Aboriginal Literacy Resources Available for Loan from Literacy BC Provincial Literacy Resource Centre Last update: April 2009
This resource list presents a sampling of books, audio-visuals and Web resources on aboriginal literacy. All books may be borrowed from the Literacy BC Resource Centre by mail at no cost. You can learn more about the library and search the library catalogue on the Web at http://www.literacybc.ca/PLRC/ResourceCentre.php .
Contact Literacy BC to borrow these and other resources:
Telephone 604-684-0624 or toll free in BC 1-888-732-3234. Fax 604-684-8520
Email library@literacy.bc.ca
First Nations holistic lifelong learning. (Website) Sponsored by the Canadian Council on Learning, 2007-. Available at http://cli.ccl-cca.ca/FN/index.php?q=home “This site allows you to interactively explore the elements of the First Nations Holistic Lifelong Learning Model.” This model is being developed to more accurately measure the learning progress of Aboriginal people. A related report is “Redefining how success is measured in First Nations, Inuit and Métis learning”. Web pages are also available on Inuit and Métis holistic lifelong learning at http://cli.ccl-cca.ca/Inuit/index.php?q=home and http://cli.ccl-cca.ca/Metis/index.php?q=home.
Redefining how success is measured in First Nations, Inuit and Métis learning : report on learning in Canada 2007. By the Canadian Council on Learning. Ottawa, ON : Canadian Council on Learning, 2007. [VF CCL 2007b] Also available online at http://www.ccl-cca.ca/CCL/Reports/RedefiningSuccessInAboriginalLearning/?Language=EN
This paper is a progress report on an ongoing initiative to cooperatively develop holistic learning models that help map the relationships between learning purposes, processes and outcomes, affirms First Nations, Inuit and Métis values and beliefs, and provides the basis for developing frameworks to measure learning success. Read a review at https://www.elmoreviews.ca/product_view.php?id=353
BC First Nations Head Start On-Reserve Program. (Website) Available at http://www.bcfnhs.org/index.cfm
This website describes the Health Canada funded program to enhance early childhood development, school readiness and overall family health for First Nations preschool children on reserve.
c Canadian Indigenous People : workplace literacy and essential skills : a survey of Aboriginal workforce/essential skills development programs and recommendations for iImplementation and delivery. (Online resource) OARS Training Inc., 2005. Available at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/indigenous/cover.htm .
A national survey of Aboriginal Workforce/Essential Skills Development Programs was conducted
to identify critical success factors in the development, delivery and evaluation of such initiatives.
Catching our breath : Collaborative reflection-on-action in remote-rural BC / Docherty, Anne. Vancouver, BC: RiPAL-BC, 2006. [374.0120771 D63]
Also available online at: http://ripal.literacy.bc.ca/pdf/RiPP_Anne.pdf
This report is designed for the literacy practitioner who teaches and/or supports literacy in the same remote-rural and/or aboriginal community in which they live. It discusses the usefulness of the collaborative reflection-on-action approach.
Empowering the spirit, ensuring survival : Phase II Field Development : moving towards action . Anne-Logan Elliott, Karen McClain. Owen Sound, ON: Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, 2003. [371.9797 E45] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/empower/cover.htm .
Examines ways in which the ONLC can increase its capacity to provide support to learners and practitioners in the field of Native literacy in Ontario.
Forging partnerships, opening doors : community school case studies from Manitoba and Saskatchewan. By Susan Phillips. Kelowna, BC: Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education, 2008. [371.9797 P55 2008]
The case studies of six Manitoba and Saskatchewan community schools serving high proportions of First Nations and Métis students provide insights regarding community school approaches and success rates.
The language of literacy, a national resource directory of Aboriginal literacy programs. (Online resource) By Beverly Anne Sabourin & Associates,1998. Available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/langlit/cover.htm
This resource documents the activities of over ninety Aboriginal-controlled literacy programs across Canada, noting their successes and challenges. It identifies critical factors for success in Aboriginal literacy programming.
Literacy and learning: acknowledging Aboriginal holistic approaches to learning in relation to ‘best practices’ literacy training programs: final report. (Online resource) By Eileen Antone, Peter Gamlin, and Lois Provost-Turchetti, 2003. Available at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/aboriglt/finlrprt/cover.htm
This research report describes Native literacy as distinct to Aboriginal peoples and identifies some barriers to Aboriginal literacy.
Literacy as a barrier to employment, addressing the literacy needs of Aboriginal people in Ontario: a literature review and discussion paper. (Online resource) By Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC), 2005. Available at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/barrier/barrier.pdf
With background information on issues and resources regarding Aboriginal literacy in Ontario, this paper offers suggestions on how Friendship Centre programs can offer relevant and necessary programming.
Literacy programs in First Nations communities: a discussion paper.
Prepared by Visions First Planning Group. [Powell, B.C? First Nations Planning Group, 1996. [371.9797 L58]
This study examines the literacy needs of BC First Nations people.
Moving beyond : understanding the impacts of residential school. By Brent Stonefish. Owen Sound, ON: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2007.[371.829 S766 2007]
This book looks at the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on Aboriginal people in Canada. It highlights positive approaches and paths to healing, particularly developing healthy individuals, families, and communities.
Practitioner development strategy: phase one: report. Prepared by Florence Gray for Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, October 2000. [374.112 G73] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/practdev/practdev.pdf
The author reviewed work done to date on practitioner development, then surveyed the Ontario Native literacy field to determine what core skills are needed by a practitioner in the Native literacy field, how those skills are acquired, and how the acquisition of those skills in recognized.
Practitioner standards model development project.(Online resource) Prepared by Kate Thompson for Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, November 2002. Available at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/practstn/practstn.pdf
This research report identifies training requirements of a Native literacy practitioner, and suggests ways to measure skills, abilities and knowledge required to be an effective Native literacy practitioner.
Rural roots : a journal for reflection on action. By Anne Docherty and Dee McRae. Ottawa : National Literacy Secretariat, 2005. [371.007 D63]
The journal is a "report on what happens when a group of community-based health-literacy practitioners explore how their day-to-day practice connects with broader social and economic issues." The journal contains pages for one's own reflection and a section describing collaborative reflection-on-action. It was developed by Rural Roots, an informal coalition of literacy practitioners living and working in remote, rural and aboriginal communities in Northwest British Columbia.
Tools for Community building : a planning workbook for northern community-based literacy. The NWT and Nunavut Literacy Councils, 2002. [374/0124 T66] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/nwt/combuild/workbook/cover.htm This book contains detailed information on planning a local literacy activity and writing a proposal to support the plan.
The transformative nature of culture-based literacy provision in Native literacy programs. (Online resource) By Nancy Cooper. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto, 2005. Available at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/cooper/cooper.pdf
Cooper conducted open-ended interviews with Native literacy practitioners in Ontario programs where culture and cultural teachings are the starting point.
Aboriginal literacy and parenting skills (A.-L.A.P.S.) : facilitators’ guide & participants’ material. By Laureen MacKenzie and Elaine Cairns. Calgary, AB: Bow Valley College, 1998. [371.9797 M23]
Choosing Literature in Aboriginal Early Childhood Education. (Online resource) Aboriginal Children’s Circle of Early Learning, 2004?Available at http://www.accel-capea.ca/pdf/literacy.pdf
A list of culturally appropriate books for preschool children.
Completing the circle : teaching our first teachers – literacy and learning for Aboriginal families (LLAF). By the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition. Owen Sound, ON: Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, 2008. [371.9797 C66 2008]
Based on the A-LAPS Program, this is a flexible course designed for Aboriginal adults who want to help their children’s literacy development and who are interested in talking about their parenting skills. It includes detailed notes and a full set of handouts. Read a review at https://www.elmoreviews.ca/product_view.php?id=425
Foundational training in family literacy : practitioner's resource. Project manager, Maureen Sanders ; project co-ordinators, Yvon Laberge, Janet Shively.
Edmonton, AB: Centre for Family Literacy Society of Alberta, 2002. [649.58071 F68]
Appendix: Family literacy through aboriginal eyes by Priscilla George.
Nurturing the good mind : a discussion paper on aboriginal family literacy & the Friendship Centre Movement. Produced by the National Association of Friendship Centres. Ottawa, ON: National Association of Friendship Centres, 2006. [VF NAF 2006] Also available online at http://www.nafc-aboriginal.com/policy/NAFC%20NGM.pdf.
This paper supports the development of family literacy strategies and cross-cultural models for Friendship Centres.
Aboriginal literacy curriculum toolbox : cultural philosophy, curriculum design & strategies for self-directed learning. By Janice Brant. Owen Sound, ON: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2006. [371.0808 B73 2006]
Intended for literacy practitioners interested in fostering a learner centred approach to literacy learning and curriculum delivery. Chapters provide a cultural philosophy, ideas for increasing the participation of individuals, techniques to help build group cohesion, guidelines for designing culture based curriculum, and evaluation techniques.
Annotated bibliography of Aboriginal books : preschool to adult, Vols. I & II.
NWT Literacy Council, 2006 and 2008. [371.9797 A55 2006-] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/biblio06/cover.htmhttp://www.nald.ca/library/research/biblio08/cover.htm
This annotated list of selected Aboriginal literature includes symbols identifying the origins of the material, the appropriate age level, language, a brief synopsis of each story, and bibliographic information.
Aquelarre : First Nations women of the Americas, 500 years of resistance. Instructor's guide / by Carmen Rodriguez and Don Sawyer. -- First Nations women of the Americas: 500 years of resistance. Salmon Arm, B.C. : Native Adult Education Resource Centre, 1992. [305.4897 R62 Guide]
This guide is contains learning activities to accompany a particular issue of Aquelarre (V10/11, Winter/Spring 1991-92) titled First Nations women of the Americas: 500 years of resistance.
Assessing literacy reading levels: evaluating Aboriginal literacy materials. By Nancy Cooper. Owen Sound, ON: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2009. [371.9797 C66 2009]
This manual was developed to provide an easy and versatile tool to assess reading levels of Ningwakwe Learning Press resources. Read a review at https://www.elmoreviews.ca/product_view.php?id=443 .
Building Aboriginal literacy : share your language, share your culture. (Online resource) NWT Literacy Council, 2006. Available at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/balcards/cover.htm
This booklet will help families support language development to maintain and revitalize Aboriginal languages.
Common assessment in the native literacy field. By Christiann Jones, Kate Thompson, Pat Powell. Owen Sound, ON : Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, 2001. [374.1264 J58] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/comass/comass.PDF
Material on common methods of assessment, presented at a training conference for Ontario Native Literacy practitioners.
Empowering the spirit : native literacy curricula. Developed by Kateri Akiwenzie Damm. Ontario: Ningwangke Clearinghouse, 1997. [371.9797 A55]
The curriculum was developed to assist Native Literacy Coordinators and tutors in providing appropriate materials for native learners at various ages and levels of literacy.
Empowering the spirit II : native literacy curriculum. Mary Elliott, Deana Halonen, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm ; edited by Suzanne Methot, Priscilla George. Owen Sound, Ont.: Ningwakwe Clearing House, 2004. [371.9797 E4s]
Updated in 2004, this edition contains more cultural support for teachers and practitioners.
First Nations literacy theme units: an instructor’s guide. Written by Carmen Rodrigues…et al. 1996. Burnaby, BC: Open Learning Agency, 1996. [371.9797 F57 1996] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/firstnat/cover.htm
A workbook designed for B.C First Nations groups involved in projects to raise literacy skills.
Points of departure for teaching and learning with Glimpses of who we are / [developed by Mary Norton and Phyllis Steeves ; project managed by Phyllis Steeves]. Edmonton, AB : Learning at the Centre Press, 2002. [428.62 G55 Guide]
Developed for use with: “Glimpses of who we are : a collection of Aboriginal writings, volumes 1 and 2.”
Reaching the rainbow : Aboriginal literacy in Canada. (Kit) By Priscilla George. Yorkton, SK: Parkland Regional College, 1998. [371.9797 G46]
An information kit to serve as a starting point when planning to set up an Aboriginal literacy program, or adding Aboriginal literacy to existing programs.
Sinew and sage : aboriginal literacy workbooks 1, 2 & 3. By Melanie Ferris. Owen Sound, ON: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2007. [371.9797 F477 2007 and 2009]
These three workbooks offer exercises to help learn literacy skills while focusing on themes of Aboriginal culture.
The story of the seven fires. [Video and manual] By Sally Gaikezheyongai. Owen Sound, Ont.: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2002. [Video 971.00497 G35 Guide]
The video is an edited version of the Seven Fires story as told to a live audience. The manual contains extra materials and suggestions for learning activities.
Unipkausivut, Building language and literacy skills through oral history. (Online resource) By Nunavut Literacy Council, 2004. Available at http://www.nunavutliteracy.ca/english/resource/unipkausivut/unip.pdf
Primarily a resource for educators, Unipkausivut also contains many insights from various people, including Elders, on the importance of: storytelling and culture, language and literacy, and building language and literacy skills.
A whole-system approach to designing and developing aboriginal culture-based literacy curriculum program lesson plans. Compiled and written by Ken Hill. East Owen Sound, ON : Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, 2001. [371.82997 H3805] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/onlc/cover.htm
The purpose of the manual is to assist Native literacy practitioners in the design and development of their own educational systems that are holistic, culture-based and community-based.
Working words : employment skills for aboriginal youth. Editor, Dan Guinan; researcher and writer, Garth Manning and Dan Guinan. Vancouver: The Native Education Centre, c1998. [331.2592 W67] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/workword/cover.htm
This is a curriculum resource package designed for a 14 week training program. Activities are used to develop career skills, cultural skills and employment skills.
Creations from the heart : Native crafts and learning activities. By Jameson C. Brant. Owen Sound, ON : Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2006. [371.9797 B736 2006]
Provides interesting and straightforward “how-to” learning activities based on traditional arts and crafts of several First Nations in different regions of Ontario. Each craft requires learners to use and build both literacy and numeracy skills.
Darkness calls. (Graphic novel) By Steven Keewatin Sanderson. Vancouver, BC: Healthy Aboriginal Network, 2008. [371.9797 H43 DARK]
Even though Kyle has tremendous artistic talent and the support of a good friend, he finds life overwhelming and considers taking his own life.
Emotional wellness : Mary’s story. By Dr. George S. Renfrey. Owen Sound, ON : Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2007. [371.9797 R46 2007]
Mary starts to recognize the signs of stress creeping into her life once more. This learning resource about emotional well-being is told in the form of a story, according to First Nations tradition.
The gathering tree. By Larry Loyie and Constance Brissenden. Penticton, BC: Theytus Books, 2005. [813.54 B75]
This book is a gentle positive story of a family facing HIV, told in a rural First Nations setting.
The Haida. By Jennifer Nault. Calgary, AB: Weigl, 2008. [970.3 H35 2008]
This book recounts the history of the Haida people, including traditional ways of life, religious beliefs, celebrations and artwork through words, recipes, and activities. Intended for adult readers. Read a review at https://www.elmoreviews.ca/product_view.php?id=310
Harvesting : Cree hunting and gathering techniques. By Edmund Metatawabin.
Owen Sound, ON: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2007. [813.6 M48 2007]
This booklet tells the story of a young man from the Mushkegowuk of western James Bay, learning about his culture and ancestral way of life. Illustrated with beautiful photography, this book is suitable for children and learners of any age.
An invited threat : diabetes prevention comic book. (Graphic novel) By Steven Keewatin Sanderson. Vancouver, BC: Healthy Aboriginal Network, 2008. (371.9797 H43 2008 INV)
This diabetes prevention comic book is about a young boy and what he likes to eat more than anything - junk food. The story was focus group tested with youth and health professionals for its ability to convey the idea of what is, and what is not, healthy food.
Level up. (Graphic novel) By Steven Keewatin Sanderson. Vancouver, BC : Healthy Aboriginal Network, 2008. [371.9797 H43 2008 LEV]
Terry is not interested in school. His family does not react well when he announces his decision to quit, and a trip to visit his cousin, a video game designer, changes his mind.
Meet a dentist: Dennis Hewitt. Meet a musician: Derek Miller. Meet a police officer: the Mueller sisters.
By Kim Ziervogel. Owen Sound, ON: Ningwakwe Leaning Press, 2007. [371.9797 Z54a,b,c 2007]
This series of booklets showcases young Canadian Aboriginals engaged in interesting careers. Read a review at https://www.elmoreviews.ca/product_view.php?id=285 .
Ningwakwe’s ABC book : Aboriginal illustrations of the alphabet. Illustrated by Doug Maracle. Owen Sound, ON : Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2001. [421.1 M37 2001]
The alphabet is illustrated with images significant to Aboriginal culture.
On the turn. (Graphic novel) By Jay Odjick and Patraaick Tenascon. Vancouver, BC: Healthy Aboriginal Network, 2007. [371.9797 H43 2008 ON THE]
This is the story of a teenaged girl who, after moving from the reserve to a strange city, becomes addicted to gambling. She seeks help through the friendship centre where she finds acceptance and guidance. Read a review at https://www.elmoreviews.ca/product_view.php?id=427 .
Real math for real people : Workbook 2 / Real math for real people : Teacher’s guide by Lesa Mt. Pleasant. Owen Sound, ON: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2001. [513.076 M79]
These two items contain mathematical problems and exercises that focus on aboriginal culture and traditions.
The Salish. By Christine Webster.Calgary, AB: Weigl, 2008. [970.3 S25 2008]
This book recounts the history of the Salish people of Canada, including traditional way of life, religious beliefs, celebrations, and artwork. Intended for young adult or new adult readers, this book is written at approximately a grade four level. Read a review at https://www.elmoreviews.ca/product_view.php?id=311
SGang Gwaay. By Annalise Bekkering. Calgary, AB: Weigl, 2008. [970.3 B45 2008]
This book offers a look into the BC island village SGang Gwaay Linagaay, home to the Kunghit Haida people for more than 2,000 years.
Shishalh stories : a literacy reader. Collected and edited by Kelly Toneatto ; illustrated by Roman Joe. Victoria, B.C.: BC Ministry of Education, Skills and Training, 1997. [398.20899 T65]
An English language collection of the Shishalh (Sechelt) Nation's myths, legends, and traditional stories. Seventeen story segments are divided into 4 sections: a word list, vocabulary, story, and story questions.
Sweetness in life : the diabetes story. (4 DVDs) By Doug Cuthand and Tasha Hubbard. Kelowna, BC: Filmwest Associates, 2007. [616.462 S94 2002]
This series features knowledgeable and enthusiastic hosts, healthy eating, physical activities, community profiles, and interviews. Series has 13 episodes, 24 minutes each.
Success in your studies for aboriginal students : a reference for the Rez-ed of us! By Brent Stonefish. Owen Sound, ON: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2007. [371.9797 S76 2007]
This handbook, aimed at First Nations post-secondary students, discusses student life. Topics include academics, techniques for managing time and stress, financial aid, and social, family, health and personal well-being.
Winning in your workplace for Aboriginal employees. By Ningwakwe; E. Priscilla George. Owen Sound, ON : Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2008. [331.2592 N56 2008]
“The content should interest students that are either transitioning into the workplace or seeking career guidance. The book explains some Aboriginal teachings as they apply to new work situations.” –Intro. Read a review at https://www.elmoreviews.ca/product_view.php?id=309 .
As long as the rivers flow. Larry Loyie ; with Constance Brissenden ; illustrations by Heather D. Holmlund.Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2002. [971.23004 L69]
The writer describes his childhood during the summer of 1944, just prior to entering a residential school.
Bushland spirit : our elders speak. Edited by Art Napolean. Moberly Lake, B.C.: Twin Sisters Publishing, 1998. [428.62 B87]
"A collection of reminiscences and personal stories that give . . . a glimpse into the world-views, histories, and lifestyles of the Cree, Saulteaux and Dunneza of a small community in Northeastern B.C., as told through their Elders."
Glimpses of who we are : a collection of Aboriginal writings. Vol. 1. Edited and managed by Phyllis Steeves. Edmonton, AB : Learning at the Centre Press, 2002. [428.62 G55 v.1]
This is an easy to read collection of stories, songs and poems written by Aboriginal Canadians. “Points of departure for teaching and learning with Glimpses of who we are” is a separate study manual.
Journeys of the spirit III : a collection of writings by Aboriginal literacy students. Southampton, Ont.: Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2007. [371.0808 J68 2007]
This book is a compilation of works aiming to enhance and promote a greater understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal people.
A place all my own. By the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition. Owen Sound, Ont.: Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, 2007. [428.62 P53 2007] Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/place/cover.htm
A collection of creative work by Aboriginal youth from Inuvik, Northwest Territories
Roast moose & rosaries : Fred & Mary's story. Written by Fred and Mary Courtoreille, with Terrance Armstrong. Moberly Lake, B.C.: Twin Sister Publishing, 1997. [428.62 C68]
This book reveals the life experiences of two Cree elders, Mary and Fred Courtoreille, between 1910 and 1930. Reminiscences include experiences in residential schools and the experience of growing up on the land. A separate teacher’s guide is available.
Zaagidiwin is a many splendoured thing : love, laughter, and learning stories from Aboriginal writers. Owen Sound, ON : Ningwakwe Learning Press, 2008. [428.62 Z33 2008]
This is a collection of writings by Aboriginal writers that highlights some of the joys and pains of love.
Contact Literacy BC to borrow these and other resources:
Telephone 604-684-0624 or toll free in BC 1-888-732-3234. Fax 604-684-8520
Email library@literacy.bc.ca
