Indigenous writing for kids!

When Spirit Bear’s mom tells him about an important human rights case happening in Ottawa, Ontario, he makes the LONG trip (by train, his favourite way to travel) to go and watch, and to stand up for First Nations kids. And he isn’t the only one! Lots of children come too—to listen, and to show they care. Spirit Bear knows that children can change the world because he’s there to see it happen. This is the story of how kids—kids just like you—made a difference… with a bit of help from some bears and other animals along the way! (Ages 8-11)

"Kateri is a young girl, growing up in the care of her grandmother. We see her reaching important milestones her first day of school, first dance, first date, wedding, first child along with her mother, who is always there, watching her child growing up without her. Told in alternating voices, Missing Nimama is a story of love, loss, and acceptance, showing the human side of a national tragedy. An afterword by the author provides a simple, age appropriate context for young readers. (Ages 7-10)" - Publisher

"A solid debut picture book that works as a record of voices that are usually unheard, ignored, and forgotten." - Kirkus Reviews

"This is the story of a determined 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. She, along with other women, men, and youth, have walked around all of the Great Lakes from the four salt waters - or oceans - all the way to Lake Superior. The water walks are full of challenges, and by her example Josephine inspires and challenges us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water and our planet for all generations. Her story is a wonderful way to talk with children about the efforts that the Ojibwe and many other Indigenous peoples give to the protection of water - the giver of life. (Ages 3-7)" - Publisher

"An important topic is treated with grace, love, and a smidgen of humor in this delightful, necessary book." Kirkus Review

"Indigenous peoples have played an influential role in Canadian history and continue to do so today. From the past and into the future, Indigenous Life in Canada reveals the challenges Indigenous peoples face, celebrates their diverse cultures, and highlights the contributions they make in Canada." - Publisher

"In Treaties, Simon Rose gives a very good basic introduction to what treaties are and the fact that treaties actually existed before European settlers came to Canada. Early treaties between Indigenous Peoples were often oral, but they were sometimes recorded on birch bark or woven into wampum belts, and they identified specific territories and customs of individual nations. When settlers arrived in Canada, treaties were formed to establish peace, to distribute land, and to utilize natural resources. However, many conflicts rose from treaties because of the differing viewpoints on 'ownership' - Indigenous Peoples didn't realize they were 'giving up' their land as they didn't see land as something that could be owned or given while settlers assumed that by signing treaties they were gaining ownership of the land. This title also discusses modern day treaties, which many may not be aware are still being negotiated, as well as the future of treaties and how and why they may need to be renegotiated." - Canadian Review of Materials

"Nibi is an Indigenous girl on the search for clean water to drink. Though she is faced with repeated obstacles, Nibi's joyful and determined energy become a catalyst for change and action as her community, and in widening circles, the country and government rally around her to make clean drinking water available for all. There is a strong underlying message that even when a problem seems too large to face, every bit that everyone does helps. And inaction is not an option." Publisher. (Ages 4-8)

"Tenasco writes openly and honestly about the unequal treatment of Indigenous communities in Canada. Nibi’s song conveys the powerful message that clean water is a basic human right that should be afforded to everyone regardless of their ethnicity. The book successfully functions as a catalyst for an important conversation between parents and children. Yet, despite the subject matter, the text remains age-appropriate. Fun drinking words and sounds – including “slurrrrp” and “blachhhh” – provide moments of levity." - Quill & Quire