June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Explore our collection to honour and learn from Indigenous voices and stories.
Today Is Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad
An authentic, age-appropriate touch-and-feel board book written by the founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement and author of the award-winning picture book Every Child Matters. Ages 0-3.
Let's Go by Julie Flett
Every day, a little boy watches kids pass by on skateboards and dreams of joining them. One day, his mother brings a surprise: her old skateboard, just for him! haw êkwa! Let's go! Ages 4-8.
Being Home by Traci Sorell
Demonstrates the significance of returning to one's ancestral land through the eyes of a Cherokee girl excited by her family's move from their urban home to their reservation. Ages 4-8.
My Little Ogichidaa: An Indigenous Lullaby by Willie Poll
The word Ogichidaa means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to Indigenous families everywhere who proudly raise their children to carry forward their culture, language, and love with resilience, strength and kindness. Ages 6-8.
Daughters of Snow and Cinders by Nuria Tamarit
On the run from her treasured home, Joana boards a steamship bound for the frozen realm of wolves and men. Here, Tala guides a gold-hunting expedition into the heart of the wilderness. As storm winds loom and a fearsome she-wolf lurks in the shadows, these bold young women soon discover that Nature's wrath comes for all who seek to plunder Her.
Killing the Wittigo by Suzanne Methot
Written specifically for young adults, reluctant readers and literacy learners, Killing the Wittigo explains the traumatic effects of colonization on Indigenous people and communities and how trauma alters an individual's brain, body and behaviour.
Harvest House by Cynthia Leitich Smith
A gripping and unsettling mystery that will captivate readers who enjoy spine-tingling thrillers, Indigenous stories and haunting tales of the supernatural, particularly those who appreciate a blend of contemporary realism and eerie atmosphere.
Firekeeper by Catherine Lafferty
Desperate for love, Nyla accidentally sets fire to her ex's building and is then incarcerated for arson. Through community-led diversion, Nyla finds herself on a reserve as their firekeeper. When climate change-induced wildfires threaten her new home, she knows how to fight back.
Qimmik by Michel Jean
Un roman sur l'attachement au territoire, sur l'amitié entre les humains, qui les unit parfois aux chiens, sur ce qui survit en nous lorsque tout semble perdu.
Bead Talk: Indigenous Knowledge and Aesthetics edited by Carmen Robertson, Judy Anderson, and Katherine Boyer
Conversations, interviews, essays and full-colour reproductions of beadwork from expert and emerging artists, academics and curators illustrate the importance of beading in contemporary Indigenous arts.
Cold by Drew Hayden Taylor
Cold takes Indigenous myth and folklore and thrusts it into the modern streets of Toronto, exploring themes of displacement and trauma.
