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Books
Reading is a great way to learn about the Indigenous experience in Canada. When we hear each other’s stories, we become connected to the information that is shared. We carry this knowledge in our minds and hearts, and it changes the way we see—and act in—our communities
Non-Fiction
- 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, by Bob Joseph
- A Knock on the Door, by various authors
- Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and The Teachings Of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- From the Ashes: My story of being Metis, homeless and finding my way, by Jesse Thistle
- I Am Woman: A Native Perspective on Sociology and Feminism, by Lee Maracle
- Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Issues in Canada, by Chelsea Vowel
- Life Among the Qallunaat, by Mini Aodla Freeman
- My conversations with Canadians by Lee Maracle
- Our Story: Aboriginal voices on Canada’s past by various authors
- Seven Fallen Feather, Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City, by Tanya Talaga
- The Inconvenient Indian, by Thomas King
- The Land Is Not Empty, by Sarah Augustine
- The Reconciliation Manifesto: Recovering the Land, Rebuilding the Economy, by Arthur Manuel, Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson, and Ronald M . Derrickson
- Unsettling the Settler Within: Indian Residential Schools, Truth Telling, and Reconciliation in Canada, by Paulette Regan; Foreword by Taiaiake Alfred
- Warrior Life: Indigenous Resistance and Resurgence, by Pamela Palmater
- Whose Land is it Anyway? (PDF), edited by Peter McFarlane and Nicole Schabus
Fiction
- Five Little Indians, by Michelle Good
- Indian Horse, by Richard Wagamese (also a film)
- Kiss of the Fur Queen, by Tomson Highway
- Monkey Beach, by Eden Robinson (also a film)
- Split Tooth, byTayna Tagaq
- The Break, byKatherena Vermette
- This Accident of Being Lost, by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson (short stories)
Child, Youth, and Young Adult
- Fatty Legs, A True Story, by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
- I Am Not A Number, Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer
- I Know Here, by Laurel Croza
- Shin-Chi’s Canoe, by Nicola Campbell
- The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (Young Adult)
- What’s My Super Power, Aviaq Johnston
- When We Were Alone, by David Alexander Robertson and Julie Flett
- Why are Indigenous People Blocking the Railroad, And Why It’s Important: A Path to Understanding (PDF Zine), by Chloloula
- You Hold Me Up / Gimanaadenim by Monique Gray Smith
Other Reading Lists
- Indigenous Booklists, Vancouver Public Library
- 35 books to read for National Indigenous History Month CBC
- Bestselling Fiction by Indigenous Canadian Authors Raven Reads
- Books to Read by Indigenous Authors in Canada – BookRiot
- 108 Indigenous writers to read, as recommended by you – CBC Books
- #IndigenousReads by Indigenous Writers: A Children’s Reading List – The Conscious Kid Library
- Where are the Children? Reading List – Legacy of Hope Foundation
- Listopia: Indigenous Book Lists – Goodreads
- Must Read Indigenous Children’s Books List – Muskrat Magazine
Do you have a favourite both by an Indigenous author or on the Indigenous experience in Canada that is not on the list? Please send your recommendations to communications@chf.bc.ca