Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams is an award-winning picture book in the Spirit Bear series written by Order of Canada recipient Cindy Blackstock (Gitxsan Nation) and illustrated by Amanda Strong (Michif). In this story Spirit Bear is on his way home from a sacred ceremony when he meets Jake, a friendly dog, with a bag full of paper hearts attached to wood stakes.
Johnny's Pheasant is written by Cheryl Minnema (Waabaanakwadookwe), a member of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and illustrated by Julie Flett, Cree-Métis. Johnny's Pheasant starts with their car stopping: "Pull over, Grandma! Hurry!” Johnny says. Grandma does and Johnny runs to show her what he spotted near the ditch: a sleeping pheasant. It’s hard to say who is most surprised by what happens next—Grandma, Johnny, or the pheasant.
Julie Flett, Cree-Métis author, illustrator, and artist, has written and illustrated Birdsong. In this story a young girl, Katherena, moves to the city with her mother and feels lonely and no longer wants to draw, something that she usually enjoys. But soon she meets the neighbour, Agnes, who shares her love of arts and crafts with Katherena. The two become friends but as the seasons change Agnes becomes frail. Julie Flett’s textured images of birds, flowers, art, and landscapes bring vibrancy and warmth to this powerful story of friendship.
My Bravo is written by Jordan Kyak and illustrated by Steve James. This is the story of Jordan who loves driving his Bravo! It might be small, but it is tough. Jordan uses his Bravo for hunting, helping his family, and more. Find out what makes Jordan’s Bravo so special. This is a leveled reading book with PM Benchmark 21 or F&P guided reading L. Jordan Kyak was born and raised in Pond Inlet, Nunavut. He attended Nunavut Arctic College.
Harry Okpik Determined Musher by Harry Okpik and Maren Vsetula is the story of Inuit hero Harry Okpik and the history of dogsledding. This book is illustrated by Ali Hinch. Harry Okpik Determined Musher introduces the biography genre to children through the life of Harry Okpik who was born in the community of Quaqtaq in 1954. Harry Okpik owns a dog team and has participated in numerous Ivakkak dog sled races. He is widely recognized as one of the most dedicated and successful dog team owners in Nunavik.
Making A Whole Human Being: Traditional Inuit Education, is written by Monica Ittusardjuat, Inuit educator and linguist and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. In Making A Whole Human Being, Monica Ittusardjuat says "Before schools were introduced to the Inuit, we were taught by our relatives.” In this picture book, she shares how she learned knowledge and skills in a time before being taken to residential school.
Like a Walk on the Tundra, A Walk on the Shoreline, now in paperback, introduces young readers to unique plants and animals found in the Arctic, as well as the traditional Inuit uses for the various species. Young Nukappia can't wait to get out to his family campsite on the Arctic shoreline. After spending all year in the south with his adoptive parents, Nukappia always looks forward to his summer visits with his birth family.
The Giant Bear: An Inuit Folktale is the new edition of the 2012 picture book from Inhabit Media told by Jose Angutinngurniq, Inuk author and storyteller. With Manga-like illustrations by Eva Widermann this 32-page picture book tells the exciting story of an Inuk hunter’s efforts to kill the giant polar bear or nanurluk. These bears lived long ago and were often covered by icy fur coats that resisted Inuit hunters’ spears. These were fearsome creatures and this traditional story recounts an Inuk hunter’s adventure. The man and his wife lived on the land in their snow house or iglu.
Like a Walk on the Tundra, A Walk on the Shoreline introduces young readers to unique plants and animals found in the Arctic, as well as the traditional Inuit uses for the various species. Young Nukappia can't wait to get out to his family campsite on the Arctic shoreline. After spending all year in the south with his adoptive parents, Nukappia always looks forward to his summer visits with his birth family.
This colouring book is part of the Connecting with Our First Family / gaa-izhi-azhenaadiziyang nindinimaaganinaan: series. This book is published by TakingITGlobal Connected North program in partnership with Indigenous Artist and Visual Story Teller, Nyle Johnston of Miigizi Creations. The purpose of the project is to support students and educators in the process of understanding the Anishinaabe Nation, strengthening identity and culture, Ojibwe language revitalization and community development.
