First Nation Communities READ (FNCR) recognizes authors throughout our continent's diverse Indigenous communities. For nearly twenty years, this initiative has increased awareness of Indigenous teachings, cultures and worldviews and the value of storytelling across Turtle Island.
Enjoy the winning titles in the Children’s and Young Adult/Adult categories (the first three in this list), chosen by a jury of Indigenous librarians from across Ontario. Explore the full YA/Adult list and children’s list.
We Dream Medicine Dreams by Lisa Boivin
When a little girl dreams about a bear, her grandfather explains how we connect with the knowledge of our ancestors through dreams. Bear, Hawk, Caribou, and Wolf all have teachings to share to help us live a good life. But when Grampa gets sick and falls into a coma, the little girl must lean on his teachings as she learns to say goodbye. Recommended for ages 5 - 8.
Little Bear in Foster Care by S.P. Joseph Lyons
Lyons’ book connects children to a range of emotions, encourages them to find their voice, and lets them know they are not alone or to blame. Through Little Bear in Foster Care, S.P. Joseph Lyons helps young children process their feelings and experiences. The richness of Indigenous cultures and emotions come alive in this story of healing and resilience. Little Bear in Foster Care is geared toward young school-aged children.
Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table by Carol Anne Hilton
It is time. It is time to increase the visibility, role, and responsibility of the emerging modern indigenous economy and the people involved. This is the foundation for economic reconciliation. This is Indigenomics. Indigenomics lays out the tenets of the emerging indigenous economy, built around relationships, multigenerational stewardship of resources, and care for all.
Hockey with Dad by Willie Sellers
When the team goalie gets sick, Little Brother excitedly steps onto the ice to play in the championship game. He always wanted to be part of the lineup where Big Sister is the ace forward. The closer the game gets, the more nervous he becomes. He must rely on his family's long history of playing hockey, the wisdom of his family and the Secwépemc cultural values they impart. Ages 3+.
The Bee by Becky Han
When the narrator of this story is startled by a bee, she runs clear across Nunavut until she realized that the bee is not as scary as she once thought. Based on a song by Becky Han. Ages 6-8.
Louis Riel Day by Deborah A. Delaronde
When a young boy is assigned a project about the fur trade by his teacher, he doesn't know who to turn to because his mom works all day. With help from his grandfather and the internet, they travel back in time and discover how the fur trade began, a new people emerged, the Métis' role in the fur trade, Louis Riel and the Red River Resistance, and the reason behind a holiday named Louis Riel Day. Ages 6-9.
The Wolf Mother by Brett D. Huson
Learn about the life cycle of these magnificent canines, the traditions of the Gitxsan, and how grey wolves contribute to the health of their entire ecosystem. Ages 9-11.
Awâsis: Kinky and Dishevelled by Louise Halfe
A gender-fluid trickster character leaps from Cree stories to inhabit this raucous and rebellious new work by award-winning poet Louise Bernice Halfe. There are no pronouns in Cree for gender; awâsis (illuminated child) reveals herself through shape-shifting, adopting different genders, exploring the English language with merriment, and sharing his journey of mishaps with humour, mystery, and spirituality.
Life in the City of Dirty Water by Clayton Thomas-Müller
A Cree climate change activist traces his journey, from a child dealing with the legacy of his family's experiences in the residential school system, an Indigenous youth in an urban city facing racism and violence, and a teenager in and out of juvie, to his current role in the environmental justice movement.
Gather by Richard Van Camp
Stories are medicine. During a time of heightened isolation, bestselling author Richard Van Camp shares what he knows about the power of storytelling, and offers some of his own favourite stories from Elders, friends, and family.
Run as One: My Story by Errol Ranville
An autobiography of Indigenous country musician Errol Ranville who faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles as an Indigenous musician in the predominately white music business.
