Recent Aboriginal Titles

News from the Northern Woman's Bookstore

FOLLOWING NIMISHOOMIS is a fascinating biography of a Northwestern Ontario woman, Dedibaayaanimanook Sarah Keesick Olsen. FOLLOWING NIMISHOOMIS provides a detailed history of the Namegosibing Trout Lake community, the ancestral home of Dedibaayaanimanook, where she gained firsthand knowledge about traditional teachings and ways of life. While witnessing the encroaching values of European society; raising a family with a European partner; and surrounded by this dominant society, Dedibaayaanimanook maintained the values of her people and gently taught her children what she has learned through the traditions of her parent and grandparents.

Lovingly told by her daughter Helen Agger, FOLLOWING NIMISHOOMIS records the life of this remarkable elder and knowledge keeper, and is an important story for all Canadians but most particularly for us in Northwestern Ontario.

Ruby Slipperjack’s most recent novel, DOG TRACKS, is also a tale of Anishinawbe traditions, history and culture. Abby is having trouble fitting in at Bear Creek Reserve. After living most of her life in town with supportive grandparents, it’s definitely a transition moving back to the reserve. In DOG TRACKS, Ruby Slipperjack writes the story of those who return to the reserve and rediscover their culture. DOG TRACKS is a tender story of an uprooted girl who finds home and self, (Appropriate for both young teen and adult readers.)

New children’s books include: JENNELI’S DANCE, by Elizabeth Denny, illustrated by Christopher Auchter, is a story that instills a sense of pride in the Native culture, and deals with issues of overcoming low self-esteem.

A beautifully illustrated story I LIKE WHO I AM, by Tara White, illustrated by Lee Claremont, explores issuse of bullying and belonging as (a young girl) looks for acceptance in her new community.

BOOG THE BUG, by Cynthia Genaille ... this enchanting story with its wonderfully imaginative illustrations by Diane Lucas was created to help children deal with divorce.

GOOSE GIRL, by Joe McLellan and Martine McLellan, illustrated by Rhian Brynjolson is a gentle story of love, faith and letting go.

GRANNY’S GIANT BANNOCK, by Brenda Wastasecoot, illustrated by Kimberly McKay Fleming “a little miscommunication between English speaking Larf and his Cree speaking grandmother leads to hilarious results when a giant, sprawling banncok threatens to take over the town. Beyond its antic humour, this is a tender story about the need to listen.”

Back to adult fiction, be sure to read Louise Erdrich’s most recent novel THE PLAGUE OF DOVES. Margaret thinks its her best yet, even surpassing The Painted Drum.

We have discovered a wonderful Aboriginal Education publisher NINGWAKWE LEARNING PRESS, and we’re carrying many of their books and can order others.
Check www.ningwakwe.on.ca for their catalogue and let us know what you would like us to order.