How to find good books

Here are some questions I ask myselfbefore purchasing books. It is mostcrucial, I believe, when they arechildren’s books because those earlyreads affect our beliefs goingforward.

1) Was the author or illustratorindigenous themselves? If they werenot you need to look carefully at theresearch they did and if they hadpermission to “use” the story or otherindigenous elements. What qualifiesthem to write this book?

2) Seek out books that indicate thatIndigenous culture is alive andcurrent. Very few people still living inwigwams or teepees these days.

3) Look through the book and checkfor the quality of information. No onecan be expert on everything but if yousee something that you know is notaccurate then you might want to take asecond look at the book.

4) Look at the language used. To usean older book as an example I choose“Indian in the Cupboard”. Little Bearnearly always speaks in HollywoodIndian parlance. He also rarely says aword that is not “snarled” or“growled”. It may seem like a smallpoint but over a series of several bookshe is made to seem less than human inthis way many dozens of times. Thisdoes not even begin to discuss theinaccuracies in clothing, culture andbehavior of the character.

5) Halloween books and alphabetbooks are notorious for depictingdisrespectful images of indigenouspeople. Look through your older booksto decide if they ought to be retiredfrom the shelves.

6) Don’t feel isolated in this job, thereare lots of resources to help you withthis.

7) You are going to makemistakes. Let go of worry aboutthat. The truth is that Indigenousculture is vast and varied. I haveStoney Nakoda friends who love thework of Paul Goble and I have otherIndigenous friends who resent anddislike his work.

8) I know people who think it is socrucial that Indigenous kids seethemselves in literature that any bookthat features Indigenous culture of anykind is a good thing and others whofind mistakes about culture soegregious that they would burn certainbooks.

9) With such a complicated subject Ido not think we will be able to pleaseeveryone, all of the time, so do yourbest and if something goes wrong beprepared to either defend your choiceor apologize and learn from anymistakes.

When you do purchase a book for your collection it is very important to read it. That way you willcatch it if the book is not appropriate but also so that you know the content and can reliablyrecommend it. You don’t want, for example, to tell a Stoney Nakoda person that that the book theyare holding is about their culture, if it is in fact, about Cree or Haida people.

Indigenous Collection DevelopmentSpring 2017

This provocative volume challenges readers to criticallyconsider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenousliterature, history, and politics while never forgetting theemotional connections of our shared humanity and thepower of story to effect personal and social change. Writtenwith a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issuesof interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes newaudiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering moreseasoned readers a renewed appreciation for thesetransformative literary traditions.

A compilation of work by Native parents, children, educators,poets and writers, A Broken Flute contains, from a Nativeperspective, "living stories," essays, poetry, and hundreds ofreviews of "children's books about Indians." It's anindispensable volume for anyone interested in presentinghonest materials by and about indigenous peoples tochildren.

Handy Websites:

www.bighornlibrary.cahttp://readingwhilewhite.blogspot.ca/www.oyate.orgwww.goodminds.comhttp://guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/indigenoushttps://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.ca/https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/list/share/393989767/645083662

Marigold Library System710 - 2nd StreetStrathmore, Alberta T1P 1K4 | 403-934-5334www.marigold.ab.ca

Indigenous Titles

Red Rising Magazine

Featuring Indigenous writers, poets, journalists, musicians, and videographers.

#idlenomore : And the Remaking of Canadaby Ken Coates

Idle No More was the most profound declaration of Indigenous identity and confidence in Canadianhistory, sparked by Aboriginal women and their supporters, sustained by young Indigenous peoples,filled with pride and determination. When the drums slowed, a new and different Canada was left in itswake.

Akilak's adventureby Deborah Kigjugalik Webster

When Akilak must travel a great distance to another camp to gather food, she thinks shewill never be able to make it. With a little help from her grandmother's spirit, and her ownimagination to keep her entertained, Akilak manages to turn a long journey into anadventure.

The Winter We Danced : Voices from the Past, the Future, and the IdleNo More Movementedited by Kino-nda-niimi Collective

A vivid collection of writing, poetry, lyrics, art and images from the many diverse voices that make up thepast, present, and future of the Idle No More movement.

Modern Native Feasts : Healthy, Innovative, Sustainable Cuisineby Andrew George Jr.

Native American cuisine comes of age in this elegant, contemporary collection that reinterpretsand updates traditional Native recipes with modern, healthy twists.

Indigenous Titles

I Am a Metis : The Story of Gerry St. Germainby Peter O'Neil

Gerry St. Germain's story begins in "Petit Canada" on the shores of the Assiniboine, growing up with histwo younger sisters, his mother and his father--a shy Metis trapper and construction worker whosometimes struggled to put food on the table. He would go on to become an air force pilot, undercoverpoliceman and West Coast chicken farmer. Business gave way to politics, and in 1988 he became one ofa tiny number of Aboriginal Canadians named to a federal cabinet.

Memories of his humble beginnings, and the shame he once felt over his Metis heritage, bubbled to thesurface in his final address to Canada's Parliament in 2012, when he said in a voice quaking with emotion:"I am a Metis."

Uneducation 1 : A Residential School Graphic Novel: Uncut Versionby Jason Eaglespeaker

The chilling chronicles of a Native family's government-sanctioned exploitation in the North Americanresidential/boarding school systems.

One story, one songby Richard Wagamese

n One Story, One Song , Richard Wagamese explores the importance of stories: how they shape us, howthey empower us, how they change our lives. Ancient and contemporary, cultural and spiritual, funny andsad, the tales are grouped according to the four essential principles Ojibway traditional teachers soughtto impart: humility, trust, introspection and wisdom.

Witness, I Amby Gregory Scofield

Witness, I Am is divided into three gripping sections of new poetry from one of Canada's mostrecognized poets.

If you have a book you think is great contact me, rose@marigold.ab.ca