National Network for Equitable Library Service

In her debut collection of short stories, Islands of Decolonial Love, renowned writer and activist Leanne Simpson vividly explores the lives of contemporary Indigenous Peoples and communities, especially those of her own Nishnaabeg nation.

Celebrates the achievements of 100 remarkable Indigenous Albertans in the fields of art, literature, business, politics, sports, education, human rights and more. From world-renowned architect Douglas Cardinal, whose iconic designs are seen from Edmonton to Washington, DC, to Nellie Carlson, a tireless activist whose work has advanced the rights of Indigenous women, the contributions of Indigenous Peoples have greatly enriched the social, cultural and economic fabric of Alberta.

The Tree by the Woodpile is a story about a First Nations boy who is told an enchanting tale by his grandmother about how an old tree by the woodpile provides food and shelter for the birds and animals of the North. The story is suffused with Newet'sine, the Creator and Spirit of Nature, who brings a message of how we must cherish our land. The Tree is written in English and Dene for middle-grade children, ages 7 to 12. Other stories in the book are "The Wolf," and "The Mountain, the Wind, and the Wildflowers.

A work in progress since the 1970s, We Remember the Coming of the White Man chronicles the history of the Dene People in the extraordinary time of the early 20th century. Chapters are transcripts of oral histories of ten Elders and revolve around their recollections of the early days of fur trading, missionaries and the 1918 flu pandemic; dismay about the way oil and uranium discoveries and pipelines were handled on their land; and the emotional and economic fallout of the signing of Treaty 11.

In 1993, the remains of a young woman were discovered at Nagami Bay, South Indian Lake, Manitoba. Out of that important archaeological discovery came this unique story about a week in the life of Pīsim, a young Cree woman, who lived in the mid 1600s. In the story, created by renowned storyteller William Dumas, Pīsim begins to recognize her miskanaw - her life's journey - and to develop her gifts for fulfilling that path.

A graphic novel about the Northwest Resistance of 1885. In this book, the protagonist Echo Desjarlais encounters the Metis people of the Northwest Territory, including leaders Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont and Mistahimaskwa, in Batoche and other sites of the Resistance. After victories, then defeat, at the hands of the Canadian Forces, Riel surrenders. Echo travels back to the present, where she discovers her own ties to the Métis who fought there. This is Book 3 in the graphic novel series that examines the history of the Métis through an own-voice perspective.

When the author learns of the death of her brother overseas, she embarks on a journey to bring him home. Through memories and dreams of all they shared together, she follows Dene teachings to find comfort and strength. The lyrical art and story leave readers with a universal message of hope and love.

Siha Tooskin (Paul) and his Uncle Lenard help a school friend, Jeff learn about Nakota forms of traditional and non-traditional dance at a pow wow.

Siha Tooskin (Paul) learns from his grandfather about the eagle and the importance of respecting it and its feathers, along with other creatures in nature.

Ms. Baxter, a schoolteacher, is hoping to invite Siha Tooskin's (Paul's) grandparents to visit the classroom to offer information for her science class, and she asks Paul the respectful protocol for doing so, which in Nakota culture can involve the offering of tobacco.