First/Native Nations/American Indian/Indigenous Archives

Grasshopper Girl

2022

"A story within a story about Psipsi, a young Dakota girl, whose father shares a traditional Uŋktomi story with her. Uŋktomi stories have been shared in Dakota families and communities for a very long time. This tradition continued into the childhood of my mother’s generation. Depending upon location and community, variations of this Uŋktomi story have been told. This Uŋktomi story is a local version my mother and her siblings heard from their father, primarily when they were ill, perhaps to lend comfort in addition to impart lessons to a captive audience." -- publisher

A Peacemaker for Warring Nations

2021

by Joseph Bruchac and David Kanietakeron Fadden

"In A Peacemaker for Warring Nations, renowned Native author Joseph Bruchac draws from the teachings of both contemporary and past Iroquois tradition bearers in telling the story of how “the Peacemaker,” a divine messenger sent by the Creator, helped to bring an end to the bitter warring of the Five Iroquois Nations and how he founded the famed League of the Iroquois, which was later to influence the US Constitution." -- published

Classified

2021

by Traci Sorell and Natasha Donovan

"Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross's journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. In addition, the narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all." -- publisher

Elijah’s Super Halloween

2021

by Heather Main and Jazmine Gubbe

"A Halloween story from the northern community of Arviat, Nunavut. Halloween is almost here! Elijah is excited to go trick-or-treating in his community of Arviat, Nunavut. His anaana even made him a special superhero costume. But just before Halloween, a polar bear is spotted near town. It is not safe to go trick-or-treating. Will Elijah ever get the chance to show off his super costume?" -- publisher

I Am Loved

2021

by Kevin Qamaniq-Mason, Mary Qamaniq-Mason and Hwei Lim

"Pakak is in a new foster home, with new people, new food, and new smells. Feeling alone and uncertain, Pakak finds comfort in a secret shared with him by his anaanattiaq, his grandmother, and in the knowledge that he is loved no matter how far away his family may be. Written as a gift for Inuit children in care by foster parents Kevin and Mary Qamaniq-Mason, this book is lovingly imbued with cultural familiarities that will resonate with children who, like Pakak, are navigating the unknown." -- publisher

I Sang You Down from the Stars

2021

by Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade

"A New York Times bestseller! This unique baby book sings with Native cultural detail, while striking a universal chord in its celebration of the blossoming of love that comes with expecting and welcoming a new baby--with art by New York Times bestselling illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade As she waits for the arrival of her new baby, a mother-to-be gathers gifts to create a sacred bundle. A white feather, cedar and sage, a stone from the river . . . Each addition to the bundle will offer the new baby strength and connection to tradition, family, and community. As they grow together, mother and baby will each have gifts to offer each other. Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade, two Indigenous creators, bring beautiful words and luminous art together in a resonant celebration of the bond between mother and child." -- publisher

I’m Finding My Talk

2021

by Rebecca Thomas and Pauline Young

"A response to Rita Joe's iconic poem "I Lost My Talk," and published simultaneously with the new children's book edition illustrated by Pauline Young, comes a companion picture book by award-winning spoken-word artist and Mi'kmaw activist Rebecca Thomas. A second-generation residential school survivor, Thomas writes this response poem openly and honestly, reflecting on the process of working through the destructive effects of colonialism. From sewing regalia to dancing at powow to learning traditional language, I'm Finding My Talk is about rediscovering her community, and finding culture. Features stunning, vibrant illustrations by Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young." -- publisher

Inuki’s Birthday Party

2021

by Aviaq Johnston and Ali Hinch

"Inuki lives in Iglulik, Nunavut. It is his fifth birthday! He can’t wait for his party at the community hall. There is cake to eat and presents to open, but celebrating with his family and friends is Inuki’s favourite gift of all!" -- publisher

Josie Dances

2021

by Denise Lajimodiere and Angela Erdrich

"An Ojibwe girl practices her dance steps, gets help from her family, and is inspired by the soaring flight of Migizi, the eagle, as she prepares for her first powwow...In this Ojibwe girl's coming-of-age story, Denise Lajimodiere highlights her own daughter's experience at powwow. Elegant artwork by Angela Erdrich features not only Josie and her family but also the animals and seasons and heartbeat of Aki, Mother Earth, and the traditions that link Josie to generations past and yet to come." -- publisher

Little Moar and the Moon

2021

by Roselynn Akulukjuk and Jazmine Gubbe

"Moar has always loved autumn—playing outside with his friends, feeling the weather get colder—but there is one thing about autumn that really worries Moar. The moon. The days become shorter and the moon, with its creepy face and eerie smile, seems to be looking down on him before he can even get home from school! So, one day, Moar is determined to get home before the moon appears in the sky. But there are so many fun things to do on the way home, he may just run out of time!" -- publisher