(A version of this article appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, June, 2023.)
Every June, Canadians commemorate National Indigenous History Month — an opportunity to honour the diversity and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. Thanks in part to the important work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) over the past 15 years, there’s a strong demand to hear Indigenous voices tell their stories. No matter your age or reading preference, there are many talented Indigenous authors writing today, publishing everything from children’s picture books, dystopian tales and graphic novels to memoirs, essays and poetry. I’m going to highlight 2 Indigenous women whose books for youth deftly cover many sensitive topics including intergenerational trauma, violence against women and identity.
Indigenous author Melane Florence first came to my attention in 2015 when I was book shopping as a Teacher-Librarian. I had recently lost my mother, and was drawn to a striking blue-green picture book entitled Missing Nimâmâ. I started reading it and immediately teared up. It’s the emotional life story of an Indigenous girl coping with the disappearance of her beloved mother.
Told in alternating voices — the girl’s and her missing mother’s — the heartbreak is palpable. The winner of the 2016 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, this book is NOT a bedtime story for younger children. However, it’s an important story about the missing/murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) crisis that can be shared with kids 10+.
For younger children, Florence wrote an equally touching book, Stolen Words. In it, a little girl lovingly teaches her grandfather Cree, the language lost to him when he was taken from his family as a child. Stolen Words is a gentle but impactful introduction to residential schools for readers 6+.
Florence’s novels for teens include Dreaming in Colour, He Who Dreams, Just Lucky, Rez Runaway and The Missing. Covering topics from gender roles and sexual orientation to violence and foster care, these novels resonate with adolescents of all backgrounds.
Tasha Spillet-Sumner is another Indigenous author I want to highlight. In addition to her popular Surviving The City graphic novel series for teens about 2 Indigenous girls who are watched over by the spirits of Indigenous women, Tasha has recently written a couple of heartfelt picture books for little ones ages 3+.
I Sang You Down From The Stars is a joyful book about a First Nations mother lovingly gathering traditional gifts for her unborn child. A timeless story that transcends culture, it would be an ideal gift for any family expecting a baby.
Beautiful You, Beautiful Me is Spillet-Sumner’s latest picture book published in 2022. In this vibrantly illustrated book, a biracial child worriedly notices the differences between her and her mother, but is reassured that although “not all mamas and babies match … they still belong to one another.” This heartwarming book celebrates the diversity of families.
So whether you are looking for stories about the serious issues facing Indigenous peoples or books that celebrate identity and belonging, please check out Melanie Florence and Tasha Spillett-Sumner. Insightful and poignant, their books hold universal appeal.
Lisa's Book Corner 
Leave a comment