Authentic Resources


WHAT ARE AUTHENTIC FIRST PEOPLES TEXTS?

Authentic First Peoples texts are historical or contemporary texts that:

  • present authentic First Peoples voices (i.e., are created by First Peoples or through the substantial contributions of First Peoples)
  • depict themes and issues that are important within First Peoples cultures (e.g., loss of identity and affirmation of identity, tradition, healing, role of family, importance of Elders, connection to the land, the nature and place of spirituality as an aspect of wisdom, the relationships between individual and community, the importance of oral tradition, the experience of colonization and decolonization)
  • incorporate First Peoples story-telling techniques and features as applicable (e.g., circular structure, repetition, weaving in of spirituality, humour).

When looking for authentic Indigenous resources to use in the classroom, the FNESC website is a great place to start.

The teacher resource guide In Our Own Words, K-Gr. 3 Authentic Resources (2012, revised 2020) has been developed to offer teachers information and guidance about how to incorporate authentic First Peoples materials into their instruction and assessment practices.  Inside, you will find lesson plans, curriculum connections, assessment resources and suggested texts.

Strong Nations is an online retailer and a publishing house located in Nanaimo, BC, specializing in Indigenous literature and art.

Check out the link above for 20 Canadian books for kids and teens to read for National Indigenous History Month.