11 Indigenous Books by Writers I Love

This list of Indigenous Books from writers I love is full of knowledge, inspiration, and healing.

A few days ago Canadians were told about the tragedy uncovered in a BC Residential School. It’s exposing a very dark side of Canadian history that most have never heard about before.

As an Indigenous woman, content creator, and writer I felt it was important to share more about Indigenous culture. We’re beginning with a list of Indigenous books by writers I love. I hope to encourage native and non-natives to learn and listen to these stories. They tell of the issues many Canadians are now learning and witnessing here in Canada. It’s not just about the history of native peoples, but the present and how we can learn from these issues.

Some of the heavier topics you’ll learn about are residential school experiences, reservations, and Indigenous culture.

13 Indigenous Books

Indigenous Books I’ve Read Recently

Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer

I first got this book as part of the monthly read in a book club I was in. It’s such a good book, and I’m very interested in the knowledge Robin shares. She’s a botanist, trained to ask questions of nature through the lens of science. Robin is also a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and she shares the teachings of nature along with science. It’s magical and reminds me a lot of my own Ojibway teachings of plants and animals being the oldest teachers.

Empire of the Wild – Cherie Dimaline

Empire of the Wild is one I’m currently reading, and it’s been a really good distraction for me. I love supporting Indigenous authors and I’m glad I picked this one up. This story is set in a small town and a woman whose husband went missing. There are stories of a Metis legend of Rogarou, the werewolf-like creature that wants to bring his people to Jesus. It’s an easy to read book that I’m liking so far.

21 Things you may Not Know About the Indian Act – Bob Joseph

This is an important book for any indigenous person but also for non-indigenous people. It’s a book that should be taught in schools because it’s such an important part of our government. Bob Joseph explains the Indian Act in an easy and digestible way. The Indian Act has controlled, constrained, and shaped the lives of Indigenous peoples of Canada including mine.

Five Little Indians – Michelle Good

This is a MUST read. Five Little Indians shares the stories of five children who were taken from their homes and sent to Residential Schools. It’s a tough subject to read about but so important to learn about trauma experienced by Indigenous children.

The Inconvenient Indian – Thomas King

This I think is an important book to read, and tells of the history of natives and non-natives. It’s filled with historical events, characters, and facts. Exploring how to support one another with an understanding of how we got to this point in the first place.

Call Me Indian: From the Trauma of Residential School – Fred Sasakamoose

Fred Sasakamoose played in the NHL before Native people had the right to vote in Canada!! Sadly “Fast Freddy” experienced being taken from his home at just seven years old. For almost a decade he was in Residential School, and his story of survival, perseverance is inspiring.