First Nation Communities Read 2012 Nominees announced

On May 1, 2012, the titles shortlisted for the First Nation Communities Read annual reading program of the First Nations public library communities in Ontario were announced. Initiated in 2003, the First Nation Communities Read program has as its mandate the promotion of family literacy, intergenerational storytelling, and intergenerational information sharing, of texts with First Nation, Métis, or Inuit content, and involving the participation (writing, illustration, etc.) of a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit creator.

The reading program now alternates between titles for children and titles for young adults and adults.  This year, the diverse list of titles for children include a graphic novel, nonfiction, and picture books.

The short-list for the First Nation Communities Read 2012 program are:

Bear Walker: Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws
by Chad Solomon & Christopher Meyer
Little Spirit Bear Productions

This fifth book in the graphic series Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws has the two Ojibway boys learning another lesson from their mischief. Additional information can be found at the creators' website: Rabbit and Bear Paws

Call of the Fiddle
by Wilfred Burton & Anne Patton
Illus. by Sherry Farrell Racette
Gabriel Dumont Institute

Final book in the trilogy based on a Métis family which began with Fiddle Dancer (Gabriel Dumont Institute, 2007 ) and followed by Dancing in My Bones (Gabriel Dumont Institute, 2009).  

The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story
by Leah Dorion
Gabriel Dumont Institute

While retelling his discovery of the great giving tree, a young boy shares the customs and traditions of his Métis culture.

Shannen and the Dream for a School
by Janet Wilson
Second Story Press

The Cree community of Attawapiskat in northern Ontario had a school built on contaminated soil, devoid of heat in the winter, and teeming with mold.  Shannen Koostachin, 13, led the fight to build a new school for her community.

We Are All . . . Treaty People
by Maurice Switzer
Illus. by Charley Hebert
Union of Ontario Indians

We Are All . . .Treaty People tells about the nature of treaties.


The winning title will be announced at the end of May/beginning of June, as a lead in to National Aboriginal History month (June).