Indigenous Nature Picture Books
In the United States, we celebrate “National Native American History Month” in November. This month, as in all months, we want to continue to share the rich history and valuable contributions of Indigenous men and women from tribes all across Turtle Island. Below we have compiled a list of Indigenous picture books that help teach important lessons about nature that can be used in your forest school classrooms.
If you’re looking for additional resources on Indigenous studies, make sure to check out the Outdoor Learning School & Store’s free Virtual Workshops and upcoming classes! They are currently offering a discount to NOLA Members for their 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning class using coupon code 4Seasons25% - registration is here.
“Be a Good Ancestor”
by Leona Prince & Gabrielle Prince
Leona Prince is from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut’en and belongs to the Lhts’umusyoo (Beaver) Clan. She wrote this book with her sister and it’s a fantastic way to start a deep discussion with students about the impact of our actions. It focuses on the importance of not only connecting to ourselves and others, but also to the animals and land in order to be good living ancestors and take care of our world.
”The Land Knows Me”
by Leigh Joseph
Dr. Leigh Joseph is an ethnobotanist from the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) First Nation. This picture book teaches readers both the Squamish and English names for many plants, along with the important cultural stories attached to them. After you read the story, you can check out the 15 plant profile directory at the very back of the book!
Note: This picture book pairs with Leigh Joseph’s book “Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness”.
“Can You Hear the Plants Speak?”
by Nicholas Hummingbird
Nicholas Hummingbird comes from the Cahuilla and Apache Tribes. This book explores his journey from a young boy, learning from his grandparents how to be a steward of the land, to the birth of his own son. His strong relationship to the land - through listening to the plants - show how plants can truly become the best teachers.
“Whispers of the Earth”
by Launa Purcell
Launa is an Indigenous Educator and author from Xa'xtsa First Nation. This beautifully poetic book is dedicated to exploring the most important lessons from the land - from the language of animals to stories on the wind and the secrets whispered to us by Mother Earth.
“Remember”
by Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo, three term US Poet Laureate and Indigenous author, is Mvskoke Nation and belongs to Oce Vpofv (Hickory Ground). This poem weaves the beauty of our world and humankind, painting a picture of how nature truly is a form of living poetry. The wonderful prose is paired with stunning artwork that will linger with you like a dream.
“Keepunumuk”
by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, & Alexis Bunten
Danielle Greendeer is a Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Citizen, Hawk Clan, Anthony Perry is an Alaska Native, and Alexis Bunten is Chickasaw. This is an important Thanksgiving story, told through the Wampanoag people who lived in the land where Pilgrims settled. It helps to center readers on new and more inclusive ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.
“I Love Salmon and Lampreys”
by Brook M. Thompson
Brook M. Thompson is a part of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes. Growing up, Brook learned the importance of salmon and lampreys from her family - and also saw how the Klamath River dams were endangering them. This book is based on the true events of fighting for dam removal that led Brook to becoming a scientist!
“We are Water Protectors”
by Carole Lindstrom
Carole Lindstrom is Anishinaabe/Métis and a proud member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. This poignant book invites young readers to learn about, and take action, to protect our world’s most precious resource — our water.
Note: This book pairs with Carole Lindstrom’s book “Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior”, which teaches about the Indigenous Rights Activists Autumn Peltier and Josephine Mandamin.
