Check out some of the titles on the First Nation Communities Read (FNCR) shortlists! FNCR celebrates the very best of Indigenous literature across Turtle Island. The program encourages family literacy, intergenerational storytelling and intergenerational knowledge transmission. FNCR also helps to increase awareness of the importance of First Nation, Metis and Inuit writing, illustration and publishing.
The winners were announced during First Nation Public Library Week during the first week of October. Be sure to check out the complete 2023-24 Adult/YA list and Children’s list.
I Can See You by Rosemarie Avrana Meyok
Mothers explore their love for their babies as experienced through the five senses. From the sound of a baby's giggles to the smell of a kunik, this book celebrates the unique bonds shared between mothers and babies. Ages 0-2.
Dancing with our Ancestors by Sara Florence Davidson and Robert Davidson
The invitations have been sent. The food has been prepared. The decorations have been hung. And now the day of the potlatch has finally arrived! Guests from all over come to witness this bittersweet but joyful celebration of Haida culture and community. Ages 6-8.
Runs with the Stars by Darcy Whitecrow
As they await the birth of a new foal, a man teaches his grandchild about the Ojibwe horses that used to roam the forests of northwestern Ontario. The horses once ran wild and free, but they almost disappeared when Grandfather was a boy. Now, he is the caretaker of his small herd, keeping the breed alive for future generations. Ages 6-8.
Phoenix Gets Greater by Marty Wilson-Trudeau
2023-24 winner! Phoenix loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance—ballet, powwow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes, Phoenix gets picked on and struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their help, Phoenix learns about Two-Spirit/niizh manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture and how special he is. Ages 6-8.
My Indian Summer by Joseph Kakwinokanasum
2023-24 winner! For Hunter Frank, the summer of '79 begins with his mother returning home only to collect the last two months' welfare cheques, leaving her three "f****** half-breeds" to fend for themselves. When his older sister escapes their northern BC town and his brother goes to fight forest fires, Hunter is on his own, with occasional care coming from a trio of elders—his kohkums—and companionship from his two best friends.
Silence to Strength: Writings and Reflections on the Sixties Scoop edited by Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith
Editor Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith gathers contributions from twenty Sixties Scoop survivors from across the territories of Canada. This anthology includes poems, stories and personal essays.
