Indigenous History Month (Kids)

Updated February 2, 2026
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Our Ancestors' Kitchen
Poll, Willie.
Paper Book
A poignant and poetic picture book celebrating traditional Indigenous harvesting, foods, and the connections that these build for all our relations. It's a special day: the young protagonist in this memorable story is learning her grandfather's favorite recipe from her grandmother! As each...
Discovering and Understanding The Inuit
Noel, Michel.
Paper Book
Learn all about the Inuit with this accessible non-fiction book with both photos and illustrations throughout! In this title, children are guided by Alaku through the history and culture of the Inuit, from a long time ago up until today. Written in collaboration with the Avataq Cultural...
Nish: North Stars
Picard, Isabelle.
Paper Book
Lights. Cameras. Hockey!The school year is finally over and Eloise and Leon are back in Matimekush for the summer. But this school break will not be like any other, thanks to a hockey movie being filmed in the community! Is it possible that Leon will be in the movie? Will Eloise, who is interested...
Little Shoes
Robertson, David A.
Paper Book
From the bestselling and Governor General's Award-winning author of On the Trapline comes a beautifully told and comforting picture book about a boy's journey to overcome generational trauma of residential schools. Deep in the night, when James should be sleeping, he...
Les terres isolees
Robertson, David
Paper Book
See below for English description. Les histoires traditionnelles autochtones sur le ciel et les constellations rencontrent la légende de Narnia dans cette série fantastique et épique destinée aux préadolescents, écrite par l'auteur primé David A. Robertson. Morgan et Eli, deux...
Anishinaabek: the People and Nations
Meness, Jennifer.
Paper Book
The Anishinaabek are a rich nation with teachings and practices passed down from generation to generation. Explore more about the people and nations through Anishinaabek author Jennifer Meness. Dr. Jennifer Meness, Bawajigan Waabanong (Dreams Tomorrow's Dawn) is Migizi minwa Bine Dodemok from the...
World's End : The Misewa Saga, Book Six
Robertson, David A.
Paper Book
Eli must embrace his unique heritage and make an impossible decision about his future, and the future of Misewa, in this thrilling last adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series. Eli, Morgan and Emily manage to free themselves...
On powwow day
Sorell, Traci.
Paper Book
In this board book by best-selling Native author Traci Sorell, discover colors, sounds, and counting from one to ten on powwow day! This eye-catching, interactive board book is sure to keep toddlers engaged. Count one through ten as you make your way through the day of the powwow...
Firefly Season
Smith, Cynthia Leitich.
Paper Book
Written by the award-winning, bestselling author of Jingle Dancer, Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), and filled with tender illustrations by Kate Gardiner (Nipmuck), this unforgettable, warmhearted picture book is for family and the friends who become family. Piper...
Yuka et Qimmiq
Larouche, Isabelle
Paper Book
Dans un petit village du Nunavik, où les aurores boréales dansent dans le ciel et où la tradition se mêle à la modernité, Yuka découvre six chiots sous une maison. Parmi eux, un husky aux yeux bleus capte son attention. Avec l'aide de Leevan, son enseignant, Yuka apprendra l'art de diriger des...
Remember Who You Are
Prince, Leona.
Paper Book
You are more powerful than you imagine. In this lyrical picture book, young readers are reminded of their cultural roots, the wisdom of their ancestors and their own potential. Each page offers an affirmation about identity, respect, love and truth, encouraging all children to embrace...
Elizabeth Quocksister: Keeper of History
Healey, Haley
Paper Book
Elizabeth Quocksister (1925-81) had many roles in her life. She was a cultural teacher, a community leader, a dancer, a nurse, a photographer, a residential school survivor, and a mother of ten. Born on the Da'naxda'xw Nation on Knight Inlet on the central coast of British...
The Animal People Choose a Leader
Wagamese, Richard
Paper Book
Accompanied by award-winning illustrator Bridget George's luminous artwork, this tradition-steeped story from renowned author Richard Wagamese meditates on the unifying powers of wisdom, kindness and respect with all the visionary clarity of our most essential legends. The unmistakable...
Stitches of tradition : gashkigwaaso tradition
Rendon, Marcie R.
Paper Book
"Noozhishenh, bimadiziwin," Nookomis says. "My granddaughter, live a good life." An Ojibwe grandmother carefully measures and selects just the right colors of fabric, and her sewing machine hums whirr, whirr, whirr late into the night. In the morning, her growing...
Bannock in a Hammock
Kelly, Masiana
Paper Book
Big or small, sweet or savoury, with stew or with sprinkles, there are tons of ways to enjoy bannock! This sweet and simple rhyming book explores a food that is a popular tradition with Inuit and other Indigenous people, and has some fun along the way. What's your favourite way to eat...
The heartbeat drum : the story of Carol Powder, Cree drummer and activist
Havrelock, Deidre
Paper Book
Author Deidre Havrelock's and illustrator Aphelandra's The Heartbeat Drum is an uplifting picture book biography of a Cree activist and musician who founded an Indigenous hand drumming group, led by women and children, that spreads joy, healing, and unity ...
Two tribes
Bowen Cohen, Emily
Paper Book
In her poignant debut graphic novel inspired by her own life, Emily Bowen Cohen embraces the complexity, meaning, and deep love that comes from being part of two vibrant tribes. Mia is still getting used to living with her mom and stepfather, and to the new role their Jewish...
My culture, my gender, me
Corrigan, Cassandra Jules
Paper Book
Gender diversity knows no borders... Exploring identities that span the Indigenous Two Spirit people, the hijras of the Indian subcontinent, the mahu people of Hawaii, the female husbands of the Igbo tribe and many more, Cassandra Corrigan beautifully demonstrates that gender identities...
Kekwan Etakwak MîkisîhkWhat's in a Bead?
Borgford, Kelsey
Paper Book
Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it's because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead. This dual...
This land : the history of the land we're on
Fairbanks, Ashley.
Paper Book
This engaging story about native landsinvites kids to trace history and explore their communities. "An adorable primer on the history of land."--PEOPLE.com Before my family lived in this house, a different family did, and before them, another family, and another...
Lights along the river
Skene, Pat
Paper Book
On a cold winter morning in 1952, Patsy Lamondin wakes to the day electricity will finally be connected to her small town along the Magnetawan River. Patsy and her siblings buzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the ceremony being held at the center of town. The Lamondins have lived along...
Development of the reserve system
Rose, Simon
Paper Book
The reserve system has been around for years, and is a controversial part of Canada's history. Discover how the reserve system came to be and how it operates now.
A family tree
Drouillard, Staci Lola
Paper Book
A modern-day twist to The Giving Tree, this book chronicles the changes brought upon a beloved family tree that must be uprooted and planted on new land. This debut picture book by Staci Lola Drouillard (Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe descendant) celebrates...
Can you hear the plants speak?
Hummingbird, Nicholas
Paper Book
"Heartfelt reflections on the importance of kinship with nature." --Kirkus Reviews Our people believe spirit lives in everything. Mountain, river, wind, tree.                  ...
Why we dance : a story of hope and healing
Havrelock, Deirdre
Paper Book
From Indigenous creative team Deidre Havrelock and Aly McKnight comes a powerful and exuberant story about the heritage, joy, and healing power of the Jingle Dress Dance--a perfect read-aloud picture book. It's a special day--the day of the Jingle Dress Dance!...
Treaty words : for as long as the rivers flow
Craft, Aimée
Paper Book
The first treaty that was made was between the earth and the sky. It was an agreement to work together. We build all of our treaties on that original treaty. On the banks of the river that have been Mishomis's home his whole life, he teaches his granddaughter to listen--to hear both...
Mi'kmaq: the People and Nation
Chappell, Corinne.
Paper Book
The Mi'kmaq have many practices in their culture which make them unique. Discover more about the people and nation through Mi'kmaq author Corinne Chappell. Author Corinne Chappell, Ed.D. is a Mi'kmaq from Lennox Island First Nations.
Poppa and His Drum
Doucette, Judith M.
Paper Book
After moving from an all-French Indigenous community to the English community of St. George's when he was a little boy, Poppa's life as a young man was very sad. He was treated badly by his schoolteachers and some other children in the town. Years later, when his grandson...
Autumn Peltier, water warrior
Lindstrom, Carole
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George comes a must-read companion to the powerful, award-winning picture book We Are Water Protectors. Telling the story of reall-ife water protectors, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior celebrates...
I Am Connected
Jung-jaadee/ Joseph, Carla (ILT)
Paper Book
We are all connected. Whether it is with your family, the mossy earth beneath your feet, the warm guidance of your ancestors, you belong in connection with all around you. Along the backdrop of Haida Gwaii's breathtaking landscapes, Indigenous storyteller, Ḵung Jaadee, invites you to...
The ribbon skirt : a graphic novel
Mukwa, Cameron
Paper Book
American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book A joyful coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel by debut Indigenous creator Cameron Mukwa about the journey of a two-spirit kid who wants to create a ribbon skirt for the upcoming powwow. Ten-year-old Anang wants to make a...
The case of the pilfered pin
Hutchinson, Michael
Paper Book
The Windy Lake First Nation's lands have been shared with cottagers for fifty years, but no one can agree on where the reserve land ends. The only thing that can prove the boundary is a steel surveyor's pin with the borders of the Windy Lake reserve etched into its head. When the Mighty...
The sleeping giant
Robertson, David
Paper Book
Eli and Morgan embark on a dangerous mission to rescue kidnapped animal beings in this new adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series. Eli, Morgan and Emily embark on their most dangerous mission yet, to save the kidnapped animal beings...
Christopher Columbus and the Taino people
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about Christopher Columbus, and learn all about the Taino people. Perfect for fans of the I Survived books and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed across the ocean and discovered America. Right? WRONG!...
Indigenous ingenuity : a celebration of traditional North American knowledge
Havrelock, Deidre
Paper Book
Celebrate Indigenous thinkers and inventions with this beautifully designed, award-winning interactive nonfiction book--perfect for fans of Braiding Sweetgrass.  Corn. Chocolate. Fishing hooks. Boats that float. Insulated double-walled construction. Recorded...
Moon Song
Goade, Michaela.
Paper Book
Cuddle up with this celebration of winter and explore the wonders of nature's light with Moon Song from Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade. On an island at the edge of a silvery sea, when the moon rises and night falls, a girl spins a story for...
Go show the world : a celebration of Indigenous heroes
Kinew, Wab
Paper Book
Celebrating the stories of Indigenous people throughout time, Wab Kinew has created a powerful rap song, the lyrics of which are the basis for the text in this beautiful picture book, illustrated by the acclaimed Joe Morse. Including figures such as Crazy Horse, Net-no-kwa, former NASA astronaut...
Turtle Island : the story of North America's first people
Yellowhorn, Eldon
Paper Book
Discover the amazing story of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas from the end of the Ice Age to the arrival of the Europeans. * EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards Honoree * Waterloo Red Maple Nonfiction Award Winner  * Rocky Mountain Book Award Nominee <...
Oral traditions and storytelling
Yasuda, Anita.
Paper Book
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have been sharing traditions through storytelling and teaching. Learn about Indigenous oral traditions and storytelling, and their importance.
Muinji'j Asks Why : The Story of the Mi'kmaq and the Shubenacadie Residential School
MacEachern, Shanika Jayde.
Paper Book
An educational and heartfelt retelling of the story of the Mi'kmaq and their traditional lands, Mi'kma'ki, for young readers, focused on the generational traumas of the Indian Residential School System. "The story of the Mi'kmaw people is one that very few truly know, Ladybug....
Fatty legs : a true story
Jordan-Fenton, Christy.
Paper Book
Eight-year-old Margaret Pokiak has set her sights on learning to read, even though it means leaving her village in the high Arctic. Faced with unceasing pressure, her father finally agrees to let her make the five-day journey to attend school, but he warns Margaret of the terrors of residential...
Rez dogs
Bruchac, Joseph
Paper Book
Renowned author Joseph Bruchac tells a powerful story of a girl who learns more about her Penacook heritage while sheltering in place with her grandparents during the coronavirus pandemic. Malian loves spending time with her grandparents at their home on a Wabanaki reservation...
Ours to Tell : Reclaiming Indigenous Stories
Yellowhorn, Eldon.
Paper Book
A wide-ranging anthology that shines a light on untold Indigenous stories as chronicled by Indigenous creators, compiled by the acclaimed team behind Turtle Island and Sky Wolf's Call. For too long, stories and artistic expressions from Indigenous people have been written and recorded by...
We belong to the drum
Lamouche, Sandra.
Paper Book
The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum. Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn't feel like he belongs....
I can make this promise
Day, Christine
Paper Book
In her debut middle grade novel--inspired by her family's history--Christine Day tells the story of a girl who uncovers her family's secrets--and finds her own Native American identity. All her life, Edie has known that her mom was adopted by a white couple. So, no matter how...
Rez Kid
Landry, Andrea.
Paper Book
A celebration of traditional ways of life and the power of sharing what we have. "Rez kid!" The girl ignores the taunt as she hurries to the back of the school bus. She just wants to get home to the reservation, where she can feel safe. One by one, she tells her mom, nóhkom, moshum...
My little Ogichidaa : an indigenous lullaby
Poll, Willie
Paper Book
My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior. The word Ogichidaa itself means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to...
Dad, I Miss You: A Residential School Story
Sammurtok, Nadia
Paper Book
This story is dedicated to the author's mother and father, both of whom are residential school survivors. Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, this book takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to...

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