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From the bestselling author of 21 Things™ You May Not Know About the Indian Act comes a powerful new book on dismantling the Indian Act and advancing Indigenous self-governance.

Bob Joseph’s 21 Things™You May Not Know About the Indian Act captured the attention of hundreds of thousands of Canadians by shining a light on the Indian Act and the problems associated with it. In that book, readers learned that the Consolidated Indian Act of 1876 has controlled the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada for generations, and despite its objective to assimilate Indians into the economic and political mainstream, it has had the opposite effect: segregation. They live under different laws and on different lands.

People came away from that book with questions such as "Can we get rid of the Indian Act?" and "What would that look like? Would self-government work?" These are timely questions, given that 2026 will mark 150 years since the Consolidated Indian Act of 1876. The short answer to these questions is, yes, we can dismantle the Act, and there are current examples of self-government arrangements that are working.

With his trademark wisdom, humility, and deep understanding, Bob Joseph shows us the path forward in 21 Things™ You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act, in which Indigenous self-governance is already happening and not to be feared—and negotiating more such arrangements, sooner rather than later, is an absolute necessity.

21 Things™ You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act is a call to action. Join the conversation now.

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200 pages | 5.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

From bestselling author of the Misewa Saga series David A. Robertson, this is the essential guide for all Canadians to understand how small and attainable acts towards reconciliation can make an enormous difference in our collective efforts to build a reconciled country.

52 Ways to Reconcile is an accessible, friendly guide for non-Indigenous people eager to learn, or Indigenous people eager to do more in our collective effort towards reconciliation, as people, and as a country. As much as non-Indigenous people want to walk the path of reconciliation, they often aren’t quite sure what to do, and they’re afraid of making mistakes. This book is the answer and the long overdue guide.

The idea of this book is simple: 52 small acts of reconciliation to consider, one per week, for an entire year. They’re all doable, and they’re all meaningful. All 52 steps take readers in the right direction, towards a healthier relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and a time when we are past trauma. By following these steps, we can live in stronger and healthier communities equally, and respectfully, together.

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224 pages | 5.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

A Fictional Recounting of the Survival Story of Patawomeck Tribe of Virginia

The story has been remembered within the Patawomeck tribe for generations, but is largely unknown outside of the tribe until now. Author Lora Chilton, a tribal member through the lineage of her father, has created this powerful fictional retelling.

The story follows three Indigenous Patawomeck women who lived through the decimation of their tribe by land hungry colonists in the summer of 1666, the massacre of their men, the harrowing march south where they and their children were sold and transported to Barbados via slave ship, and, eventually, their brave escape back to Virginia. It is because of these women that the tribe is in existence to this day.

This work of historical fiction is based on oral tradition, interviews with tribal elders, written colonial records and extensive research by the author, including study of the language. The book uses Indigenous names for the characters and some Patawomeck words to honor the culture and heritage that was erased when European colonization of the Americans began in the 16th century.

Reviews
"Packed with Indigenous culture and customs and sprinkled with tribal terminology, the narrative is vivid, magnetic, and chilling. The author is herself a Patawomeck descendant, and she’s combined scant available written records with tribal oral history to inform her creation of two emotionally powerful, vibrant female protagonists….plenty of action, tears, cheers, and historical detail work to keep the pages turning.  A disturbing, absorbing, and valuable addition to the literature of cruelty inflicted upon Indigenous peoples."—Kirkus Reviews

“Focusing on the experiences of three Patawomeck women in the latter half of the seventeenth century, Chilton, in 1666 : A Novel, draws on contemporary scholarship regarding Patawomeck and Virginia Algonquian history, culture, and language to develop her characters and add depth to their stories. It is refreshing to read a story about Virginia Indian women in the seventeenth century that avoids the glamorized, sexualized, and racialized Pocahontas mythology and instead centers on the experiences of those everyday people who may not have been so well-known to colonizers but are the true ancestors of most Virginia Indians…. A fast-paced novel that takes the reader through numerous Atlantic landscapes from the traditional Patawomeck homelands along Potomac Creek, to Barbados, to New York, 1666 illustrates the interconnectedness of the early Modern world and its people." —Dr. Brad Hatch, Patawomeck Tribal Historian and Tribal Council Member

"In this debut novel by Lora Chilton, 1666: A Novel, we are introduced to a history based account of two brave Indigenous women of the Patawomeck tribe, who are abducted from their native Virginia home in 1666 and enslaved under the brutal 'Master' and 'Mistress' of the plantations in Barbados. A page-turning marvel of a historical novel! Otherwise, the shameful erasure of the Patawomeck would have been maintained." —Diana Y. Paul, author of Things Unsaid

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224 pages | 5.32" x 8.46" | Paperback 

A compact, user-friendly field guide to 50 of the most prominent and ecologically significant animal species of the west coast, from British Columbia to Northern California.

A keystone species is an organism that defines and supports an entire ecosystem, filling a vital ecological niche. Without these species, the ecosystem would be radically altered or even collapse. This pocket-sized field guide by bestselling naturalist Collin Varner highlights 50 keystone birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, fish, shellfish, and mollusks found across the Pacific Northwest bioregion—including the American Crow, Bald Eagle, American Beaver, California Sea Lion, Sea Otter, Orca, Coyote, Grizzly Bear, Giant Pacific Octopus, Chinook Salmon, Pacific Tree Frog, Pacific Banana Slug, Mixed Bumblebee, and more. Each entry features clear photography, etymology, descriptions, habitat information, risks and warnings. This convenient and easy reference is perfect for casual walkers, hikers, campers, beachcombers, sailors, paddlers, and whale watchers, and draws awareness to the importance of conservation and protection of these crucial species.

Reviews
“Collin Varner provides captivating information that will help keep his 50 keystone species in the back of every reader’s memory.”—Richard Beamish, CM, OBC, FRSC, retired Canadian scientist

“The perfect portable reference for wildlife watchers.”—Barbara J. Moritsch, ecologist and author of Wolf Time and The Soul of Yosemite: Finding, Defending, and Saving the Valley's Sacred Wild Nature

“Enriches our understanding of these critical species, empowering us to contribute to their conservation. A heartfelt thank you to Collin Varner for illuminating the path to environmental stewardship.”—Paul Nicklen, Canadian photographer and filmmaker and co-founder of SeaLegacy

“Whether you love the land, sea or air, you’ll find creatures in this book to delight and to inspire your protection. Varner’s focus on keystone species is very important as they play a significant role in keeping our ecosystems healthy. His images and information give you a beautiful glimpse into their lives.” —Cheryl Alexander, award-winning filmmaker and author of Takaya: Lone Wolf, Good Morning Takaya, and Takaya’s Journey

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128 pages | 5.00" x 7.00" | Paperback

A compact, user-friendly field guide to 50 of the most prominent and ecologically significant plant species of the west coast, from British Columbia to Northern California.

A keystone species is an organism that defines and supports an entire ecosystem, filling a vital ecological niche. Without these species, the ecosystem would be radically altered or even collapse. This pocket-sized field guide by bestselling naturalist Collin Varner highlights 50 keystone trees, flowering plants, fruit-bearing plants, marine plants, and fungi found across the Pacific Northwest bioregion—including Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, Large-leafed Lupine, Wild Mint, Salal, Salmonberry, Marine Eelgrass, Red-belted Polypore, and more. Each entry features clear photography, etymology, descriptions, habitat information, risks and warnings. This convenient and easy reference is perfect for casual walkers, hikers, campers, and beachcombers, and draws awareness to the importance of conservation and protection of these crucial species.

Reviews
"This beautiful book is a valuable addition to the library of anyone passionate about the flora of the Pacific Northwest. . . A refreshing way of exploring these incredible organisms." —Amanda Swinimer, author of The Science and Spirit of Seaweed

“A concise and essential guide for anyone curious about the essential plants of the coastal Pacific Northwest.”—Elizabeth Price, author of Native and Ornamental Conifers of the Pacific Northwest

"Like a keystone itself, this guide helps define an ecosystem: the forests and coasts of the Pacific Northwest. It is an indispensable companion for any ramble or expedition."—Harley Rustad, award-winning and bestselling author of Big Lonely Doug and Lost in the Valley of Death

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128 pages | 5.00" x 7.00" | Paperback

Avec un langage fort et des illustrations évocatrices, cette bande dessinée – fruit des nombreuses années de recherche, de création et de militantisme de son auteur – révèle la ténacité et la persévérance des Premiers Peuples qui luttent depuis 500 ans contre les massacres, les déplacements et l’assimilation. Antidote nécessaire à l’histoire officielle des Amériques, elle présente sous un nouveau jour des événements marquants comme la conquête espagnole des empires aztèque, maya et inca, la révolte des Pueblos de 1680 au Nouveau-Mexique, la bataille de Wounded Knee en 1890, la résistance des peuples des grandes Plaines au 19e siècle, et plus récemment, les manifestations Idle No More de 2012-2013 en défense de la souveraineté et des droits autochtones, et la résistance au Dakota Access Pipeline de 2016. Au Canada, elle aborde la crise d’Oka de 1990, le conflit foncier de Grand River entre les Six Nations et le gouvernement fédéral de 2006 et les manifestations anti-pipeline des Wet’suwet’en de 2020. Parue en langue originale anglaise chez Arsenal Pulp Press en 2010, cette œuvre unique en son genre a connu un énorme succès populaire (10?000 exemplaires vendus) et critique. Colorisée, revue et augmentée en 2021, la nouvelle édition – présentée ici en traduction – inclut les résistances autochtones les plus récentes. Elle comprend une préface de Pamela Palmater, avocate, professeure et commentatrice politique mi’kmaw.

Educator Information
This book is available in English: The 500 Years of Indigenous Resistance Comic Book: Revised and Expanded

20.12m: A Short Story Collection of a Life Lived as a Road Allowance Métis celebrates and acknowledges the humble living conditions of Métis Road Allowance families and it exemplifies their grit and tenacity to survive and indeed succeed in the face of so many hardships. “20.12m” refers to the narrow width of many of the road allowances throughout the prairies. This unoccupied crown land became one of the meagre options for many impoverished Métis families as so few owned land.

In this passionate coming of age book, Arnolda Dufour Bowes honours the true-life experiences of her father, Arnold Charles Dufour, a resident of the Punnichy, Saskatchewan Road Allowance community. The strength of the oral tradition has kept these stories solidly in place in Arnolda’s memory. Weaving true elements with those drawn from her own creativity, these five engaging stories share a lived experience that is little-known to most Canadians. This collection of cherished remembrances of this Métis family will also strongly resonate with many other Métis families who lived similar lives. In keeping with the family focus, Arnolda’s sister, Andrea Haughian, skillfully complements these poignant stories with expressive illustrations, which both honour and richly portray road allowance life.

Educator Information
Recommended by publisher for secondary, post-secondary, and adult readers.

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Paperback

Timely, important, mischievous, powerful: in a word, exceptional.

Seventy-seven poems intended as a eulogy for what we have squandered, a reprimand for all we have allowed, a suggestion for what might still be salvaged, a poetic quarrel with our intolerant and greedy selves, a reflection on mortality and longing, as well as a long-running conversation with the mythological currents that flow throughout North America.

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96 pages | 6.00" x 9.00"

Based on a viral article, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act is the essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussion on generations of Indigenous Peoples, written by a leading cultural sensitivity trainer.

Since its creation in 1876, the Indian Act has shaped, controlled, and constrained the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, and is at the root of many enduring stereotypes. Bob Joseph’s book comes at a key time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo. Joseph explains how Indigenous Peoples can step out from under the Indian Act and return to self-government, self-determination, and self-reliance—and why doing so would result in a better country for every Canadian. He dissects the complex issues around truth and reconciliation, and clearly demonstrates why learning about the Indian Act’s cruel, enduring legacy is essential for the country to move toward true reconciliation.

Reviews
"Increasing Canadians' knowledge about the terrible foundation this country has been built on is a critical part of reconciliation. Bob Joseph has highlighted some of the unbelievable provisions of the Indian Act and how they have impacted First Nations in Canada and gives a brief overview of what we may replace it with going forward. His book provides helpful context to the dialogue that needs to take place in Canada." — Kim Baird, O.C., O. B. C.; Owner, Kim Baird Strategic Consulting; Member of the Tsawwassen First Nation; Negotiator of the Tsawwassen First Nation Treaty

"From declaring cultural ceremonies illegal, to prohibiting pool hall owners from granting Indigenous people entrance, from forbidding the speaking of Indigenous languages, to the devastating policy that created residential schools, Bob Joseph reveals the hold this paternalistic act, with its roots in the 1800s, still has on the lives of Indigenous people in Canada in the 21st century. This straightforward book is an invaluable resource. There is much for non-Indigenous people to learn and to do. But equally important, there is much to unlearn and to undo. The time is right for this book. Thank you, Bob Joseph. Gilakasla." — Shelagh Rogers, O.C.; Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Honourary Witness

"Bob’s ability to navigate the complex history of the Indian Act is a wonder to behold. He provides depth and knowledge for Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars alike. Whether you are an Indigenous scholar or a neophyte, his articulate, insightful and comprehensive analysis on the history of the Indian Act provides a sound understanding on the present narrative of Indigenous peoples in Canada. By way of the Indian Act, this book provides an excellent analysis of the ongoing relationship and predicament between provincial and federal governments and Indigenous peoples in the 21st century." — JP Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

Educator Information
Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2019-2020 resource list as being useful for grades 4-12 and as a teacher resource in these subject areas: English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Additional Information
160 pages | 5.22" x 8.05"

As an Elder once said, "Learn one Cree word a day for 100 days, and emerge a different person."

In 100 Days of Cree, Neal McLeod offers us a portal into another way of understanding the universe--and our place within it--while demonstrating why this funny, vibrant, and sometimes salacious language is "the sexiest of them all" (according to Tomson Highway).

Based on a series of Facebook posts, the 100 short chapters or "days" in the book present a chain of related words, some dealing with the traditional--the buffalo hunt, the seasons--and others cheekily capturing the detritus of modern life--from Internet slang to Johnny Cash songs to Viagra.

The result is both an introduction to the most widely spoken Indigenous language in Canada and the opportunity to see the world, and ourselves, in another way.

Reviews
"The nonfiction book is divided into 100 themes and offers Cree words and English explanations for everything from traditional subjects such as powwows and medicine to modern subjects such as Facebook and Star Wars. It also includes a guide to pronunciation written by Arok Wolvengrey, a linguist and the author of a Cree-English dictionary. 'When we think about indigenous languages, there’s a part of us that thinks they’re dying languages, ' URP publisher Bruce Walsh said. 'And then this manuscript comes in that demonstrates a living, vital language.' McLeod said that he and Wolvengrey worked to keep a balance between traditional usage and modern adaptations. 'To revitalize our languages, we have to do two things: we have to document the classical terminology, because within that terminology are all of our metaphors and idioms; but we also have to think of how to put old words together, to coin words, to describe the contemporary world.'"  — Laura Godfrey, Publishers Weekly

Additional Information
325 pages | 5.50" x 7.00"

Let them go outside and play! More parents are heeding the advice of specialists who urge them to do just that. By playing outside with friends, kids learn valuable interpersonal and negotiation skills and how to make decisions. Outdoor play teaches about the natural world, fosters creativity, and encourages physical activity.

101 Things For Kids To Do Outside is ideal for parents, teachers, and all those working with youth. This book is ideal for the children who like gaming, TV, movies, the soft couch, and even too many snacks. The kids who believe "there's nothing to do outside" can learn and be encouraged to experience the joy of outdoor play.

Each activity is described in language easy for a 6- to 9-year-old and illustrated with engaging graphics. Younger children may need direction, at least the first time. Large pictures display all the fun to be had. The activities range from 10 minutes to hours and hours of fun. Some require creativity, make-believe or physical exertion but they are all outside. Perfect for rainy days, sunshiny days, even snowy days.

Examples of the 101 activities are:
Weave a bird's nest
Set up a potion lab
Make nature rubbings
Build a crawl tunnel
Hold a mini Olympics
Build a human sundial
Make a nature walk bracelet
Capture animal tracks
Fly a homemade kite
Make a rain gauge
Make a snow maze.

Reviews
While the cover art is adorable, the photos inside are stunning! This book is full of creative, easy, and original ideas that your kids will adore.
— MaryAnne, Mama Smiles Blog

Great gift for any child... Would also be resourceful to any parent, teacher or caregivers... Plenty of fun ideas not only for children, but for families to enjoy together. And the most important thing -- with 101 Things For Kids To Do Outside, your kids will never be bored again.
— Lily Zunic, Craft, Learn and Play Blog

The hands-on guide, 101 Things for Kids to Do Outside, gives you more than enough activities, games and projects to get your children or students moving and learning in the great outdoors. Colorful illustrations and photographs combine with detailed and easy to follow instructions in order to spark lots of outdoor exploration... This book is great for parents and educators, but also for young people ages 5-12 to lead their own explorations.
— Raine Sillito, Green Teacher

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224 pages | 8.25" x 8.50" | full colour throughout, line drawings, resources, index

1 2 3 Kindergarten is a down-to-earth, practical guide to help parents, caregivers and educators ensure children's readiness for kindergarten. Written by a kindergarten teacher and parent, this award-winning book, has tips, explanations, short-cuts and fun. It includes ideas that use resources already available at home or in child care centers and strategies to incorporate learning time into busy, active days. An easy-to-use developmental checklist and rating scale, guidance for the this-year-or-next-year debate, and suggestions for home-school transition make this a birth-to-kindergarten resource.

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114 pages | 5.98" x 9.02" | Paperback

The history of the colonization of the Americas by Europeans is often portrayed as a mutually beneficial process, in which ”civilization” was brought to the Natives, who in return shared their land and cultures. A more critical history might present it as a genocide in which Indigenous peoples were helpless victims, overwhelmed by European military power. In reality, neither of these views is correct. This book is more than a history of European colonization of the Americas. In this slim volume, Gord Hill chronicles the resistance by Indigenous peoples, which limited and shaped the forms and extent of colonialism. This history encompasses North and South America, the development of nation-states and the resurgence of Indigenous resistance in the post-WW2 era.

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72 pages | 8.50" x 5.50"