Combining her Indigenous worldview and culture as well as her scientific knowledge as a botanist, Robin Kimmerer works to educate readers on the beauty in nature surrounding us all. Through personal experiences and Indigenous storytelling, Robin takes readers along a beautifully educational journey through stories of strawberries and squash, algae and salamanders, and the history of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Whether you are looking to better educate yourself on Indigenous worldview, botany and biology, or simply looking for a poetic and beautiful piece of literature, Robin Kimmerer’s book is certainly one to explore as well as her many other enthralling pieces such as Gathering Moss and Old Growth: The Best Writing About Trees from Orion Magazine.

Looking to dive more into Indigenous literature? Pick up The Outside Circle by Patti LaBoucane-Benson. With stunning visuals by Kelly Mellings and detailed storytelling by Patti LaBoucane-Benson, this graphic novel follows two brothers in a quest to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma after years of their life surrounded by substance misuse, poverty, and gang violence. By reconnecting with their roots, Patti LaBoucane-Benson tells a sad, and important story of brothers reconnecting with their roots to find true peace and healing from within.

The Break by Katherine Vermette tells the story of Stella, a young Metis mother, who one night witnesses a horrific scene unfold before her and calls the police to notify them of a possible crime in the Break. Through a series of shifting narratives, those connected directly or indirectly to the victim recount the stories of their past up until that fateful night. Phoenix is a troubled, homeless teenager, constantly in dangerous situations and in trouble with the law. Cheryl, a painter, continues to grapple with the tragic death of her younger sister Rain. Paulina, a single mother, struggles with trust. Officer Scott feels torn between his duty to protect, and his cultural ties. Through their eyes, what Stella reported that night comes into focus. This intergenerational saga showcases a fictional, yet realistic reality for those living in North Winnipeg.