National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous people.
One way we can learn more is by exploring books written by Indigenous authors about their history, achievements and struggles.
Start your summer reading list!
Sparks and Embers (ages 5-8):
When We Were Alone by David A. Roberston
When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she notices things about her grandmother that make her curious. As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where everything was taken away.
A Day with Yayah by Nicola I. Campbell
Set in the Okanagon, B.C., a First Nations family goes on an outing to forage for herbs and mushrooms. Grandmother (Yayah) passes down her knowledge of plant life to her young grandchildren.
What’s my Superpower? by Aviaq Johnston
Nalvana thinks she must be the only kid in town without a superpower. But then her mom shows Nalvana that she is unique and special, and that her superpower was right in front of her all along.
The Water Walker by Joanne Robertson
The determined story of an Ojibwe grandmother (nokomis), Josephine Mandamin, and her great love for nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect nibi for future generations and for all life on the planet.
Guides (ages 9-11)
Raven Brings the Light by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd
In a time when darkness covered the land, a boy named Weget is born who is destined to bring the light.
The Girl and the Wolf by Katherena Vermette
While picking berries with her mother, a little girl wanders too far into the woods. When she realizes she is lost, she begins to panic. A large grey wolf makes a sudden appearance between some distant trees. Using his sense of smell, he determines where she came from and decides to help her.
Stolen Words by Melanie Florence
The story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When she asks her grandfather how to say something in his language — Cree — he admits that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy.
Pathfinders and Rangers (ages +12):
The Break by Katherena Vermette
The Break offers a glimpse into the world of a Métis community in northern Winnipeg. Told from 10 points of view, the interweaving stories deal with the pain and truths Indigenous women endure.
As Long As the River Flows by James Bartleman
Starting in the 1800s and continuing into the 20th century, First Nations children were forcibly taken to government-sponsored residential schools to erase their traditional languages and cultures. This moving book tells of one such child, author Larry Loyie, and his last summer with his Cree tribe.
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
With winter looming, a small northern Anishinaabe community goes dark. Cut off, people become passive and confused. Panic builds as the food supply dwindles. While the band council and a pocket of community members struggle to maintain order, an unexpected visitor arrives, escaping the crumbling society to the south. Soon after, others follow.
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