It's Indigenous history month and we're using it as an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous authors while embracing traditional teachings. Here are five books we've enjoyed or are looking forward to. 

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Published in 2017, this book may be one you've already read, but it's worth mentioning. A winner of the Governor General's Literary Award in 2017, Cherie Dimaline creates a dystopia that leaves Indigenous People running from "recruiters" who are trying to steal their precious marrow. 

The Knowing: An Indigenous Lens on Canadian History by Tanya Talaga

Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga digs deep into her family tree, going back decades to find her great-great grandmother, Annie Carpenter. Navigating the historical records of the residential schools and the poor records maintained by the province, the author unravels centuries of oppression of Indigenous People.

Tawâw by Shane Chartrand

Part cookbook, part exploration of ingredients and techniques, part personal journey, this book has it all. Author Shane Chartrand was born to Cree parents and raised by a Métis father and Mi’kmaq/British mother. Following his journey from a childhood in Central Alberta to executive chef at SC Restaurant in the River Cree Resort & Casino, this book details the author’s journey visiting different First Nations to listen, share and gather knowledge & stories.

A Cree Healer and His Medicine Bundle by David Young, Robert Rogers & Russell Willier

With help from an anthropologist and a botanist, Cree Medicine Man Russell Willier’s life, belief and healing practices are documented. Both a study and a guide, this book shows how indigenous healing practices can complement mainstream medicine. The authors also look at how mining, agriculture, and forestry threaten the existence of these valuable medicinal plants and the role of traditional healers in today’s health care system.

Halfbreed by Maria Campbell

A Canadian Classic originally published in 1973, Maria Campbell details her life as a Métis woman and the realities she faced growing up in Northern Saskatchewan. Having endured poverty, oppression, alcoholism, addiction and tragedy, Maria’s life was underscored by living in the margins of a country full of hatred, discrimination and mistrust. If you find yourself with the newer edition (2019 edition) you’ll find an introduction written by Metis scholar Dr. Kim Anderson as well an afterword by the author detailing what has and has not changed for Indigenous people in Canada over the previous 46 years.

References:

1. Goodreads. (n.d.). The Marrow Thieves. Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34649348-the-marrow-thieves 
   
   
2. Harper Collins Canada. (n.d.) The Knowing. Harper Collins Canada.  https://www.harpercollins.ca/the-knowing/
     

3. Ottawa Public Library. (n.d.). Tawâw. https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S26C1177837

4. Penguin Random House. (n.d.) A Cree Healer and His Medicine Bundle. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/243737/a-cree-healer-and-his-medicine-bundle-by-david-young-robert-rogers-and-russell-willier/9781583949030
   

5. Penguin Random House. (n.d.) Halfbreed. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/610927/halfbreed-by-maria-campbell/9780771024092