First Nation Community Reads Awards 2020-21
Winners of the First Nation Community Reads Awards are selected by a jury of Indigenous librarians from across Ontario. The Award program began in 2013 and winners are announced each September.
For previous winners see the First Nation Community Reads information at the Southern Ontario Library Service.
PMC Indigenous Literature Award (sponsored by the Periodical Marketers of Canada)
2020-21
The Bear's Medicine / Sus Yoo by
A mother bear shares with her cubs how to be grateful for all they have in the natural world. The Bear's Medicineshows the interconnectedness of all things in the world they live in and how each season brings changes and blessings for the bears. It is a story of a mother's love for her children as she teaches them how to survive. Written in English and Dakelh.
2019-20
Spirit Bear: Fishing for Knowledge, Catching Dreams by 2020-21
I'm Finding My Talk by
I'm finding my talkAnd it may take some time,But I'm learning to speakIn a language that's mine. A response to Rita Joe's iconic poem "I Lost My Talk," and published simultaneously with the new children's book edition illustrated by Pauline Young, comes a companion picture book by award-winning spoken-word artist and Mi'kmaw activist Rebecca Thomas. A second-generation residential school survivor, Thomas writes this response poem openly and honestly, reflecting on the process of working through the destructive effects of colonialism. From sewing regalia to dancing at powow to learning traditional language, I'm Finding My Talk is about rediscovering her community, and finding culture. Features stunning, vibrant illustrations by Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young.