture the pervasive atmosphere of abuse, but the final picture speaks volumes about Olemaun's determination and triumph: her face appears as large and shining as the sun emerging from darkness, because she has taught herself to read... A searing account of assimilation policies and a celebration of the human spirit." — Jeanne McDermott, Booklist, April 2013

"Pokiak-Fenton's true story of her experiences at residential school, was originally told in Fatty Legs.... When I Was Eight is an even more powerful read due to its emphasis on concise, affective text coupled with Gabrielle Grimard's quietly unpretentious artwork." — Canlit for Little Canadians

"When I Was Eight is a powerful story based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton... It is a story of a young Inuit girl who goes to a residential school and suffers terrible abuse from the nuns at the school... Through all these trials, she perseveres in trying to learn to read. One day in class she is finally able to stand up to the teacher and show her own strength by reading aloud. It is a moment of victory! Although this story may be intended for younger students who are studying the Inuit, it could also be used in upper grades when discussing social justice issues. The story ties in with anti-bullying themes as well... Highly recommended." — Lori Austin, Resource Links, Vol. 18, No. 5, May 2013

"This excellent picture book, written as a companion to the longer version of it called Fatty Legs, is a powerful way to introduce the residential school experience to younger readers." — Sally Bender, Sal's Fiction Addiction, February 2014

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 6-9.

Authentic First Peoples Resource K-9.

Grades 10-11 English First Peoples resource for the unit First Steps - Exploring Residential School and Reconciliation through Children's Literature.

This resource is also available in French: Quand j'avais huit ans

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Colour illustrations throughout.

One of the most terrifying creatures to be found in traditional Inuit stories is the nanurluk, a massive bear the size of an iceberg that lives under the sea ice. Its monstrous size and ice-covered fur make it an almost impenetrable foe. But when a lone hunter spots the breathing hole of the nanurluk on the sea ice near his iglu, he quickly uses his quick thinking and excellent hunting skills to hatch a plan to outsmart the deadly bear.

Jose Angutingunrik, a gifted storyteller and respected elder from Kugaaruk, Nunavut, brings to life a story of the great nanurluk that has been told in the Kugaaruk region for generations.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

This resource is also available in hardcover: The Giant Bear

This resource is also available in Inuktitut: The Giant Bear (Inuktitut Version)

This resource is also available in French: L'ours géant: un Conte inuit

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

Winter can be cruel in the Arctic, and food quickly grows scarce for those who cannot hunt. In these difficult times, the grandmother of an orphaned boy wishes aloud for the qallupaluit—strange, monstrous creatures that live under the sea ice—to take her grandson away forever. The old woman soon regrets her hasty words when the little boy is snatched and carried away to the creatures' underwater lair. After enlisting the help of her fellow villagers, the old woman learns that her grandson may be happier with the qallupaluit than he ever was with her.

The powerful memoir of an Inuvialuit girl searching for her true self when she returns from residential school. 

Traveling to be reunited with her family in the Arctic, 10-year-old Margaret Pokiak can hardly contain her excitement. It's been two years since her parents delivered her to the school run by the dark-cloaked nuns and brothers. 

Coming ashore, Margaret spots her family, but her mother barely recognizes her, screaming, "Not my girl." Margaret realizes she is now marked as an outsider. 

And Margaret is an outsider: she has forgotten the language and stories of her people, and she can't even stomach the food her mother prepares. 

However, Margaret gradually relearns her language and her family's way of living. Along the way, she discovers how important it is to remain true to the ways of her people -- and to herself. 

Highlighted by archival photos and striking artwork, this first-person account of a young girl's struggle to find her place will inspire young readers to ask what it means to belong.

Sequel to Fatty Legs.

Reviews
"This memoir, detailing a woeful piece of Canadian history and demonstrating Margaret's strength of character, compassion, courage and her willingness to sacrifice herself for her family's sake, gives the reader a lot to ponder. Highly recommended." — Shelbey Krahn, Canadian Materials, February 2012

"A Stranger at Home will speak to anyone who has experienced displacement or assimilation into a new culture. This fabulous story enhances the Grades 6 to 8 social studies curriculum." — Professionally Speaking (Ontario College of Teache, April 2012

"While it may not have the same drama and tension of the first memoir, this tale provides a compelling and moving story of a girl searching for the strength to find her place in the world." — Jody Kopple, School Library Journal, December 2011

"Without being graphic or overwhelming, the Fentons recreate a tragic moment in Canadian history through the innocent reflections of a child...a must for any classroom library." — Canadian Teacher Magazine, May 2012

"This tale provides a compelling and moving story of a girl searching for the strength to find her place in the world. The writing is unpretentious and accessible and readers who enjoyed the first book will find this an interesting follow-up. Vivid paintings are a beautiful accompaniment to the storytelling. Photographs from Pokiak Fenton's own collection add important points of reference for readers looking to visualize the characters and the unique setting of the Arctic Circle. A welcome addition to biography collections." — Jody Kopple, School Library Journal, December 2011

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 9-13.

Guided Reading Level: Fountas and Pinnell U

Themes: biography; Inuit; Indigenous peoples; arctic; residential schools; identity; community; Canadian content; family; society; history; memoir.

This resource is also available in French: Étrangère chez moi

Additional Information
128 pages | 6.25" x 9.00"

A Walk on the Tundra follows Inuujaq, a little girl who travels with her grandmother onto the tundra. There, Inuujaq learns that these tough little plants are much more important to Inuit than she originally believed.

In addition to an informative storyline that teaches the importance of Arctic plants, this book includes a field guide with photographs and scientific information about a wide array of plants found throughout the Arctic.

Reviews
This volume is a cross between a picture book, a story and a field guide to edible plants.... Authors, Rebecca Hainnu and Anna Ziegler, have worked on several educational publications. That background is apparent in this book.  There are eighteen Inuktitut words, including 6 plant names, introduced in the text.  They are explained and italicized when they are first introduced, for example “Nirilikkit – eat them”. The next time the word is used, it is assumed that the reader knows what it means.... [A]s a tool for building vocabulary, or as a storybook for students who have some familiarity with Inuktitut, this work would be excellent."  – Sandy Campbell, The Deakin Review of Children’s Literature

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

Joy is ten years old, living in Apex, Nunavut--a suburb of Iqaluit--and loving life. Her little sister Allashua may be annoying, but all in all Joy loves living at the top of the world in Apex.

But when Joy begins to notice her parents fighting a lot more than usual, and her mom staying with her sisters in Iqaluit more than she is home, Joy's perfect life soon becomes a lot more complicated.

As Joy navigates her parents' separation and its affect on her family, she learns some valuable lessons about how to cope when life gets tough. Told in the wry, funny voice of a smart and savvy ten-year-old girl, this book will appeal to young readers everywhere.

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 9-12

Additional Information
104 pages | 5.50" x 8.50" | b&w illustrations

The legend of Kaugjagjuk--a mistreated orphan who gains the strength to stand up for himself with a little help from the Man of the Moon--is a traditional Inuit tale told throughout the Arctic.

Re-imagined for modern audiences by emerging Inuit writer Marion Lewis, and brought to life by Kim Smith's beautiful illustrations, this version of the Kaugjagjuk story gives young readers a chance to experience this traditional tale that has been carefully passed from storyteller to storyteller for generations.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

In this traditional Inuit story, a simple walk on the tundra becomes a life or death journey for a young man. When he comes across a giant who wants to take him home and cook him for dinner, the young man's quick thinking saves him from being devoured by the giant and his family, and in the process releases the first fog into the world.

Written by Cape Dorest elder Qaunaq Mikkigak and Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award-nominated author Joanne Schwartz, this action-packed picture book brings a centuries-old traditional tale to life for modern readers.

Reviews
“The prose has numerous poetic touches that complement the grim illustrations . . .” — Quill & Quire Starred Review

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 8-11

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

In the world of Inuit traditional stories, animals and humans are not such different creatures. Animals can speak to, understand, and form relationships with humans.

In The Orphan and the Polar Bear an orphaned boy who is abandoned on the sea ice by a group of cruel hunters is discovered and adopted by a polar bear elder. While living in the polar bear's village, the orphan learns many lessons about survival, but most importantly, he learns something about himself and his own place in the world.

This book-retold for contemporary audiences by Inuit elder Sakiasi Qaunaq and illustrated by internationally renowned artist Eva Widermann--makes this beautiful traditional tale widely accessible for the first time.

Educator Information
Recommended for Ages 6 to 8.

This book is available in French: Le petit orphelin et l'ours polaire

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

All Inuit know about qalupaliit, strange creatures that live under the sea ice and carry away unsuspecting children on their backs. But when one bright young orphan strays too close to the ice, he soon learns that while qalupaliit may be very scary, they are also easily tricked.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
48 pages | 6.00" x 9.00"

The Shadows that Rush Past introduces young readers to some of the creepiest, scariest stories from Inuit mythology. These tales, told by critically acclaimed writer Rachel Qitsualik, bring to life four creatures from Inuit mythology: the amautalik, akhla, nanurluk, and mahaha.

These tales are filled with child-stealing ogresses; monsters that are half-man, half-grizzly bear; ice-covered polar bears ten times the size of normal bears; and a smiling creature that surprises unsuspecting campers and tickles them to death!

Written in a playful, conversational, sometimes funny style, The Shadows that Rush Past will keep young readers anxious for the thrilling frights that might lurk on the next page.

A bilingual story in Inuktitut and English, Angutiup ânguanga / Anguti’s Amulet is a story based on an Inuit archaeological site located along the central coast of Labrador that was occupied sometime between AD 1720 and AD 1750.

Itjasualigijet KamajiKatlutik Prâvinsiup suliaKaffinganit – Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, ikajuttiKatlutik Prâvinsiup PitaKautinginnit Neofulâmi Labrador-imilu, pitsiaKujitlutik itjasuattuligijinik piulitsisiaKujitlutik Kinguvatta Kimiggujatsagimmait.

Archaeological fieldwork is conducted under the auspices of the Provincial Archaeology Office, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, which, with the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador, ensures that sites and collections are protected for future generations.

Educator Information
A bilingual story in Inuktitut and English.

Recommended Ages: 5-10.

Additional Information
38 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Written by The Central Coast of Labrador Community Archaeology Partnership, illustrated by Cynthia Colosimo, and Inuktitut translation by Sophie Tuglavina, an Inuk educator.