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From the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy: Learning Through Ceremony, the Sḵ'ad'a Stories series brings intergenerational learning to life. Haida children learn important life lessons from their Elders through real-life situations, cultural traditions, and experiences out on the land.

Written by Sḵ'ad'a Stories author Sara Florence Davidson and educator Katya Adamov Ferguson, the Teacher Guide for the Sḵ'ad'a Stories helps teachers engage their students through the lens of intergenerational learning and authentic experiences. This guide:

- outlines the Sḵ'ad'a principles found in the stories
- shows how to use the Sḵ'ad'a principles in your classroom
- provides the behind-the-scenes thinking of the authors and illustrator
- explains the significance of this series as part of Haida cultural resurgence and preservation
- provides critical perspectives on the impact of colonialism on Haida knowledges
- includes resources and inspirations for educators

This teacher guide is appropriate for all grade levels.

Educator Information

Table of Contents

Introduction

About the Sḵ’ad’a Stories Series

About This Guide

Part 1: Teacher Preparation: Understanding Cultural Contexts and the Emergence of Sḵ’ad’a

Haida Culture and Knowledges

• Haida Gwaii
• Silencing the Haida
• Thriving Haida Communities

Understanding Sḵ’ad’a

• Conversation With Sara
• Branch of Davidson Family Tree

Becoming “Story-Ready”

• Holistic Engagement with Stories

Part 2: Teacher Learning: Sḵ’ad’a for Educators

Significance of Series

Intergenerational Stories

Sḵ’ad’a for Educators and Professional Learning Communities

Sḵ’ad’a Principles

Part 3: Teacher Practice: Ideas for Engaging With the Sḵ’ad’a Stories

Sḵ’ad’a Principles in Practice

Themes and Connections

Engaging Sḵ’ad’a Stories With Students

• Interactive Read-Alouds
• Making Meaning From Stories
• Mentor Texts
• Critical Literacy
• Artifactual Literacies

Sampling of Sḵ’ad’a Activity Ideas

Book-Specific Supports—Jigging for Halibut With Tsinii

Book-Specific Supports—Learning to Carve Argillite

Book-Specific Supports—Returning to the Yakoun River

Book-Specific Supports—Dancing With Our Ancestors

Resources

References

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Paperback

Parfois, nous sommes submergés par une tempête d’émotions : la joie, la tristesse, l’impatience, la colère, la peur, et plus encore. Comment pouvonsnous

nous aider les uns les autres quand ces sentiments nous envahissent? Nous pouvons en parler, nous excuser, recommencer et écouter le point de vue des autres. Quelle que soit l’émotion que nous ressentons, nous ne sommes jamais seuls!

Cet album illustré tout en rimes suit un groupe d’amis qui font face à plusieurs défis et qui vivent différentes émotions. Grâce à un texte simple et à des illustrations attrayantes, les enfants apprendront à gérer leurs propres émotions et à accueillir celles des autres.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is available in English: Big Feelings.

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10.01" x 10.03" | Paperback

In this faithful retelling of a traditional story from the Kugaaruk region, told by Elder Levi Illuitok, a father must save his infant child from an amajurjuk, an ogress known to steal children. When the ogress takes advantage of the child’s mother being blind to trick her into giving away her child, the child’s father embarks on a quest to save his infant from certain death.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

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28 pages | 8.00" x 9.50" | Paperback

It’s Papatsie’s birthday, and her parents have a big surprise for her. She and her best friend Ashley will be going on a scavenger hunt! Follow along as Ashley and Papatsie find clues hidden in familiar spots in their community, which eventually lead them to a birthday surprise. Woven into the clues are examples of positional language and simple shapes. This helps children build early math skills through an engaging story.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Includes many examples of positional language and simple shapes.  These help children build early math skills through an engaging story.

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Unplug from technology and "plug in" to nature through the wonder of your senses.

The Book of Nature Connection is packed with fun activities for using all our senses to engage with nature in a deep and nourishing way.

From "extenda-ears" and acorn whistles to bird calls, camouflage games, and scent scavenger hunts, enjoy over 70 diverse, engaging, sensory activities for all ages that promote mindfulness and nature connection.

With activities grouped by the main senses – hearing, sight, smell, touch, and taste – plus sensory walks and group games, The Book of Nature Connection is both a powerful learning tool kit and the cure for sensory anesthesia brought on by screen time and lives lived indoors.

Whisper in birds, be dazzled by nature's kaleidoscope of colors, taste the freshness of each season, learn to savor the scented world of evergreens, hug a tree and feel the bark against your cheek. Spending time in nature with all senses tuned and primed helps us feel like we belong to the natural world – and in belonging, we come to feel more connected, nourished, and alive.

Ideal for educators, camp and youth leaders, caregivers and parents, and anyone looking to reconnect and become a nature sommelier!

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128 pages | 7.50" x 9.00" | Colour photos throughout | Paperback 

The middle-grade novel The Brave is about a boy with an OCD issue and his move to a reservation to live with his biological mother.

Collin can't help himself—he has a unique condition that finds him counting every letter spoken to him. It's a quirk that makes him a prime target for bullies, and a continual frustration to the adults around him, including his father.

When Collin asked to leave yet another school, his dad decides to send him to live in Minnesota with the mother he's never met. She is Ojibwe, and lives on a reservation. Collin arrives in Duluth with his loyal dog, Seven, and quickly finds his mom and his new home to be warm, welcoming, and accepting of his condition.

Collin’s quirk is matched by that of his neighbor, Orenda, a girl who lives mostly in her treehouse and believes she is turning into a butterfly. With Orenda’s help, Collin works hard to overcome his challenges. His real test comes when he must step up for his new friend and trust his new family.

Reviews
"It's rare to find a book that gives insight into an intensely specific cultural and cognitive experience, yet simultaneously taps something universal: wanting to be accepted for who you are and find where you fit. The Brave does just that, and so much more. I've never read anything like it. Collin is a kid it's impossible not to root for."—Nic Stone, New York Times-bestselling author of Dear Martin

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

#Ownvoices story about an Ojibwe boy named Colin who is finding out who he really is.

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320 pages | 5.13" x 7.67" | Paperback

Windy Lake First Nation is hosting the annual Trappers Festival, and the four Mighty Muskrats are excited about the sled-dog races and the chance to visit with family and friends from far and wide. But during the Teen Sled Race, the lead dog is the victim of a frightening accident that may be more than it seems.

Between mysterious strangers seen lurking by the trail and a loud group of animal rights protestors, the Muskrats have a lot of suspects. Despite the chill of winter, the case is heating up for Sam, Otter, Atim, and Chickadee!

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the fun and adventurous A Mighty Muskrat Mystery Series. This series puts an Indigenous spin on the classic Hardy Boys and Three Investigators books. 

Recommended for ages 9-12.

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232 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback

With the wizened old chief set to step down, young Linny dreams of being chosen as his replacement. As she struggles to pass his test, Linny learns with the help of her family what it really takes to become chief...in the most unexpected way.

This story is told with the help of traditional corn husk dolls. Corn dolls protect the home, livestock, and personal wellness of the maker and their family. Corn husk dolls have been made in some Indigenous cultures since the beginning of corn agriculture more than one thousand years ago, and continue to be made today.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Empowers young girls to pursue their dreams, especially in terms of pushing traditionally male-dominated roles.

The story keeps the readers' attention with its rhythm and rhyme. 

Offers a unique perspective on positive growth mindset and developing leadership skills.

Author is an approved educational facilitator and works as an Indigenous Mentor and Storyteller in schools.

Find a teacher lesson plan here: The Corn Chief Teacher Lesson Plan

This book is available in French: Le chef du mais

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover

Lorrie Gallant from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan, retells the story of Dawn V. Hill’s experiences in residential school in the book, The Day I Became Number 54. Life was happy and carefree for Dawn and her family then she and her siblings went to residential school and everything changed. She was separated from her siblings, numbers were put on everything, and everyone had to line up. Survival was key. This compelling story was written to let everyone know the truth about residential schools. Lorrie Gallant writer and artist brings relief images to life through plasticene.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 6.

Additional Information
52 Pages 

A Lakota author’s version of how the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters star formation, came to be.

When seven Lakota sisters venture deep into the forest to gather chokecherries, they are surprised and chased by Mato Sica, a giant bear known to eat people. The sisters run and climb up a short rock ledge and pray for help. The ground trembles and gives a sudden jolt, and they find themselves on top of a tall earth tower. A great giant eagle comes to their rescue and carries the seven sisters up to the Star Nation, where they are welcomed home and become the Wicincala Sakowin, also known as the Seven Sisters or Pleiades star formation.

Reviews
“Author/illustrator Beartrack-Algeo (Lower Brule Lakota Nation) creates a mystical world. [A] retelling of the story of Pleiades, the Seven Sisters star formation. Rich oil paintings accompany the lyrical telling. An opening glossary defines Lakota terms. Lovingly depicts the sacred relationship between Lakota people and their homeland.”— Kirkus Reviews

“Beartrack-Algeo’s love and pride of her (Lakota) culture and the land shines throughout the story.”— School Library Journal

Educator Information
Includes a glossary of Lakota words and phrases.

Concepts / Subjects: Indigenous; Lakota; Astronomy; Star Formations.

Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

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

In 1921, Inupait seamstress Ada Blackjack joined a a group of four white men who wanted to establish a trading post on Wrangel Island in the freezing Arctic Ocean. The explorers were stranded on the island when their return ship was forced to turn back due to ice. Facing harsh conditions and dwindling food supplies, the men died one by one, but Ada remained. Find out how she alone managed to survive the disastrous expedition.

Reviews
"The lesser-known 1921 Wrangel Island Expedition is chronicled in this graphic novel.... The book begins by introducing its two key players: Ada Blackjack (a young Inuit single mother from Nome, Alaska) and Vilhjalmur Steffansson (an aging white explorer of Icelandic heritage). Steffansson was determined to establish a European colony on Wrangel Island, off the coast of Siberia. He assembled a five-man team of explorers, and Blackjack, desperate for money, joined them. While the writing is a bit stilted, the artwork makes the tale quite lively, especially once the expedition reaches the uninhabited island. Readers will become engrossed in the team’s efforts to survive and be impressed with how Blackjack proves herself the most capable person there; indeed, she’s the sole survivor. A map and additional information conclude."— Julia Smith, Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

I don’t recall seeing books when I was a little boy. But the old people, they grew up listening to stories. And so, every night, when the old people were done their evening prayers, they would sit and they would tell us stories too.

At the time of the spring thaw, the Rocky Cree fill their canoes with furs, eager to trade with the new visitors in mistiwāsahak (Hudson Bay). But not all of the new visitors are welcome.

When the canoes return home to the shores of the misinipī river, the Rocky Cree begin to collapse one by one, drenched in sweat and slowly slipping into delirium. Kākakiw struggles to help the sick as more and more people pass into the spirit world. Exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, he seeks guidance through prayer.

Hope finally comes with a visitor in the night: one of the Little People, small beings who are just like us. If Kākakiw can journey to their home, he will be given the medicine his people need. All he has to do is paddle through a cliff of solid bedrock to get there.

To save his people from certain death, Kākakiw must overcome doubt to follow the traditional teachings of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak and trust in the gift of the Little People.

In this illustrated short story for all ages, celebrated Rocky Cree storyteller William Dumas shares a teaching about hope in the face of adversity. This book is a companion story to The Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak series.

Reviews
"A tale rich with warmth and wonder that not only documents traditions but carries them on." — David A. Robertson, author The Barren Grounds

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 11.

Reading Level: Lexile® Framework for Reading: 870L

This book is a companion story to The Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak series. This series is about the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak (Rocky Cree) of Northern Manitoba. Corresponding to the six seasons of sīkwan (spring), nīpin (summer), takwakin (fall), mikiskow (freeze-up), pipon (winter), and mithoskamin (break-up), the books explore the language, culture, knowledge, territory, and history of the 17th century Rocky Cree people through story and images. The groundbreaking series centres Indigenous ways of knowing and includes insights from a wide range of disciplines—cross-cultural education, history, archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, literature, oral culture and storytelling, experiential and community-based learning, and art.

Contains some Cree language/words, and a glossary of them.

Additional Information
48 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

The global ocean is in trouble. This beautiful and important book explores the issues --- and what we can do to help.

Though we think of Earth's five oceans as separate and distinct, they are actually a linked system of circulating water that is one single ocean --- the global ocean. This comprehensive and accessible overview explores the global ocean's enormous influence on the planet, as well as humans' often-detrimental influence on the ocean. But it also highlights some of the many ways people are working to restore and heal the global ocean --- from everyday actions to large institutional projects --- making the message of urgency as hopeful as it is accurate. Filled with fascinating information, stunning visuals and plenty of calls to action, readers will be inspired to discover what they can do to help heal Earth's most important feature and, ultimately, our planet.

Bestselling author Rochelle Strauss applies a positive, proactive approach to the urgent topics of climate change and ocean conservation in this gorgeous and unique depiction of the global ocean, based on the most current ocean science research. Engaging illustrations on every spread by award-winning Natasha Donovan are eye-catching and powerful. Examples of real people of all ages making a difference can be found in sidebars on each spread with more at the back of the book. Two sections list ways to help, one for children and one for the adults in their lives. There are many curriculum links in earth and life sciences, particularly in climate, environment, habitats, ecosystems and diversity of living things. Part of the CitizenKid series, this book encourages citizenship and engaging in the global community.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Part of the CitizenKid series.

Curriculum Links: Earth and Life Sciences; Diversity of Living Things; Ecosystem; Nature; Habitats; Climate; Earth Systems; Water; Envrionment 

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.30" x 11.45" | Hardcover 

In this second book in the Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series, Eli and Morgan journey once more to Misewa, travelling back in time.

Back at home after their first adventure in the Barren Grounds, Eli and Morgan each struggle with personal issues: Eli is being bullied at school, and tries to hide it from Morgan, while Morgan has to make an important decision about her birth mother. They turn to the place where they know they can learn the most, and make the journey to Misewa to visit their animal friends. This time they travel back in time and meet a young fisher that might just be their lost friend. But they discover that the village is once again in peril, and they must dig deep within themselves to find the strength to protect their beloved friends. Can they carry this strength back home to face their own challenges?

Awards

• 2022 Silver Birch Award for Fiction

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+. 

This is the second book in the Misewa Saga.

This book is available in French: Le grand ours.

Additional Information
240 pages | 5.62" x 8.25" | Paperback