When it comes to reading Indigenous authors, it was never something I really thought about. While I read the odd book, I never really made it a point to seek out books that weren’t new or given to me.
In June of 2023, I noticed a social media post from the Brain Ninjas on Instagram that mentioned how June was National Indigenous History Month. I’m not sure why the mention of that made me think about how I have Indigenous roots in my blood that I had never had the opportunity to explore.
My Indigenous History
Back in the 80s, I was adopted, and the very little information I had about my birth mother mentioned that she was Métis. It was never anything I really thought about until now that I’m in my 40s. I have Métis running through my blood, but what does that mean?
Instantly I knew that I had to start reading more Indigenous books by Indigenous Canadian authors to understand the Indigenous part of me. I recalled that a book I had bought earlier this year was by an Indigenous author, Lisa Bird-Wilson, a Métis and nêhiyaw writer from Saskatchewan. I looked up the audiobook on my library app and started listening to it, and right away, I was enthralled.
And it felt almost surreal that the book I picked up was about Ruby, an Indigenous girl who was adopted and is searching for her Indigenous identity. That book spoke to me more than I ever thought it would, and I found myself wanting more.
I don’t know a lot – if anything – about the history that runs through my blood. In truth, I don’t even know how much Métis I actually am. This book made me instantly curious to explore that part of me.
So, I’m going to try and document the Indigenous-authored books I read here as I go on this journey. I’ve found quite a few amazing Indigenous authors so far, and I know I will find many more.
In the meantime, you can check out my blog post: June is Indigenous History Month: Celebrate With These Important Indigenous Reads.
My Indigenous Canadian Reads
Bird-Wilson, Lisa – Probably Ruby (Audiobook)
Daniel, Danielle – Forever Birchwood
Dimaline, Cherie – Empire of Wild (Audiobook)
Jordan-Fenton, Christie – Fatty Legs (Nonfiction, Audiobook)
King, Thomas – The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America (Nonfiction)
Morin, Brandi – Our Voice of Fire: A Memoir of a Warrior Rising (Nonfiction, Audiobook)
Nappaaluk, Mitiarjuk – Sanaaq: An Inuit Novel
Rice, Waubgeshig – Moon of the Crusted Snow (Audiobook)
Robinson, Eden – Son of a Trickster (Trickster, #1) (would like to reread)
Tagaq, Tanya – Split Tooth
Vermette, Katherena – Pemmican Wars (A Girl Called Echo, #1) (Graphic Novel)
Vermette, Katherena – Red River Resistance (A Girl Called Echo, #2) (Graphic Novel)
Vermette, Katherena – river woman (Poetry)
If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out:
Do you have any Canadian Indigenous authors you would recommend for me to read? Let me know in the comments below!
