Annotated NBE 3U Resources

PD1106 April Raintree
Annotated NBE 3U Resources
In Search of April Raintree is the story of two Métis sisters growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After
the girls are removed from their family, they are sent to separate foster homes. Métis writer Beatrice
Culleton Mosionier recounts their struggle with loss, violence, racism, and search for identity in this
moving narrative. This novel has become an important text in recent Canadian literature. This new
critical edition includes the complete text of the novel and ten original essays. The essays address
issues such as racism, truth-telling and the representation of social discourse, and Native history and
the search for identity. The power of this novel extends to the literary community as the essays
demonstrate. Recommended reading for literature courses at the senior high school to college and
university levels.
PD1027 The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway,
The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway is the classic book about Ojibway traditional teachings
written for children. Edward Benton Banai is the Ojibway teacher and spiritual leader who founded the
Red School House, an alternative school for Native students in St. Paul, Minnesota. His goal in
writing The Mishomis Book was to provide students with an accurate account of Ojibway culture,
history, and worldview based on the oral teachings. This book begins with the Ojibway creation story
and how first man came to earth. The fifteen chapters cover the traditional teachings about the
acquisition of fire and tools, the creation and meaning of the clan system, the migration of the
Ojibway people from the Atlantic Coast to their present locations in Canada and the United States.
The final chapter describes more resent history. Throughout the book, the author includes the use of
Ojibway words and their meanings, as well as helpful maps and illustrations. Other major topics
covered include the four directions, the pipe, the Midewiwin and Sweat Lodge, the Seven Fires
prophesy, and the Seven Grandfathers Teaching, values and beliefs, and the role of Elders.. Students in
elementary and secondary school will find The Mishomis Book a useful text for secondary Native
Studies; college and university courses in Native Studies will also appreciate the traditional teachings
contained within this important work.
PD1054 American Indian Myths and Legends
This book is on the list of recommended Aboriginal titles developed by staff of the (SOLS) Southern
Ontario Library Service and the Ontario Library Service North for the Aboriginal Library Book
Investment by the Ontario Ministry of Culture into the Ontario Public Libraries.

PD1062 Gatherings Volume VII: The En'owkin Journal of First North American Peoples -
Standing Ground Strength and Solidarity Amidst Dissolving Boundaries
Gatherings Volume Vll: Standing Ground-Strength and Solidarity Amidst Dissolving Boundaries is the
seventh annual literary journal compiled by the Enâowkin International School of Writing. This
anthology contains the poems, stories, oratory and essays from established and emerging Indigenous
writers from the Americas, Hawaii, Aotearoa and Australia. Their words represent the beliefs and
values of Indigenous Peoples as they take a stand in defense of their land, cultures, languages and
nations. Their work is a celebration and acknowledgement of the strength of Indigenous Peoples
worldwide. Themes include the importance of family and ceremony, protecting traditional sacred
lands, and the healing power contained in the practice of traditional spirituality. Recommended for
Native Literature courses.
PD1066 The Spirit Lives in the Mind: Omushkego Stories, Lives, and Dreams
The Spirit Lives in the Mind: Omushkego Stories, Lives, and Dreams is a collection of traditional
stories and oral traditions compiled for over forty years by Omushkego Cree (Swampy Cree)
musician, storyteller and scholar, Louis Bird. The stories and traditions he has collected are from the
traditional Cree communities along the west coast of Hudson and James Bay. They are organized for
the reader's understanding of Cree spiritual worldview. Chapter 1 covers the Water, Earth and Skies as
the foundation and includes specific stories about sacred places, and the important celestial bodies and
universe in Cree cosmology. The chapter called Intruders and Defenders contains stories about
significant human interactions that include the history of the Omushkego. Pakaaskokan, an ancient
legend of mystery tells of the mysterious flying skeleton in Cree tradition. Values for Life and Survival
contains stories about prophesy, power, morality, and the consequences of behaviours in relation to
the animals and the environment. Mitewiwin Heroes and Villains covers the understandings about
shamans, dream quests, and dreaming as these relate to Cree worldview. The remaining four chapters
include stories about Wisakaychak, wihtigos, and powerful women. The interaction of traditional and
Christian values and beliefs are discussed because the author sees a definite connection despite the
problems of the missionaries and residential schools. The editor Susan Elaine Gray is a research
associate at the University of Winnipeg. She provides details for the process of organizing the
traditional stories and should be commended for allowing the voice of Louis Bird to remain the heart
and soul of these traditional Cree teachings. The book contains an extensive index, bibliography and
photographs.
PD1002 Lies to Live By
Lies to Live By is a collection of 44 short stories by Ojibwe storyteller and educator Lois Beardslee. A
talented artist who works in birch bark biting, quill work and sweetgrass basketry, the author offers
brief pieces about Birch Bark Biting, Dreamcatchers, Berries, Keepers of the Water, Ice Fishing, and an
important essay about Ojibwe storytelling. Other stories incorporate contemporary events with

traditional values and provide simple teachings. Other stories are retellings of traditional legends such
as Manaboozhou and the Ducks. Another story explains a personal account of the Little People. This
is a valuable collection of stories that combines Ojibwe traditional teachings within the context of
contemporary society. Recommended for senior elementary and high school.
D1016 One Native Life
One Native Life by journalist and author Richard Wagamese breaks new ground in the world of
Aboriginal literature. Richard Wagamese is Ojibway from the Wabasseemoong First Nation and has
worked newspaper reporter and a broadcaster for radio and TV. His latest volume offers readers a
positive and hopeful journey following this Ojibwe man's life journey as an abused child sent to foster
homes, experiencing racism, overcoming alcoholism, and finding one's Indigenous identity.
Wagamese has arrived at a place of peace and healing where his wisdom shines through the bleakness
of a traumatic childhood. As a writer and journalist he has met remarkable people along the way and
this memoir offers the reader a glimpse of his journey. When he meets his grandfather for the first
time, we are there with him and many can relate this to their own family life. Each brief chapter is a
remarkable vignette that adds to this man's life story. His writing captivates and holds one's attention
whether he is enjoying lemon pie with Mohammed Ali or interviewing Pierre Elliott Trudeau. His
spiritual connection to the land is evident and the reader is left with the knowledge that one has read
the work of a man wise beyond his years. Highly recommended.
PD1069 Weesquachak
Weesquachak is a 2005 reprint of the 2000 publication, Weesquachak and the Lost Ones by Ruby
Slipperjack. Set in northern Ontario, this contemporary story explores the conflict between traditional
and contemporary Native life. Janine is a young Native woman who longs for independence and
urban life. When she returns to her reserve community she becomes involved with a trapper, Fred
who maintains a traditional lifestyle. The clash of cultures is evident. Into this picture enters
Weesquachak, the supernatural being whose transformations from man to raven creates
complications that are at times humourous and deadly. Slipperjack has successfully brought
Weesquachak from traditional storytelling into contemporary Native life. Ruby Slipperjack is a
Professor in the Department of Indigenous Learning at Lakehead University. This novel is suitable for
high school and university level Native literature courses.
PD1078 Reading Rock Art: Interpreting the Indian Rock Paintings of the Canadian Shield
Reading Rock Art: Interpreting the Indian Rock Paintings of the Canadian Shield is the second
printing of the 1994 classic text on First Nations pictographs. The author spent fourteen years
studying the meanings behind the pictographs and petroglyphs of the Canadian Shield. The
archaeologist examined over 400 rock art images from Quebec to Saskatchewan using the
"contextual' approach to understanding these sacred images produced by Ojibwe and Cree cultures.

Rajnovich begins by describing the definitions of rock art; their prominent locations on rock faces;
the culture of the Algonkian peoples; the importance of dreams, visions and medicine; and the
Manitous. In the chapter on dating rock art images, she examines the techniques involved in attaching
specific time periods to the creation of the images. Chapter three discusses the images in terms of
symbols and designs used by Algonkian peoples in sacred and secular picture writing. The final
chapters develop her thesis that the picture writing or rock art is directly connected to Algonkian
spiritual power. This allows the reader to see the rock art images from a traditional First Nation's
perspective. Using historical accounts, archaeological evidence, traditional stories, and metaphors, the
author has produced a valuable contribution to the field of Native rock painting. This is an important
text for anyone who wants to understand Ojibwe and Cree spiritual beliefs as represented through
ancient rock art. The readable text should appeal to the layperson as well as an academic audience.
PD1014 The Last Raven and Other Stories
The Last Raven and Other Stories by Six Nations Mohawk writer Richard G. Green masterfully brings
alive the struggles, adversities and triumphs common to contemporary urban/reserve Native North
American Indians in Canada and the U.S. This collection of twelve short stories was selected from the
author's extensive literary output. Green's stories have appeared exclusively in Native publications and
literary anthologies. The Last Raven and Other Stories features a variety of characters ranging from
adolescents to 30 something urban yuppies. These richly drawn characters are set in believable
contemporary situations where cultural experiences and values play important roles. In the story, A
Jingle for Silvy, a young jingle dress dancer has a final reunion with her long-time friend who has
returned home after experiencing a lifestyle contrary to their roots. This engaging short story
collection is suitable for senior elementary level students to adult.
PD1018 Walking a Tightrope: Aboriginal People and Their Representations
Walking a Tightrope constitutes a remarkably unified presentation for a book of readings. In
"Goodbye, Wild Indian," Lenore Keeship-Tobias expresses the hope that negative stereotypes of
Canada's Indigenous people will soon vanish. The poem is followed by three major parts of the book:
a) Reflections on Walking a Tightrope (five chapters); b) Historical Representations (five chapters);
and c) Literary and Cinematic Representations (four chapters). The book is an attempt to update
perceptions of Canada's First Nations in a variety of literary sectors, many of the articles referring to
or building on Daniel Francis' The Imaginary Indian of 1992. In the preface the editors express the
hope that the Canadian literary community has passed the previously held dualism of "Good Indians"
versus "Bad Indians." A decade ago the notion of Good Indians simply referred to those who
remained colonized, civilized, and peaceful. Bad Indians were those who "were involved in such
actions as blockades and resistance out of actions of peace--to protect their lands and other Earth"

PD1086 Fearless Warriors,
Fearless Warriors by Ojibwe playwright Drew Hayden Taylor is the revised edition of this publication
which first appeared in 1998. This collection of short stories takes firm aim at the stereotypes
abundant in Canadian society with humour and style. The twelve short stories cover life on the rez,
love and relationships, and family themes. The concluding story in this edition is set during the 1990
Oka Crisis and replaces the story in the previous edition. All the stories are told from the first person
narrator and are set in contemporary situations. Stories of particular note are The Girl who Loved Her
Horses and The Boy in the Ditch. The typos of the first edition are corrected making this a superb
collection of Taylor stories for secondary school students.
PD1068 Looking at the Words of Our People: First Nations Analysis of Literature
Looking at the Words of Our People: First Nations Analysis of Literature is the first collection in
Canada of literary analysis on Native Literature written by First Nations academics. This
groundbreaking compilation of essays is recommended to anyone interested in understanding the
emerging discipline of Native literature set in its proper context. The collection features reviews,
poetry analysis, Native literature overviews, and an important essay about the first Native American
gathering of writers in Oklahoma in 1992. Features overviews of Native literary criticism by Kateri
Damm and Janice Accose examine issues of colonialism and identity; Marilyn Dumont explores
themes of Nativeness and stereotyping; Kimberly Blaesers essay, Native Literature Seeking a Critical
Center, brings a Native American perspective; insightful reviews of Maria Campbell Halfbreed, Beatrice
Culletons In Search of April Raintree, and Thomas Kings Medicine River; and Greg Young-Ings paper
about the marginalization of First Nations publishing industry. Recommended for college and
university level literature courses.
PD1015 Voice of Indigenous Peoples - Native People Address the United Nations
Voice of Indigenous Peoples - Native People Address the United Nations is the collection of speeches
made by representatives of Indigenous Peoples to The United Nations in December of 1992 at the
official launch of 1993 as the International Year of the World's Indigenous People. The text includes
the speeches of the 19 Indigenous representatives. They eloquently spoke about the issues facing the
survival of their communities as well as all the peoples of Mother Earth. Speakers include: Hopi elder
Thomas Banyacya who was chosen by his Nation to present the Hopi prophesy to the United Nations;
Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation; Ovide Mercredi, Grand Chief of the Assembly of
First Nations; and Mary Simon of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference. The text also includes the
United Nations Draft Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Rights. This important collection is a mustread
for anyone interested in human rights, the environment and Indigenous Peoples.

PD1074 An Anthology of Canadian Native Literature in English
An Anthology of Canadian Native Literature in English edited by Delaware playwright/poet Daniel
David Moses and York University English Professor Terry Goldie has been revised in this third edition.
The wide-ranging survey of writing in English by Canadian Native authors features prose selections,
traditional songs, short stories, plays, poems and essays. The editors organized the selections
chronologically and have added the works of fourteen recently established writers. Selected early
writings of Joseph Brant, George Copway, Catherine Soneegoh Sutton, and E. Pauline Johnson are
included. The selections of contemporary writings by such literary notables as Basil Johnston, Rita
Joe, Maria Campbell, Beth Brant, Thomas King, Wayne Keon, Lee Maracle, Jeannette Armstrong,
Beth Cuthand, Tomson Highway, Drew Hayden Taylor and Eden Robinson represent current Native
writing in Canada. This volume showcases the wealth and complexity of Native literature. The writers
explore a broad range of issues from family relationships to Aboriginal rights. This introduction to
Native Canadian literature is highly recommended. Selections for such prominent writers as Tomson
Highway, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Wayne Keon, Connie Fife, and Gregory Scofield are revised and
updated with more recent works replacing selections from the second edition.
PD1102 Growing Up Native American: An Anthology
Growing Up Native American: An Anthology, edited by Patricia Riley is a collection of book
excerpts, essays, and short stories by twenty-two Native American and First Nations authors who
write about their experiences growing up in North America. From fifteen nations these writers talk
about learning English, attending residential school or boarding school, identity, cultural traditions,
family, community, oppression, racism, and stereotypes. Includes excerpts from the writings of
nineteenth and twentieth century Native authors including: Simon Ortiz, Anna Lee Walters, Ella Cara
Deloria, Sara Winnemucca Hopkins, Ignatia Broker, Black Elk, Luther Standing Bear, Francis La
Flesche, Lame Deer, Louise Erdrich, Basil Johnston, John Joseph Mathews, Linda Hogan, N. Scott
Momaday, Lee Maracle, Geary Hobson, Louis Owens, Vickie L. Sears, Leslie Marmon Silko, Michael
Dorris, and Eric L. Gansworth. Basil Johnston's selection is taken from his experiences during
residential school; Ignatia Broker's excerpt from Night Flying Woman: An Ojibwa Narrative recounts
events when her great-great grandmother's family members refused to live on a reservation; and Lee
Maracle's selection is taken from her autobiography, Bobbi Lee: Indian Rebel. Dealing with subtle
stereotypes and issues around learning about death are skillfully woven into Eric Gansworth's short
story about a plastic Indian and a real-life Hollywood actor from his reservation. Authors manage to
inject humour into the stories and excerpts that often contain tragic circumstances. Whether the
author is talking about old time buffalo hunts or growing up in American or Canadian urban areas,
the selections convey the diversity and similarities among Native Americans and First Nations. Ines
Hernandez provides a useful foreword, and the editor supplies introductory paragraphs for each
selection. An ideal anthology of Native literary works for high school and post secondary-level
students about childhood and adolescence.

PD1051 Native Poetry in Canada: A Contemporary Anthology
Native Poetry in Canada: A Contemporary Anthology presents a selection of poems chosen from the
wealth of Aboriginal poets in Canada and spans four decades from 1960 to 2000. The poets include
well-known First Nation and Metis writers such as Chief Dan George, Rita Joe, Beth Brant, Duke
Redbird, Wayne Keon, Jeannette Armstrong, Beth Cuthand, Lenore Keeshig-Tobias, Emma LaRoque,
Lee Maracle, George Kenny, Duncan Mercredi, Daniel David Moses, Louise Halfe, Marilyn Dumont,
Armand Garnet Ruffo, Connie Fife, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, and Gregory Scofield. Poems discuss
contemporary issues, personal points of view and include Lament for Confederation, for Donald
Marshall, Post-Oka Kinda Woman, Mister Mandela, born again indian, Could Raven Have White
Feathers?, Helen Betty Osborne, Letter to Sir John A. Macdonald, Poem for Duncan Campbell Scott,
Grey Owl, from turtle island to aotearoa, Pawacakinasis-pisim, December- The Frost Exploding
Moon, and Not All Halfbreed Mothers. This is an excellent collection that celebrates the range and
scope of First Nations and Metis poets in Canada. Highly recommended.
PD999 New Voices From the Longhouse: An Anthology of Contemporary Iroquois Writing
New Voices From the Longhouse: An Anthology of Contemporary Iroquois Writing contains the
poetry, short stories, essays by 30 Six Nations Iroquois writers. Published in 1989 by Joseph Bruchac's
Greenfield Review, this collection stands the test of time and remains important and relevant. It is a
remarkable collection of writing by various Six Nations Iroquois men and women, who live on
reserves in Canadian and US reservations as well as Canadian and American cities. They express their
deep love and respect for Iroquois traditional culture and history and comment on the contemporary
world. Essays from well-known scholars such as John Mohawk (Origins of Iroquois Political
Thought), Oren Lyons (Power of the Good Mind and Water is a Sacred Trust), Richard Hill
(Skywalkers), and Pam Colorado (“Indian Science from Fire and Ice: Natives, Alcohol and Spirituality)
express the importance of Iroquois traditions. Well-known poets such as Maurice Kenny, Roberta Hill
Whiteman, Peter Blue Cloud, Beth Brant, and Gail Tremblay contribute thought-provoking poems.
Duwayne Leslie Bowen continues a storytelling tradition by recounting modern witch stories from his
Seneca community. Francis Boots express his concern with leaning about knowing in the Iroquois
tradition and contributes a brief article about wampum. Mohawk midwife Katsi Cook writes about the
traditional role of plant medicines and women’s health, and Stephen Fadden writes about the history
of maple sugar from an Iroquois perspective. Among the emerging poets Germaine General-Myke
writes in Cayuga and provides an English translation alongside. She also explores the way her home
community (Six Nations) has changed after she returns from years spent living in Buffalo. Other
themes explored in poetry, essay and short story include beadworking, art, ceremonies, basketmaking,
the Peacemaker, family, and the environment. All writers draw on their cultural traditions and
personal history. A short biographical sketch and photograph accompany each writer's work. The
writers include David Black, Salli Benedict, Peter Blue Cloud (Aroniawenrate), Francis Boots
(Ateronhiatakon), Duwayne Leslie Bowen, Beth Brant, Pam Colorado, Katsi Cook, Melanie M. Ellis,

Ray Fadden (Tehanetorens,) Stephen Fadden, Germaine General-Myke, Richard Hill, Tom Huff, Alex
Jacobs (Karoniaktatie), Maurice Kenny, Bruce King, William T. Laughing (Atonwa), Oren Lyons,
David McDonald, John Mohawk, Audrey Shenandoah, Carol Snow, Debra E. Stalk, Amber Coverdale
Sumrall, Tahnahga, Daniel Thompson (Rokwaho), Gail Tremblay, Roberta Hill Whiteman, and Ted C.
Williams. This is an excellent resource for understanding contemporary Iroquois writing in all its
forms.
PD1101 Indian Oratory: Famous Speeches by Noted Indian Chieftains
The book neatly arranges brief notes on historical settings with photographs and famous speeches of
Seattle, Red Jacket, Chief Joseph, Cochise, and many others. The emphasis is on the oratory. The
Chiefs' eloquent voices could all too easily have been lost in the torrent of 19th and 20th Century
North American time and events, since they had no written language. We are fortunate that these
were recorded and put into book form. The Chieftains’' mastery of the spoken word allows them to
express themselves in surprising ways. Much character is revealed in a few sentences.
PD1014 The Last Raven and Other Stories
The Last Raven and Other Stories by Six Nations Mohawk writer Richard G. Green masterfully brings
alive the struggles, adversities and triumphs common to contemporary urban/reserve Native North
American Indians in Canada and the U.S. This collection of twelve short stories was selected from the
author's extensive literary output. Green's stories have appeared exclusively in Native publications and
literary anthologies. The Last Raven and Other Stories features a variety of characters ranging from
adolescents to 30 something urban yuppies. These richly drawn characters are set in believable
contemporary situations where cultural experiences and values play important roles. In the story, A
Jingle for Silvy, a young jingle dress dancer has a final reunion with her long-time friend who has
returned home after experiencing a lifestyle contrary to their roots. This engaging short story
collection is suitable for senior elementary level students to adult.
PD1098 One Good Story, That One
One Good Story, That One is a collection of 10 short stories by Greek/Cherokee writer Thomas King.
The stories include One Good Story That One; Totem; Magpies; Trap Lines; How Corporal Colin
Sterling Saved Blossom, Alberta, and Most of the Rest of the World as Well; The One about Coyote
Going West; A Seat in the Garden; Joe the Painter and the Deer Island Massacre; A Coyote Columbus
Story; and Borders. These short stories deal with themes of the Trickster, identity, injustice, family
relationships, and maintaining one's cultural traditions. One story retells the Judeo-Christian creation
story; another examines the bizarre world of a First Nation's woman trying to cross the United States-
Canada border. There is a reinventing of the classic Columbus discovers America theme as Coyote
actually discovers Columbus. This collection of stories is recommended for senior high school English
Language Arts classes and university English Literature courses.

PD1060 Green Grass, Running Water
Fresh, inventive, funny and intriguing, this latest novel from King ( Medicine River ) is an imaginative
exploration of contemporary Native American culture. The plot revolves around the escape from a
mental hospital of four very old Indians called Ishmael, Hawkeye, Robinson Crusoe and the Lone
Ranger. These, however, are no ordinary natives. They may be the last survivors of the Indians
interned at Fort Marion in Florida in the 19th century. Or perhaps they are the first human beings, as
described in tribal creation myths. Their repeated breakouts--37 to date--have coincided with
disasters: the 1929 stock market crash, the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, etc. Their mission this time
brings them into the lives of an eccentric Canadian Blackfoot family: Lionel Red Dog, who sells TV
sets and has no ambition; his sister Latisha, who owns a restaurant that bilks thrill-seeking tourists by
purporting to serve them dog meat; Uncle Eli Stands Alone, a former university professor who is
determined to prevent the operation of a dam on Indian land; and Charlie Looking Bear, a smarmy
lawyer who works for the company opposing Eli's cause. Wavering emotionally between Lionel and
Charlie is Alberta Frank, who dates both of them and wants a baby but knows that neither man is
husband material. King, a professor of Native American studies at the University of Minnesota,
skillfully interweaves Native American and EuroAmerican literatures, exploring the truths of each. He
mixes satire, myth and magic into a complex story line that moves smartly from Canada to Wounded
Knee to Hollywood, and to a place beyond time where God and the native trickster, Coyote,
converse.
PD1107 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by award-winning novelist Sherman Alexie offers
male readers a humourous and accessible look at what the world can be like for a grade 9, geeky
Native boy attending a wealthy high school off the reservation. Spokane youth, Junior (Arnold
Spirit), shares the same Nation as his creator in addition to being born hydrocephalic. Junior comes
from a dysfunctional family and a community that lives up to the stereotypical image of the drunken
Indian. But Junior has a best friend named Rowdy and finds his way in a high school where he and the
school mascot share something in common. They are the only Indians at the school. Written in diary
format, Alexie's character creates cartoon doodles and comments on his life and his day-to-day
existence. Issues that deal with identity are brought into sharp focus as Junior must decide to cut ties
with his home community in order to succeed. With this action comes the community charge that
Junior is an apple, red on the outside and white on the inside. Using dark humour and crisp sentences
Alexie has created an unforgettable character that will appeal to male readers. Sensitive readers should
be warned that Junior's voice includes swearing and mature themes. This part graphic novel and
young adult fiction will engage and hold the interest of the most disinterested adolescent with its
dark humour, wit, cartoon doodles, and straightforward action. The story is all the more compelling
because many of the events mirror the life of this talented writer, Sherman Alexie.

PD1103 Flight: A Novel
Half-Indian, half-Irish, acne-beset Zits is 15: he never knew his alcoholic father; his mother died when
he was six; his aunt kicked him out when he was 10 (after he set her sleeping boyfriend on fire because
the boyfriend had been forcing Zits to have sex). Running away from his 20th foster home, Zits ends
up, briefly, in jail; soon after, he enters a bank, shoots several people and is shot dead himself. Zits
then commences time-traveling via the bodies of others, finding himself variously lodged in an FBI
agent in the '70s (helping to assassinate radical Indian activists); a mute Indian boy at the Battle of
Little Big Horn; an Indian tracker named Gus; an airplane pilot instructor (one of whose pupils
commits a terrorist act); and his own father. Zits eventually comes back to himself and to an
unexpected redemption. While the plot is wisp-thin, one quickly surrenders to Zits's voice, which
elegantly mixes free-floating young adult cynicism with a charged, idiosyncratic view of American
history. This book is on the list of recommended Aboriginal titles developed by staff of the (SOLS)
Southern Ontario Library Service and the Ontario Library Service North for the Aboriginal Library
Book Investment by the Ontario Ministry of Culture into the Ontario Public Libraries
PD1071 Honour the Sun
Honour the Sun is Ruby Slipperjack's first novel first published in 1987. Set in a small northern
Ontario Native community, the story reads as diary entries from the viewpoint of a ten-year-old girl
growing up in an extended family during the 1960s. Through the eyes of Owl, the reader is introduced
to family relationships, seasonal activities, and the joys and frustrations of any ten-year-old girl. The
people and lifestyle are seen through Owl's filter and the reader is not told many background details.
Rather the first part of the book is a celebration of childhood. However, there is an undercurrent of
pain, frustration, and violence in several of the characters that come to the surface later in the story.
As Owl matures she begins to look more seriously at her family's situation and her options. Her
carefree life as a beloved child starts to change as she grows up, and when she reaches the age of
sixteen, she is forced to reexamine her future. The writing is straightforward without adornment, and
the author captures the joys of childhood with remarkable precision. Her adult voice never intrudes
on the narrative so that the reader believes she hears only Owl's voice. The novel has been a part the
curriculum for several Canadian provinces. Schools use the text from grade 7 and up. In fact many
college and university level literature and Native Studies courses have included Honour the Sun on
their reading lists.
PD1100 Keeper'n Me
Keeper'n Me has been reissued in this 2006 reprint. Ojibwe newspaper columnist, Richard Wagamese
weaves a fascinating story about an Ojibwe man who was taken by Children's Aid as a child and after a
series of foster homes finally escapes. Unfortunately his freedom is curtailed when life on the streets
results in jail time. To his good fortune his Ojibwe family locates him and he returns to the reserve.
The homecoming is at times humourous, poignant and emotional. An integral part of this return is a

eturn to Ojibwe spiritual teachings that were denied to him. Expertly woven into the story-line and
dialogue are specific teachings about smudging, the drum, the land, the animals, the four directions,
the stories and the role of Elders. The important roles of men and women are explained to the youth
who has only been seen all that is negative about the patriarchal system. This is a positive story that
provides a unique bridge to understand traditional oral teachings through the written word. This
important contribution to Aboriginal literature is accessible to high school students as well as postsecondary
and adult readers. Keeper'n Me is a grade 10, 11, and 12 authorized student support for
English Language Arts courses in Alberta.
PD1052 Moose Meat and Wild Rice
Moose Meat and Wild Rice is a collection of 22 short stories by noted Ojibway historian and
storyteller, Basil Johnston. He has set these fictional stories in a community called Moose Meat Point.
Based on community stories he heard in his home community of Parry Island Reserve, Johnston
weaves subtle humour with gentle satire. His stories reflect a time in the post-war period when Indian
and Northern Affairs bureaucrats controlled reserve life. A Sign of the Times recounts a meeting held
with Cree and Ojibway leaders and various government officials and academics. The government has
recently decided that it will no longer make unilateral decisions for status Indians. The story recounts
in humourous detail how the language barrier and the many problems involved in communicating
ideas across cultures can effect a simple consultation meeting. Other stories recount episodes of failed
hunting trips; dealings between reserve members and the church, and racism. All stories are told with
warmth and wit. As Johnston notes in the Epilogue, the original stories recounted in the Ojibway
language often lose something when they are retold in English but this collection effectively conveys
the humour inherent in Ojibway storytelling. This collection is a valuable resource for anyone
interested in First Nations/Native American literature. In the US, this book is published as Ojibway
Tales by University of Nebraska Press.
PD1099 The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel
The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel is the newest Drew Hayden Taylor book. This time the
Ojibwe playwright tackles the young adult novel and provides a twist by creating characters and a
storyline that is part vampire tale as well as a coming of age novel. Teenager Tiffany Hunter is a
disgruntled high school student who lives with her dysfunctional family on a small Ojibwe reserve.
Otter Lake is her home and living at her house are her father and his mother. Grandmother is caring
and wise and holds the family together after Tiffany's mother left her family for another man. Both
father and daughter are grieving in their own way and into this mix a mysterious Ojibwe man who
claims he is from Europe arrives looking for a guest room. Pierre L'Errant has wandered for
generations far from his home village that he last saw when he was an adventurous youth who long
ago joined a fur-laden canoe of traders. Over the years Pierre has lived several lifetimes and now
returns to his homeland on a special quest. Living in the Hunter basement because of his odd hours,

Pierre searches the woods around the reserve every nighttime. Meanwhile Tiffany is having serious
issues with her white boyfriend as well as her father. Together the teen and the mysterious man from
Europe spend an eventful night by the lake as each grapple with enormous, life-changing issues.
Taylor has created a Gothic thriller with an Ojibwe twist that draws on themes of redemption,
traditional values, dealing with prejudice, and spiritual growth. A great read. This title is also available
in paperback format. This book is selected as a recommended title in the 2009 First Nations Libraries
Community Reads program. This book is on the list of recommended Aboriginal titles developed by
staff of the (SOLS) Southern Ontario Library Service and the Ontario Library Service North for the
Aboriginal Library Book Investment by the Ontario Ministry of Culture into the Ontario Public
Libraries.
PD1061 The Red Power Murders: A DreadfulWater Mystery
This is the second mystery novel written by Thomas King under the pen name, Hartley
GoodWeather. After contributing several Native literary anthologies as well as novels and children's
books, King has taken the plunge by writing a murder mystery set on an American reservation
somewhere in the Northwest. Thumps DreadfulWater, former California cop with Cherokee ancestry,
is on his next case when a retired FBI agent turns up dead in Chinook's local motel. At the same time
a Red Power activist has turned up in this same small town. Thumps must leave his budding
photography hobby and take up this case that has links to the other Native American activism of the
60s.
PD1009 First People, First Voices
First People, First Voices first appeared in 1984 as an attempt by a Faculty of Education professor to
compile readings for a Native teachers literature class. The result remains relevant today. Organized
chronologically, Penny Petrone presents a selection of writing and speeches by First Nations in
Canada from the 1690s to the 1980s. The purpose is to show the foundation and development of the
Native literary tradition in English. The collection includes prose, poetry, letters, speeches, sermons,
reports, petitions, diary entries, songs, essays, journal and travel writing, history and autobiography.
With minimal commentary, Petrone allows the voices of Native People from the past to be heard by
today’s generation. The first chapter includes recorded and translated speeches by First Nations in
eastern and central Canada in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. For the average student,
these words would be difficult and time-consuming to locate from such sources as the Jesuit
Relations. With First People, First Voices this problem is solved. An essential introduction to First
Nations literature in Canada for high school and university level students.

PD1004 Reclaiming the Vision - Past, Present and Future: Native Voices for the Eighth
Generation
Reclaiming the Vision has its genesis in a gathering of more than 200 North American Native writers
which took place in July of 1992. That landmark conference, called Returning The Gift, made the
encouragement of Native American youth one of its main goals. The conference had a series of
Outreach Workshops conducted by Native American writers in Native classrooms around the
continent - from New York City to Alaska - focused on the place of literature in the lives of young
Native Americans. Special attention was paid to the ways in which writing can foster hope, build selfesteem,
provide guidance and shape a vision of a better future. This carefully edited volume blends
together work from many of the Native writers who have been a part of Returning The Gift and
Wordcraft Circle, the mentoring organization that is an outgrowth of the 1992 festival. Edited by Lee
Francis and James Bruchac, it includes transcripts from the plenary sessions of Returning The Gift,
sections on storytelling, the writing of poetry, fiction and autobiography, exercises which use Native
American writing to generate work from student writers, and an anthology of poetry and prose by
American Indian students. Reclaiming the Vision is a book to be treasured by anyone interested in
Native American literature or the teaching of Native American students.
PD1093 Story Keepers: Conversations with Aboriginal Writers
Story Keepers: Conversations with Aboriginal Writers is a valuable introduction to the literary works
of ten Aboriginal writers from Canada. Author Jennifer David interviewed these authors and from
these initial discussions she successfully weaves a biographical sketch of each author through quotes
from their works and her own analysis. The ten authors featured are Richard Van Camp, Drew Hayden
Taylor, Ruby Slipperjack, Greg Scofield, Lee Maracle, Louise Halfe, Basil Johnston, Jeanette
Armstrong, Armand Garnet Ruffo, and Maria Campbell. Each selection offers readers some insight
into the lives of these creative individuals who grew up on reserves, in urban area, or on the land. They
recall their influences such as family life and the overall importance of the love of reading. Their
stories are in the form of novels, poetry, short stories, or legends. A list of each author's major works
appears at the end of each selection. This book is a useful introduction to these First Nations and
Metis writers for students at the secondary level as well as the general public.
PD990 A Thousand Supperless Babes: The Story of the Metis
A Thousand Supperless Babes: The Story of the Métis is a dramatic play created by Lon Borgerson and
the students attending the SUNTEP at the University of Saskatchewan. This work-in-progress tells the
history of the Métis through story, song and dance. The 40-page book provides the script and
background information as well as production photographs and cast lists from previous productions.
The script and musical score are also provided on the accompanying CD. The music sung by Andrea
Menard is also on the CD. The basis for the play is the story of one of Riel's secretaries, Honore Jaxon
also known as William Henry Jackson. Through monologues and narration, key events in Métis

history are recounted. This play is easily adaptable to the stories of future cast members about their
Métis ancestry. A unique method of providing secondary students with a look at the Métis experience
in Canadian history.
PD1072 Three Plays: The Indolent Boys, Children of the Sun, and The Moon in Two Windows
Three Plays: The Indolent Boys, Children of the Sun, and The Moon in Two Windows contains three
plays written by Kiowa poet, playwright, and novelist N. Scott Momaday. The Indolent Boys is a play
based on the 1891 tragedy of runaways from the Kiowa Boarding School who die during their efforts
to return home to family. This play examines the consequences of the death of these children on the
school teachers and administrators of this boarding school as well as the impact on the Kiowa families.
Residential schools or boarding schools were set up in the United States to civilize the Native People
by killing the Indian and saving the Man. Children of the Sun is a celebratory play for children
commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Co-written by Momaday and
his daughter the drama is part of the Kiowa creation story. The third play, The Moon in Two
Windows, is a screenplay set in the 1900s at the Indian Boarding School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Here
the story revolves around the students who played football against Army in the 1912 historic game
where Jim Thorpe participated along with Dwight Eisenhower. The Native students are victorious.
However the main character of the play is Luther Standing Bear one of the first students to attend the
boarding school. He acknowledges that all is not well at the school despite the triumph of the football
team. He maintains that despite the education he had to give up a great deal when he attended the
school. A moving collection of plays by a master storyteller.
PD1092 Toronto at Dreamer's Rock and Education is Our Right: Two One-Act Plays
Toronto at Dreamer's Rock and Education is Our Right: Two One-Act Plays was the first book by
critically acclaimed Ojibway playwright, Drew Hayden Taylor. In these two plays, Taylor explores the
dilemmas facing Aboriginal youth today. In Toronto at Dreamer's Rock, a teenage youth is torn
between the traditions of his people and the lure of urban life. During a vision quest, Rusty meets two
people from his Nation - one from 400 years in the past and one from the future. This magical
encounter makes him aware of how little he has considered what it means to be "Native." Education Is
Our Right borrows heavily on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but with a twist. The Spirits of
Education Past, Present and Future confront the Minister of Indian Affairs in order to show him the
reality of First Nations education. Both plays have toured extensively to schools and these two plays
will appeal to young adult readers. Taylor masterfully combines humour, passion, spirituality and
realism to create powerful messages of hope for the future of First Nations people. This book is on
the list of recommended Aboriginal titles developed by staff of the (SOLS) Southern Ontario Library
Service and the Ontario Library Service North for the Aboriginal Library Book Investment by the
Ontario Ministry of Culture into the Ontario Public Libraries.

PD1096 The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative
"Stories are wondrous things. And they are dangerous." In The Truth About Stories, Native novelist
and scholar Thomas King explores how stories shape who we are and how we understand and interact
with other people. From creation stories to personal experiences, historical anecdotes to social
injustices, racist propaganda to works of contemporary Native literature, King probes Native culture's
deep ties to storytelling. With wry humor, King deftly weaves events from his own life as a child in
California, an academic in Canada, and a Native North American with a wide-ranging discussion of
stories told by and about Indians. So many stories have been told about Indians, King comments, that
"there is no reason for the Indian to be real. The Indian simply has to exist in our imaginations." That
imaginative Indian that North Americans hold dear has been challenged by Native writers - N. Scott
Momaday, Leslie Marmon Silko, Louis Owens, Robert Alexie, and others - who provide alternative
narratives of the Native experience that question, create a present, and imagine a future. King reminds
the reader, Native and non-Native, that storytelling carries with it social and moral responsibilities.
PD1085 Truth and Bright Water
Truth and Bright Water is an interesting novel by Thomas King about two youths living along the
Montana - Alberta border. The small American town is called Truth; and the reserve just across the
border is called Bright Water. Cousin Lum tries desperately to wint the Indian Days race and so move
away from his abusive parent. Cousin Tesumseh also attempts to understand his family. The easy to
read style contains themes of love, betrayal, reconciliation, self-discovery and the search for meaning.
Although there are mature theme references, senior high school students will see life reflected in the
novel in terms of sexual acitivity, suicide, environmental issues, authority and corporal punishment.
This novel is an authorized student support resource for Alberta Education grade 10, 11, and 12
English Language Arts.
PD1089 Voices in the Waterfall
Voices in the Waterfall is a book of poetry by noted Cree writer Beth Cuthand. Previously released in
1989 this volume of poetry examines and reveals the rhythms and traditions of the People of the
Plains. A writer and journalist, Beth Cuthand has published short stories and poetry, and has taught at
the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College. Her poem "Seven Songs for Uncle Louis" explores the
impact of Louis Riel and the Northwest Rebellion from a Native woman's perspective. This finely
crafted volume is recommended for senior high school and university and college Native Literature
courses.
PD1001 Words of Power: Voices from Native American
A casebound collection of quotes by such prominent figures in Native American history as
Kanickhungo, Black Thunder, and Luther Standing Bear relates native views and values on a variety of
subjects including child rearing and protecting the environment.

PD1070 Where the Rivers Meet
Where the Rivers Meet is a young adult novel by educator Don Sawyer. Set in the small town
environment of British Columbia, the story revolves around a Native teenager, Nancy Antoine. She
lives on a reserve just outside the town where she attends high school. A railway bridge over a
treacherous river gorge links the town and reserve communities. The river and the environment figure
prominently in the narrative. The author explores the daily prejudices endured by the Native students
through the eyes of Nancy as she witnesses first hand the social disintegration of her community. She
longs to leave all her troubles behind and the suicide of a close male friend forces her into action. Her
father, who is struggling with alcoholism, suggests that she visit an older woman for advice.
Hesitantly, Nancy brings herself to visit the isolated cabin where the woman lives. Drawing on her
Shuswap cultural heritage, the Elder sends Nancy on her personal vision quest. Through the Elder's
teachings, Nancy regains her voice and returns to school. With a return to her culture, Nancy sees her
world in a positive light and finds strength in her traditions. The author handles the mature themes of
rape, suicide, and racism with a matter-of-fact approach. Recommended as a novel for young adults
and adult learners
PD1084 White Girl
Josie Jessop, 15, moves onto an Indian reserve when her mother marries Martin Angus, whom her
mom describes as a "real ponytail Indian." Angry at losing her "normal" life and friends to become a
stepdaughter and the target of racial conflict on the reserve, Josie finds untapped integrity within
herself, a supportive new family complete with a grandmother, the truest friend she has ever had, and
a hot love interest to boot. Perhaps the only drawback is that the indigenous group, and the reserve
on which they live, is unidentified. Certainly the issues of racial and family conflict at the heart of this
story are universal and could realistically play out in a similar fashion on most reservations in the U.S.
and Canada. Unfortunately though, leaving the culture unspecified may unwittingly reinforce the
stereotype that all indigenous cultures are the same. It also somewhat diminishes the credibility of the
traditional cleansing practices depicted for the bedroom of Martin's suicidal sister. Despite this
debatable weakness, White Girl is an outstanding story on many levels, and a much-needed addition
to the body of contemporary Indian literature for teens.
PD1083 Who Will Tell My Brother
Who Will Tell My Brother? is a free verse narrative about a high school senior who tries to challenge
his school's sports mascot. Evan Hill's father is Mohawk and his mother has a French background.
Evan's older brother met the same degrading Indian mascot at the high school and was unable to
convince the school and board to change it. Evan takes up his brother’s cause as his own.
Evan lives in a city far away from his father's reservation and his identity is an issue. Evan's features
favour his mother but he takes offense at the stereotyped Indian mascot at the school. His friends
provide no support in his efforts to sensitize the school to the image. With his father by his side, Evan

makes numerous requests for the board of education to consider the racist nature of the Indian
mascot. After several failed meetings, the board actually passes a resolution that confirms the
blatantly racist mascot. Even the high school bullies take up the taunts with escalating abuse. When
Evan's family pet is killed, the youth remains patient and resolute. School classmates come to his
support at the crucial graduation event when the class racists stage a banner-waving display. Evan and
his friends remain calm during the event as the crowd's enthusiasm fizzles. This thought-provoking
book deals with issues of prejudice, institutional racism, and bullying. The first-person narrative takes
readers into Evan's feelings and actions with a compelling story that is realistic and can be appreciated
by Canadian and American youth.
PD1008 Writing the Cross Culture: Native Fiction on White Man's Religion
Writing the Cross Culture: Native Fiction on White Man's Religion is an anthology of literary fiction
by some of America's finest Aboriginal writers. Represented here are pieces by N. Scott Momaday,
Joy Harjo, Vine Deloria, Sherman Alexie, Linda Hogan, and James Welch. First Nations authors
include Beth Brant, Basil Johnston and Emily Pauline Johnson. Each has their unique perspective
about Christianity and its impact on Aboriginal Peoples. Some of the writers are practicing Christians
and others are traditional believers. They write from a variety of Nations and historical periods. A
fascinating collection that explores the many opinions about the way the Christian faith and Native
People interact.
PD1057 And Grandma Said: Iroquois Teachings as Passed Down Through the Oral Tradition
The book includes oral history and traditions, as well as personal experiences and teachings of the Six
Nations Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), especially the Mohawk Nation. The book is organized into
chapters that cover the essential understandings and teachings of the Iroquois including Creation,
Opening Address or Thanksgiving Address, colonialism, Language, the Clan System, the Four Sacred
Rituals, the Four Sacred Beings, and the Great Law of Peace. Additional information about funerals,
weddings, pregnancies, child rearing methods, leadership, and tobacco is included. The book also
includes commentary about casinos, prayer, and the future. Appendices include what grandma's
great-grandchildren have learned; directions for Atenaha (the Seed Game); Glossary of Mohawk
words; and Glossary of Mohawk passages. The book is supplemented with black and white family
photographs and illustrations by John Fadden. This is a remarkable and important contribution to the
cultural teachings of the Iroquois. Highly recommended.
PD1006 Honour Earth Mother: Mino-Audiaudauhi Mizzu-Kummik-Quae
Honour Earth Mother: Mino-Audiaudauhi Mizzu-Kummik-Quae by noted Ojibwe author Basil
Johnston examines the traditional teachings and stories of the Ojibwe that can help all readers make
the connections between creation, the land, the animals, and humans. He writes in a storytelling-style
that will appeal to all people who want to understand the close relationship between First Nations and

the environment. The legends or traditional narratives are retold in this collection. Johnston begins
by drawing the connection that the earth and all inhabitants are interrelated and that humans can
learn to read the earth in the same way we read books to see this connection. Traditional stories about
creation, geography, plants, animals, medicines, and Nanabosho, the Trickster are connected through
the narrative of the book. Tobacco, Cedar, Sage, and Sweet Grass and their importance are explained
through stories. Even insects, bugs, and butterflies receive attention. To make the connection
understandable for the general reader, Johnston often offers contemporary fables or stories to make
his point. As an Ojibwe linguist and teacher, Johnston uses Ojibwe terms and names throughout the
text. A glossary of Ojibwe terms and place names is provided. This is a readable book that anyone
interested in storytelling and the traditional spirituality of the Ojibwe will find valuable.
PD1046 Starlight Tour: The Last, Lonely Night of Neil Stonechild
Two CBC investigative journalists wrote this true crime book about the untimely death of 17-year-old
Neal Stonechild in November 1990. Saskatoon police were known for their racist treatment of First
Nations living within the city. When the youth's frozen body was found three days after he
disappeared, the authorities termed the death a misadventure. The boy's mother pushed insistently for
answers but these were not forthcoming until a decade later when two additional First Nations men
were also found dead on the outskirts of town. At this point a survivor of the police starlight tour
came forward and told his story. Darrell Night had experienced the racism of the police when they
drove him to the outskirts of the town and dropped him off there on a January night. At this point
prominent Aboriginal lawyer Donald Worme came forward to take the case and the truth emerged.
With the cooperation of Stonechild's family the book weaves a more complete story of a youth who
died at the hands of police.
PD1094 Saver, The
The Saver is a young adult novel written in the form of letters from a teen sent to an imaginary
friend, Xanoth, who lives and thrives in a far-away planet. Life is rough and hard for Fern and her
mother who live in an tiny apartment in Montreal. Mother is a First Nation woman whose only
relative lives in Winnipeg. Fern and her mother are trying to make a life in Montreal where high
school and cleaning jobs are routine. One day Fern returns home to find tragedy waits after her
mother has fallen down stairs and was taken to hospital. Fern is devastated when she finds that her
mother has died. Fern regrets her final words to her mother and must deal with this guilt but the teen
is faced by more immediate issues. Fern makes the decision to quit high school, and find a job in
order to remain out of the hands of child protection agencies. The girl returns to the house cleaning
positions her mother held and takes these on as well as finding a second job in a restaurant so her
food needs are satisfied. Fern manages to stay out of the sight from agencies and continues to write
letters to her friend who is off in a world that presents no earthly problems such as food and shelter.
Despite the grim circumstances of a First Nation girl living on the seedy side of Montreal, the author

maintains a quiet hopefulness throughout the novel. Fern begins to heal from the loss of her mother,
and overcomes the stress and fatigue of holding down several strenuous jobs. In the final entry of the
novel Fern explains to her imaginary friend that she will probably not have much time to write in the
future because her life is moving on and she has found a friend here on earth. The author does not
dwell on the First Nation aspect of a single mother raising a teenage daughter in Montreal. The few
references relate to an unknown relative in Winnipeg and the reference to an unknown father who
had blonde hair. The compelling read portrays a determined and resourceful teen girl coming to
terms with loss.
The Whale Rider NOT YET AVAILABLE
The Whale Rider is the most recent reprint of the novel that inspired the award-winning film of the
same name. This 30th anniversary edition incorporates English translations of the Maori text and
minor reworking by the author Witi Ihimaera. This is the remarkable story of an eight-year-old girl
named Kahu who struggles to fulfill her destiny in a patriarchal culture that says only male heirs may
inherit the title of chief. This edition contains 10 colour still photographs from the making of the
movie in 2002.
PD1017 Legends of the Iroquois
This is a collection of stories and writings of Tehanetorens, a master storyteller in the Mohawk
tradition. These ancient stories are presented in pictograph form with English translation, and carry us
deep into the Native American culture of the Six Nations Confederacy. The text is supported with
illustrations by the accomplished Iroquois artist Kahionhes, son of Tehanetorens.
PD1077 Mermaids and Medicine Women - Native Myths and Legends
Mermaids and Medicine Women - Native Myths and Legends was originally published in 1993 as Tales
of the Anishinaubaek. This reissued book contains nine stories from Ojibway oral tradition. Basil
Johnston, the noted Ojibway author and educator, has retold ‘Beyond Yonder’ and
has translated the remaining eight stories originally told by Sam Ozawamik of Wikwemikong First
Nation. Johnston clearly identifies the original storyteller and maintains that these stories continue
their ability to entertain and teach despite the English translation. These are stories that must now be
written in English so today's generation can continue to glimpse the world of Ojibway storytellers. In
these stories we meet mermaids, monsters, medicine people, and the trickster, Nanabush. Each story
is exquisitely illustrated by Maxine Noel's inspiring images. Often illustrated books identified as
Native legends are usually assumed to be made for children. Basil Johnston's books are meant for the
enjoyment of both children and adults.

PD1055 Furious Observations of a Blue-eyed Ojibway
Furious Observations of a Blue-Eyed Ojibway: Funny... Three is the third volume of short stories and
articles by playwright and author, Drew Hayden Taylor. This series of his humorous anecdotal
observations are his best-sellers. This follow-up to Funny, You Don't Look Like One and Two will
delight and enlighten the reader with more real life stories and perspectives on contemporary
Aboriginal life.
PD1109 Dreadful Water Shows Up
DreadfulWater Shows Up is a mystery novel written by Thomas King under the pen name, Hartley
GoodWeather. After contributing several Native literary anthologies as well as novels and children's
books, King has taken the plunge by writing a murder mystery set on an American reservation
somewhere in the Northwest. The main character is a former California cop whose Cherokee ancesry
is a minor point. With the name Thumps DreadfulWater, the author sets the tone for this light romp
through reservation politics, casinos, unscrupulous computer programers and an odd assortment of
small-town American law enforcement. Thumps is now a photographer dabbling in so-called fine art
photographer but who keeps food on the table by taking crime-scene phtots for the local sheriff. One
day Thumps is called to the rex's new casino/condo complex where the body of an Asian computer
programmer is found. The computer company staff are working on installing the sercurity system for
the soon-to-be-opened casino/condo. With the death the tribal leader's son becomes the prime
suspect. Thumps is called on to take the crime scene photos and also try to solve the mysterious
death. While the story has an interesting assortment of characters, the issues involved in reservation
politics about casinos are not fully developed. The story contains references to First Nations and
clearly Canadian terminology despite the fact the rez is supposed to be American. For example the
term reserve slips in several times along with band office. Nonetheless the non-descript cultural
setting of the Native American community is mostly irrelevant. Mystery fans expecting Tony
Hillerman or Thomas Perry will find only light summer reading in this first novel of a proposed series.
Occasionally the author slips in mild obsenities that seem out of charater to the overall dialogue. The
mild satire and word play occasionally offer some humourous moments but these are limited and the
result leaves the reader wondering if the next installment in the detecting career of Thumps
DreafulWeather can deliver.

Club Native
DVD Resources
Tracey Deer grew up on the Mohawk reserve of Kahnawake with two very firm but unspoken rules
drummed into her by the collective force of the community. These rules were very simple and they
carried severe repercussions: 1) Do not marry a white person, 2) Do not have a child with a white
person. The consequences of ignoring these rules were equally simple: 1) Lose all status as a Native
person and, 2) Deny your unborn child their status as a Native person. The larger tragedy, of course,
was that by breaking either of these rules, she would be depleting the growth of “the Nation” and, by
extension, betraying everyone she loved.
In Club Native, Deer looks deeply into the history and present-day reality of Aboriginal identity.
With moving stories from a range of characters from her Kahnawake Reserve - characters on both
sides of the critical blood-quantum line - she reveals the divisive legacy of more than a hundred years
of discriminatory and sexist government policy and reveals the lingering “blood quantum” ideals,
snobby attitudes and outright racism that threaten to destroy the fabric of her community.
Aboriginality
Aboriginality follows an urban youth as he heads down the mystical Red Road, where the sweet grass
grows, to re-connect and be inspired by both new and traditional elements of First Nations culture.
We meet world champion hoop dancer and hip-hop artist Dallas Arcand, Aboriginality re-imagines
the strength and spirit of First Nations culture through new narrative mediums that connect urban
First Nations youth to their rural ancestral histories. Arcand, a seventh generation First Nations
Canadian from Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Indian Cree Nation. Arcand plays dual roles in being
both a positive First Nations presence in mainstream urban media and a touchstone to traditional
First Nations roots and culture. Many believe the seventh generation will bring positive change to the
world, and in Aboriginality, the power and spirit of culture sweep across time ans space to empower
the next generation of First Nations people through heritage and self-awareness. Directed by
Dominique Keller, Aboriginality fuses animation by Dan Gies with live-action dance directed by Tom
Jackson.
Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew
This film shines a light on Native humour and its healing powers. Meet Tom King, creator of CBC-
Radio’s Dead Dog Café; Don Burnstick, whose edgy humour comes from years of street life; Herbie
Barnes, co-founder of a comedy troupe; Don Kelly, a stand-up comic; and Sharon Shorty and Jackie
Bear, a duo who portray two Native ladies discussing daily life and their love of bingo.

Sigwan
Sigwan tells the touching story of a young girl who is comforted and counselled by the animals of
the forest. Written and directed by distinguished filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin, the film addresses
issues of exclusion and prejudice that exist within many communities worldwide. Visually
breathtaking and in High-Definition, Sigwan is a simple, transformative parable of acceptance.
Mohawk Girls
The massive Mercier Bridge looms over the eastern end of the Kahnawake Native reserve carrying
commuters into the city of Montreal. For Amy, Lauren and Felicia, three Mohawk teens living in its
shadow, the bridge also serves as a constant reminder of the bustling world just beyond the borders of
their tiny community.
Like typical teenagers, all three are wrestling with critical decisions about their futures. But for these
girls, there is more at stake. The rules on the reserve can be strict and unforgiving. Move away and
you risk losing your credibility, or worse, your rights as a Mohawk. Stay and you forego untold
experiences and opportunities in the "outside world.
Like nearly half of the teenagers in Kahnawake, filmmaker Tracey Deer utilized government subsidies
to attend private school in Montreal. Vowing never to return, she then left the reserve to attend
college in the U.S. Now a graduate of Dartmouth University, she has come home to Kahnawake to
play a role in the evolution of her community.
With insight, humour and compassion, Deer takes us inside the lives of these three teenagers as they
tackle the same issues of identity, culture and family she faced a decade earlier. Like her, they are
outspoken, honest and wise beyond their years.
Shot over two years, and interspersed with home videos from Deer's own adolescence, Mohawk Girls
provides a surprising inside look at modern Aboriginal youth culture. Deeply emotional yet
unsentimental, it reveals the hope, despair, heartache and promise of growing up Native at the
beginning of the 21st century.
First Stories: Volume I
In First Stories - Volume 1, four Aboriginal filmmakers explore the realities of their lives in 21st
century Canada. With humour and compassion, their films deal with a range of topics including
Native culture/identity, Native traditions, Native art and street gangs. The release includes four fiveminute
documentaries: Patrick Ross, Nganawendaanan Nde'ing (I Keep Them in My Heart), My
Indian Name and Apples & Indians. Also on the DVD are extra features such as "The Big Picture," a
behind-the-scenes look at the NFB's First Stories program and "Meet the Filmmakers," a deeper look
at what inspired each director, and ideas on how young people can pursue a career in filmmaking.

First Stories: Volume II
First Stories - Volume II features The Power of a Horse, Life Givers: Honouring Our Elders and
Children, O Mother, Where Art Thou? and ati-wîcahsin (It's Getting Easier), four new short films
from four emerging Saskatchewan filmmakers - Tessa Desnomie, Cory Generoux, Jainine Windolph
and Paul John Swiderski.
All participated in First Stories: Saskatchewan, an Aboriginal filmmakers program presented by the
NFB Prairie Centre, CBC, SCN and SakFilm. After taking part in a series of documentary workshops
with experienced film and television professionals, Desnomie, Generoux, Windolph and Swiderski were
chosen from a group of fifteen participants to write and direct short documentaries under the
guidance of NFB producer Joe MacDonald and NFB associate producer Stephanie Scott. This series of
films follows the extremely successful First Stories - Volume I, a compilation that won awards and
screened throughout Canada and the U.S.
They Lied to You in School
Hardly pausing for a breath, with sharp tongue and keen mind, you'll be sitting on edge for 30
minutes, watching feisty, Mohawk elder Ray Fadden (Tehanetorens) set the record straight on Native
American contributions.
He acknowledges the gifts of all races to the world. This video is great for home or classroom
discussion. Ray Fadden is a storyteller, teacher, illustrator, beaded record belt artist, caretaker of
Adirondack land and wildlife and founder of the Six Nations Indian Museum in Onchiota, NY. Native
American newspaper, Akwesasne Notes, describes Tehanetorens as "a source of strength for our
people."