The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place September 30th. We believe in the power of storytelling to share important truths and bring people together. Sharing stories can spark meaningful conversations and teach us how to move forward in a good way.
Picture Books
Today is Orange Shirt DayWritten by Phyllis Webstad
Illustrated by Natassia Davies
Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2024
Ages: 0-3 Grades: p-k
Today, we gather together Today, we listen Today, we learn Today, we open our hearts
A first conversation about the importance of Orange Shirt Day - Every Child Matters and what little ones can expect to see and do on Orange Shirt Day - The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
An authentic, age-appropriate touch-and-feel board book designed for ages 0-3, written by the founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement and author of award-winning picture book Every Child Matters.
I Am Indigenous
Written by Anne Tenning
Illustrated by various artists
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 3-5 RL: Grades p-k
Featuring illustrations by Aedan Corey, Emily Côté, Lynne Hardy, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Aaron Kaleinani Kai, Soni López-Chávez, Kelsey Mata Foote, Lannie McCullough, Onedove, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Madeson Singh-Whiteknife, Jordan Stranger and Kameron White.
With mindful affirmations and stunning artwork, I Am Indigenous is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be Indigenous. Powerful statements honor the richness of Indigenous experiences, showing how strength can be found in identity, inclusivity and respect, while acknowledging the vast variety of languages, territories, appearances, family structures, cultures and traditions. Each illustration was created by a different Indigenous artist, showing unique, personal expressions that highlight the diversity of Indigeneity in North America.
Kohkom’s First Drum
Written by Monique Gray Smith
Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 1-3
When Charlie’s Kohkom asks him what the best part of his school day was, he knows right away: Indigenous drum circle!
Kohkom tells him that not very long ago she was gifted her very first drum at a ceremony for children who never returned home from residential schools. But Charlie doesn’t understand. How could she only have gotten her first drum so recently?
Kohkom explains that she was taken from her family when she was very little because of something called the Sixties Scoop. She was raised by an adoptive white family and only later learned what being Cree meant. It’s taken her a long time to feel like she belongs. Kohkom's story gives Charlie the idea to teach her a song so they can play their drums together.
My Street Remembers
Written by Karen Krossing
Illustrated by Cathie Jamieson
Groundwood Books, 2025
IL: Ages 3-6 RL: Grades p-1
How many footsteps have walked your street in the past? My Street Remembers peels back the history of one city street in North America to reveal the greater story of the land on which we live.
The story begins 14,000 years ago, when mammoths roamed the icefields, and the First Peoples followed their trail. Historically accurate illustrations show the lives of their descendants over thousands of years as they hunted and gathered food, built homes and celebrated together, until the 1600s, when Europeans arrived with settlers in their wake.
In lyrical text, the street remembers agreements to live in peace, the efforts of the British to take the land with unfair treaties, and the conflict and suffering that followed. The street recalls its naming, paving and the waves of immigrants who called it home. Illustrations of recent times depict Canada’s apology to Indigenous Peoples and efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation, including a march that brings the community of the street together.
This rich collaboration between author Karen Krossing, of White settler descent, and Anishinaabe artist Cathie Jamieson ends with a question that readers anywhere can ask—what does your street remember?
Canada: We Are the Story
Written by Richard Wagamese
Illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
Swift Water Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades p-2
An Indigenous child struggles with a school assignment that asks, "What makes you proud to be Canadian?" To find the answer, they call on the strength of their ancestors. The ancestors' warm presence reminds them that we are in this together and we always have been — "every soul that has fallen head over heels in love with the spell of this country."
This powerful and timeless poem written by Richard Wagamese is seen through the eyes of an Indigenous child in the captivating illustrations by Anishinaabe artist Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. As the poem speaks to a new generation of Indigenous children, it welcomes everyone to honor the past, find belonging here and now, and look toward the future in this place now called Canada.
Little Shoes
Written by David A. Robertson
Illustrated by Maya McKibbin
Tundra Books, 2025
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades p-2
Deep in the night, when James should be sleeping, he tosses and turns. He thinks about big questions, like why we don't feel dizzy when the Earth spins. He looks at the stars outside his bedroom and thinks about the Night Sky Stories his kōkom has told him. He imagines being a moshom himself. On nights like these, he follows the moonlit path to his mother's bedroom. They talk and they cuddle, and they fall asleep just like that.
One day, James's kōkom takes him on a special walk with a big group of people. It's called a march, and it ends in front of a big pile of things: teddy bears, flowers, tobacco ties and little shoes. Kōkom tells him that this is a memorial in honor of Indigenous children who had gone to residential schools and boarding schools but didn't come home. He learns that his kōkom was taken away to one of these schools with her sister, who also didn't come home.
That night, James can't sleep so he follows the moonlit path to his mother. She explains to James that at residential school when Kōkom felt alone, she had her sister to cuddle, just like they do. And James falls asleep gathered in his mother's arms.
kisēwātsi—Be Kind
Written by Elizabeth Merasty
Illustrated by Brie Phillips
Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing, 2025
IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades p-3
IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades p-3
A true story of kindness and hope…
Traditional Indigenous values remain the lifelong foundation of young Catherine’s life, despite the hardships of a northern Residential School.
An excellent book to open a discussion about Truth & Reconciliation.
Makade Asin / Black Stone
Written by Darcy Whitecrow & Cail Judy
Illustrated by Maya McKibbin
Translated by Pamela Johnson
Groundwood Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades p-3
After waking from a nightmare, a boy asks his grandfather for help, who tells him that in order to face his fears he must find the black stone.
With his Mishoomis’s voice to guide him, the boy embarks on a vision quest to search for the black stone among the tall trees of the jungle, in the depths of the ocean and through the barren desert. He encounters many dangers including a sudden storm and menacing animals. Through it all, the boy finds himself guided by the very creatures he’d once feared. Will he be able to find the black stone? Will he be able to find himself?
Black Stone is brought to life by Maya McKibbin’s comics-inspired illustrations and accompanied by an author’s note explaining Darcy’s connection to the story and to Ojibwe vision quests.
Rez Kid
Written by Andrea Landry
Illustrated by Isabella Fassler
Kids Can Press, 2025
IL: Ages 4-7 RL: Grades p-2
“Rez kid!” The girl ignores the taunt as she hurries to the back of the school bus. She just wants to get home to the reservation, where she can feel safe. One by one, she tells her mom, nóhkom, moshum and aunty about what happened. And one by one they offer her advice on what to do. Each one has a different idea, but each idea is the same at heart: share something from the reservation with the other children. The girl listens, but decides to come up with her own idea. And, as with everything else about her life as a rez kid, her idea grows out of all she has been given by those who came before her.
Celebrating Potlatches
Written by Samantha Beynon
Illustrated by Carla Joseph
Strong Nations Publishing, 2025
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades p-3
“Papa, what is a Potlatch?” Inspired by Ts’msyen Chief William Beynon’s historic notebooks on Potlatches in the Gitxsan village of Gitsegukla, Celebrating Potlatches pairs intergenerational storytelling with beautiful illustrations to honour Indigenous traditions. From the award-winning author of Oolichan Moon and the accomplished illustrator of Be a Good Ancestor, this book recounts the 1885 Potlatch ban and the resilience of the communities who fought to keep their traditions alive.
Little Brown Girl
Written by Leona Prince
Illustrated by Paige Pettibon
Strong Nations Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades p-3
Little beautiful brown girl ...
From the best-selling author of Be a Good Ancestor, this heartfelt book is a celebration of skin colour and self-confidence. Stunning illustrations reflect the diversity of Indigenous Peoples as girls honour their Ancestors, cherish their communities, and stand up for what is right. A tender poem of love and resilience, Little Brown Girl will inspire young readers to be proud of who they are, inside and out.
Dad, I Miss You: A Residential School Story
Written by Nadia Sammurtok
Illustrated by Simji Park
Inhabit Media, 2024
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 1-3
Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, this book takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to attend residential school. While the child’s internal monologue expresses his fear, confusion, and loss, the father’s monologue conveys his own sadness, fears, and hopes for the future of his child. The narrative gives voice to the things left unsaid between a parent and child experiencing this heart-rending separation. Upon his return to his community, when father and son are reunited, they must start the long process of reconnection.
Based on the author’s family history of residential school separation, this book provides a unique perspective on the difficult cycle of loss, reconnection, and regaining hope for the future.
Miya Wears Orange
Written by Wanda John-Kehewin
Illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina
HighWater Press, 2025
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 1-3
Miya loves her school, and she especially loves storytime. But one day, her teacher shares a painful history: a story about a little girl who was taken away to a residential school. The little girl wasn’t allowed to go home, her hair was cut, and she wasn't allowed to keep her favourite doll. She was separated from her family simply because she was Indigenous—just like Miya!
Miya worries the same thing will happen to her today. Her mom comforts her, explaining that Indigenous boys and girls are no longer forced to leave their families. While Miya is relieved, the weight of this history leaves her sad and confused. How can a child safely navigate these big feelings?
Perfect for reading on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this deeply moving and inclusive story models healthy coping strategies for children dealing with heavy historical truths. It answers a vital Call to Action for modern education, providing a bridge to discuss intergenerational trauma with empathy, care, and hope for a better future.
Juvenile & Middle Grade
You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young PeopleEdited by Stephanie Sinclair & Sara Sinclair
Tundra Books, 2025
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-7
Every young person deserves the chance to feel like they belong, that they are recognized, that they matter. In the spirit of A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader, You Were Made for This World brings together forty Indigenous writers, artists, activists, athletes, scholars and thinkers with a joint purpose: to celebrate the potential of young people, to share a sense of joy and pride in language, traditional and personal stories and teachings, and shared experiences, and to honor young people for who they are and what they dream of.
Including contributions from activist Autumn Peltier, singer/songwriter Tanya Tagaq, hockey player Ethan Bear, Governor General's Award–winning author David A. Robertson, artists Chief Lady Bird and Christi Belcourt, illustrator Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, and dozens of others, this beautifully collaborative collection urges readers to think about who they are, where they come from and where they're going, with a warm familiarity that will inspire you to see yourself and your community with proud eyes.
Bernice and the Wild Waters
Written by Jessica Outram
Second Story Press, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-7
It’s the fall of 1914, and Bernice and her family are moving from the lighthouse in their small corner of Georgian Bay to the mainland for the school year. But this time is different. When they return to town, Bernice and her family will use a different last name.
An Indian Agent has been spotted in town, and some of the local children have gone missing. Not all children, only Indigenous children, like Bernice and her siblings. Mom thinks that if they go by a different name, they’ll be safe. But Bernice doesn’t want to change her name. She’ll always be a Normandin! When Bernice’s cousins go missing, the danger is suddenly all too real. But if her cousins are lost, Bernice is going to help find them.
Letti in Progress: A Young Girl's Search for Family RootsWritten by Wendy Proverbs
Illustrated by Alyssa Koski
Heritage House Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-7
Eleven-year-old Letti has always known she was adopted. She doesn’t look anything like her blond, blue-eyed parents, and even though they are the most loving and supportive parents she could hope for, Letti can’t help but notice the difference and wonder where she came from. After a mean kid in her class makes a racist comment about Letti’s Indigenous heritage, her guidance counselor suggests trying to find information about her birth parents in an attempt to reconnect with her traditional culture. With this newfound knowledge, Letti and her family embark on a long road trip north to Kaska Dena territory, the land of Letti’s ancestors. The journey reveals unexpected truths, connections, perspectives, and the start of a new chapter in Letti’s life that reconciles her past with her present and future. At a time when the effects of adoption and the dark legacy of the Sixties Scoop are still being uncovered, Letti in Progress offers an opportunity for adopted children of any background and their parents to discuss the importance of identity and intercultural connections.
Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story
Written & illustrated by Joanne Robertson
With Shirley (Fletcher) Horn
Second Story Press, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-7
Shirley is only five years old when she is taken away by the Indian agent to live at a residential school.
She loves learning, but she is not there by choice. From the first day walking up the long, lonely stone steps of the school building, life is hard and full of rules. Separated from her brothers and sisters, she is truly on her own.
Shirley is very brave, but there is no one she loves to hold her at night when she is afraid. No one to tuck her in and comfort her. Shirley keeps going despite the sadness. She makes friends and has adventures. And most of all, she looks ahead to summertime, when she will be able to return to her family and the happiness of home.
A true story.
Young Adult
Ours to Tell: Reclaiming Indigenous Stories
Written by Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger
Annick Press, 2025
IL: Ages 12-18 RL: Grades 7-12
For too long, stories and artistic expressions from Indigenous people have been written and recorded by others, not by the individuals who have experienced the events.
In Ours to Tell, sixteen Indigenous creators relate traditions, accounts of historical events, and their own lived experiences. Novelists, poets, graphic artists, historians, craftspeople, and mapmakers chronicle stories on the struggles and triumphs lived by Indigenous people, and the impact these stories have had on their culture and history.
With each profile accompanied by rich visuals, from archival photos to contemporary art, Ours to Tell brilliantly spotlights Indigenous life, past and present, through an Indigenous lens. Because each profile gives an historical and cultural context, what emerges is a history of Indigenous people.
Visions From the Fire (Dreams Volume 2)
Written by Wanda John-Kehewin
Illustrated by nicole marie burton, Kielamel Sibal, Rhael McGregor & Ryan Howe
HighWater Press, 2026
IL: Ages 12-18 RL: Grades 7-12
A bear and her cub, a strange silver ring, and an ancestor from long ago… Join Damon as he unravels these mysteries through a vision quest in this graphic novel for young adults.
For Damon Quinn, things have started to look up. He’s graduated high school, saved enough money to buy his first car, his old bully has kind of become a friend, and he and Journey are growing closer. Ready for adventure, Damon, his mom Marnie, and Journey take a road trip out to Kehewin Cree Nation to attend a Sweat Ceremony and a Powwow, as well as reconnect with family.
When Marnie learns of Damon's plan to meet up with his estranged father, the news sends shockwaves through the group. But Damon isn’t the only one keeping secrets. As Damon stumbles into a vision quest, he’ll discover more than he bargained for about his own history and the history his mother would prefer he never found out.
Here for a Good Time
Written by Kim Spencer
HarperCollins, 2026
IL: Ages 14-18 RL: Grades 9-12
It is 1990. Morgan has lived all her life in the small fishing town of Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia. Ever since her mom took off when she was ten, Morgan has kept an eye on her dad, a commercial fisherman who works hard and occasionally parties even harder. After struggling to keep up and find a place at a public high school, Morgan's best friend Skye convinces her to attend an alternate school.
There, she meets Nate. Both cute and intelligent, Nate introduces her to a wider worldview, including music, movies and books, and becomes a lifeline after an unimaginable tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, Morgan learns hard truths about her mother's painful past and the resulting intergenerational effects of that trauma, and as she struggles to come to terms with her new reality, an unexpected development offers a chance of a fresh start, with love and forgiveness at its core.
7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga
Written by David A. Robertson
Illustrated by Scott B. Henderson
HighWater Press, 2025
IL: Ages 15-18 RL: Grades 9-12
Through this epic narrative, a modern teenager named Edwin must confront the devastating realities of systemic racism, the legacy of residential schools, and his own intense struggles with mental illness. As he uncovers the history of his ancestors, Edwin undergoes an emotional and spiritual awakening, discovering that true healing lies in reclaiming his mental health, family bonds, and traditional spirituality.
Edwin is struggling to feel connected to his family and his identity. Through the stories shared by his mother, Edwin embarks on an epic journey through time, witnessing the legacy of the Plains Cree and their neighbours, the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot). As he learns about his ancestors, Edwin must confront the brutal realities of history—from the devastation of smallpox to the intergenerational trauma of residential schools.
Book list curated by Spencer Miller