5 more books by Indigenous authors for your holiday reading
CBC News | Posted: December 24, 2016 9:00 AM | Last Updated: December 24, 2016
From Inuit adventures to dramatic history, you should add these picks to your holiday reading list
After sharing our suggestions for books by Indigenous authors, we knew we couldn't stop at just five.
So from Inuit adventures to Indigenous knowledge, here are five more books by Indigenous authors you should add to your holiday reading list — all of which were released in 2016.
Akilak's Adventure by Deborah Kigjugalik Webster
Reading doesn't have to be a solitary pursuit.
Gather the kiddies and crack open Akilak's Adventure by Baker Lake, Nunavut author Deborah Kigjugalik Webster, in which the title character makes a great journey from one camp to another to gather food. It's illustrated beautifully by Toronto's Charlene Chua.
Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis & Inuit Issues in Canada by Chelsea Vowel
Are you familiar with the terms Delgamuukw, Sixties Scoop, Bill C-31 or blood quantum?
- CBC Unreserved: Chelsea Vowel takes on Indigenous misconceptions with new book
Even during the holiday season, there's always time to expand your knowledge about this country's first people. This collection of essays by writer, lawyer and blogger Chelsea Vowel is an excellent base.
I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis & Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gillian Newland
With beautiful illustrations by Gillian Newland, I am Not a Number tells the story of eight year old Irene, who is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school — where she is assigned a number instead of her name.
- CBC Books: I Am Not a Number
Based on the life of co-author Jenny Kay Dupuis's grandmother, I Am Not a Number is a hugely necessary book that brings a terrible part of Canada's history to light in a way that children can learn from and relate to.
Sounding Thunder: The Stories of Francis Pegahmagabow by Brian D. McInnes
The incredible life story of Francis Pegahmagabow — one of this country's most decorated, yet largely unsung, First World War heroes —is told in this offering from Ojibway author Brian D. McInnes.
- WW I hero Francis Pegahmagabow given Aboriginal Day honour
- Legendary Ojibwa sniper unsung hero of WW I
From Pegahmagabow's time in the war as a sniper and scout to his life as a renowned Indigenous leader in peacetime, this one is a true page-turner.
Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie
If you haven't already guessed, we have a soft spot for children's books — especially ones with positive portrayals of Indigenous people.
Already known for his funny, heartfelt novels, Sherman Alexie turns his talents to writing for children with this fantastic book, which explores feelings of identity and belonging in a way that's easy to share with the whole family.