First Nations Communities Read is is an annual reading program launched in 2003 by the First Nations public library community in Ontario. First Nation Communities Read selected and other recommended titles:
- encourage family literacy, intergenerational storytelling, and intergenerational information sharing;
- are written and/or illustrated by, or otherwise involve the participation of a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit creator;
- contain First Nation, Métis, or Inuit content produced with the support of First Nation, Métis, or Inuit advisers/consultants or First Nation, Métis, or Inuit endorsement.
First Nation Communities READ 2018-2019 Announce the Children Titles for the Indigenous Literature Award
The Water Walker by Joanne Roberston Published by Second Story Press
Chosen by a jury of Indigenous librarians from across Ontario, these titles represent the best of Indigenous literature. The selected titles’ authors will be presented with the Periodical Marketers of Canada Indigenous Literature Award on June 27th in Toronto at Yonge/Dundas Square as part of National Indigenous History Month celebrations. The Indigenous Literature Award comes with a prize of $3000 for each author.
About The Water Walker
The story of a determined Ojibwe Grandmother (Nokomis) Josephine Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men, and youth, have walked around all the Great Lakes from the four salt waters, or oceans, to Lake Superior. The walks are full of challenges, and by her example Josephine challenges us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.