R008675
In this short video, Cottonball visits FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg and learns 3 interesting facts about teepees from her new friend, Sara.
Record posted/updated:
June 24, 2019
R072242
The authors provide practical social studies strategies for the classroom. Organized alphabetically, there are 10 overarching and 40 specific teaching and learning strategies to enhance student learning. In this updated edition, all previously existing strategies have been revised and each strategy now also includes an assessment rubric and ideas for differentiation. The Applications and Ideas section includes classroom implementation ideas, while the References and Resources feature highlights additional readings and information to support each strategy.
Record posted/updated:
August 15, 2020
R050666
Cheyenne's pépère teaches her to plant a tree every year to honour Mother Nature and to respect the circle of life. At first, Cheyenne is sad when Pépère passes away, but Cheyenne realizes that Pépère's teachings will live long after he no longer walks the earth.
This book highlights the importance of looking ahead to and planning for what we leave our grandchildren and the generations to follow.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R053242
This award-winning series, produced in Cree, English and French, uses stop-motion animation to portray life in a fictional northern Saskatchewan community. It focuses on issues and events in the lives of children and their supportive families in this traditional Cree community. The adults guide the children to retain their traditional culture and values while living in the modern world. In this episode, six year old Raven must write a report on identity, describing who she thinks she is. Through talking to many people in the community, 10-year-old Talon reconciles her Cree-Metis identity as a daughter and sister. Cousin T-Bear and brother Talon are asked to help create a sweat lodge and through their hard work they earn their Indian names. Non-Aboriginal students viewing this film will gain a better understanding of Aboriginal identity and traditional practices. T-Bone's father's role at the band office provides a glimpse into First Nations governance and its complex issues.
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R010625
In this episode, a school project sets Raven on a confusing search for her identity. She finally figures it out - with help from her blond doll. Meanwhile, Talon and T-Bear prepare the sweat lodge and hope to receive their Indian names soon.
Record posted/updated:
July 3, 2018
R029559
Writer Jo Bannatyne-Cugnet offers an alphabetical look at various aspects of rural prairie life. Moore's paintings provide visual information about seasonal changes, farm activities, family gatherings and children's interests. In each picture, viewers will be able to locate numerous objects beginning with a particular letter. Concluding pages offer notes that name the objects and provide a brief description of each painting.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R052202
Amos McGee, an elderly zookeeper, adheres to a daily routine that involves eating porridge for breakfast, catching the 6 a.m. bus for work and always making time to visit his animal friends. When Amos fails to arrive at the zoo one morning, the animals are concerned and travel to his home. They discover Amos sick with the sniffles and return the same kindness to him that he has shown to them.
This caring but humourous tale of friendship and dedication based on the 2011 Caldecott Medal winner is strengthened through its illustrations, soothing music and soft-spoken narration. It provides opportunities for classroom discussions about the reciprocal nature of friendship.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R052707
Set in the playground, a young boy asks a young girl if it is true that she has two dads. She says that is right; she has Poppa and Daddy. The young boy asks her questions about which Dad does what. In her response to the questions, the young girl explains the role of each Dad within the family.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R034949
From "A is for Arctic" to "Z is for Zamboni," young children will learn about Canada as they enjoy this alphabet book. Students will visit Canadian landmarks, such as Peggy's Cove or enjoy a Canadian pastime, such as the Calgary Stampede.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R100169
This colourful carpet provides many opportunities to introduce students to the culture and history of Canada's First Nations peoples. Symbols such as Mother Earth's 13 moons, the Medicine Wheel, the Métis infinity flag and an inuksuk can be used to spark discussions that could include: the history and meanings of these symbols, the relationship of First Nations peoples to the land and their legends and folklore. A short paperback guide accompanies the carpet and provides teaching suggestions and an outline drawing of each symbol on the carpet.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R049023
Written for her eight-year-old son, Bouvier writes a poem about growing up. She draws upon her own learning from her grandparents, parents, and other individuals that crossed her life. The values that Bouvier learned are captured in the poem, and she reminds us that we should practise those values daily.
Included with the book is a CD with an English and Michif narration of the poem.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R051396
A kind-hearted bear is so filled with love and joy that he always hugs everything in sight. One day, however, he is tempted to be violent when he crosses paths with a human who is about to cut down a beautiful old tree. After pausing to reflect, the bear is able to resolve the situation in a non-violent fashion. Simple, cartoon-style illustrations pair with easy-to-read text in this endearing story.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R105225
Guided by the wisdom of Mother Earth, a young girl and her new group of furry friends embark on adventures that teach them about their relationships with each other, with other animals and with their environment. Join the Chums as they explore Turtle Island and help their fellow wild creatures navigate the natural world. Episodes in Season 1 include:
1. Best Chums Forever 7. White Buffalo 13. Goose Call
2. Turtles Everywhere 8. Let Loose the Moose 14. Elk Lodge Dance
3. Loonie Tune 9. Flight Path 15. Thunderbird
4. Duck, Duck, Fly 10. We Pelican’s Fish 16. Spirit of the Land
5. Squirrelly for Nuts 11. Outfoxed 17. Nothing to Crow About
6. Bear Paws 12. Raccoon fire 18. Beaver Tales
Please see the related resources below.
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Record posted/updated:
June 4, 2025
R100442
The Circle of Life series contains stories that present First Nations cultures, traditional knowledge and worldviews. The 11 student books in Set 1 support guided reading levels A-E. Titles in the starter pack include: Getting Ready for the Powwow, Why Do You Smudge, Mishoomis? and At Home in the Bush. Additional copies of each student book may be purchased in packages of 6.
Please see the related resources below.
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R100439
The Circle of Life series contains stories that present First Nations cultures, traditional knowledge and worldviews. The 11 student books in Set 2 support guided reading levels F-I. Titles in the starter pack include: My Drum, The Sweat Lodge and Berry Picking with Nokomis. Additional copies of each student book may be purchased in packages of 6.
Please see the related resources below.
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R070572
With realistic-style, softly coloured illustrations and expressive text, Rosenthal explains character traits in a non-didactic way that young children can easily understand - through cookies. For example, "respect" means offering the first cookie to your grandmother and "greedy" means that one person hoards all the cookies.
This book was nominated for the 2009 Grand Canyon Reader Award.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R050255
Simple, colourful illustrations combined with rhythmic, rhyming text provide a look at a day in the life of a firefighter. The book shows firefighters responding to the clanging bell, going to a fire, working at a fire, cleaning equipment after the fire and resting between fires. The story is fast-paced with descriptive language and onomatopoeia. A female firefighter is depicted as part of the story.
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R051295
Fletcher the fox has a favourite tree, which is loosing its leaves now that fall has arrived. He worries about his tree and thinks there is something wrong with it. Winter arrives and a new surprise awaits Fletcher as the tree undergoes another transformation. This is a video version of the storybook written by Julia Rawlinson, with pictures by Tiphanie Beeke.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R054006
Fletcher loves everything about springtime. As Fletcher celebrates spring in the orchard, he sees "snow" on the ground. He tells the birds to fly back south and the rest of the animals that spring has not yet arrived. In the orchard, the bunnies see the "snow" and let all the animals in on the secret of the snow. This video is an adaptation of the picture book written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R048982
Tired of the stereotypes about wolves in literature, Mr. Nice Wolf attempts to correct them by writing a positive story about wolves. The animals he encounters do not trust Mr. Nice Wolf and when his natural carnivorous nature surfaces, he almost ruins his story. The surprise, open-ended culmination can generate discussion and lead to many independent story-telling opportunities. The book follows a narrative episodic pattern and the text is interesting as it flows in waves across the page and is periodically emphasized with big, bold letters. The colour drawings provide information about animal habitats. The wolf lives in a house with furniture and dresses with a hat, scarf and cane. The other animals tend to be more natural.
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R023977
In this illustrated story, grandfather tells his grandson of how the battle of two wolves is inside us all. The story highlights the concept of opposites: good and evil. When the grandson asks which of the wolves wins, the grandfather states that it is the one that you feed.
Record posted/updated:
January 7, 2022
R104223
A set of 10 colourful board books that introduce key icons of Indigenous cultures, such as traditions and sacred objects.
Please see the related resources below.
Book
$124.95 (complete set)
Record posted/updated:
June 30, 2021
R104225
A set of 10 colourful board books that introduce key icons of Indigenous cultures, such as traditions and sacred objects.
Please see the related resources below.
Book
$124.95 (complete set)
Record posted/updated:
January 5, 2022
R104226
A set of 10 colourful board books that introduce key icons of Indigenous cultures, such as traditions and sacred objects.
Please see the related resources below.
Book
$124.95 (complete set)
Record posted/updated:
January 5, 2022
R104227
A set of 10 colourful board books describing important historical aspects of life and culture of different Indigenous peoples.
Please see the related resources below.
Book
$124.95 (complete set)
Record posted/updated:
January 5, 2022
R046108
This series introduces young students to First Nations traditions, celebrations and cultural icons.
Please see the related resources below.
Book
$99.95 (10 book set)
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R050210
Miscommunication occurs between English-speaking Larf and his Cree-speaking grandmother. Larf's grandmother comes for a visit, but Larf cannot speak Cree. Grandmother wants to make bannock. As they both try to communicate with each other, the result is bannock that threatens to take over the community.
The book was nominated for the 2009 McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R052212
A young girl lives in a trailer near a forest. Her father builds dams for a career and his current project is nearing completion. Her brother, Doug, announces that they will be moving to Toronto in the summer. The young girl only knows wolves howling at night, the tobogganing hill behind the trailers and the man who delivers their groceries from Nipawin. She does not know Toronto.
Her teacher, Miss Hendrickson, encourages the young girl to draw a picture to remember the Nipawin area. She draws the road with the trailers, the forest, the creek and everything that is special to her so that she will remember it always.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R070603
Jamie Oliver introduces Let's Eat! as a means for students to learn about five countries in the world through food. One meal is described from each country as well as a special day in each child's life, such as a festival or mushrooming.
There is one recipe from each country at the end of the book. The students will have fun smelling, touching, tasting and laughing as they try out the recipes.
Included are a table of contents, recipes and a glossary.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R045482
When Li'l Shadd's father, a pioneer doctor, is called away to see a patient on his birthday, Li'l Shadd rides along. He learns the value of helping people in his community as Li'l Shadd's father is able to treat a sick child in Nikanisiw's family. This story is a fictionalized account of real Saskatchewan people: Dr. Alfred Schmitz Shadd, his son, Garrison, and Nikanisiw and his family. A teacher's guide created by the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum to support the study of this book is available for download at http://www.sachm.org/assets/Teacher-Guide-FINAL-Dec.-15.pdf. This guide has not been evaluated through the Ministry's resources evaluation process.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R046570
At first, a young girl named Lily is afraid of a gruff homeless man who sells papers on the street. Later, as Lily snuggles down in her warm bed on a cold wintry night, she worries about the homeless man whose toes stick through his shoes. Lily discusses her concern with her doll and comes up with an action plan. This is a heart-warming story that carries valuable messages about caring for others and how a young child can make a positive difference in someone's life. The realistic-style paintings capture the various emotions felt by the characters in this touching story.
Record posted/updated:
January 3, 2020
R049401
Young Quail learns life lessons through the love of his family. Quail learns about feelings - it is okay to be mad, but not to try to hurt others with words. He learns that when he is happy, he twirls and his wings draw a circle. His father tells him that it is his sacred circle and no one can go inside the circle if Quail does not want him or her to do so. Quail learns that being part of a family is special and that we are all gifts from the Creator.
Book
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
$10.95
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R007928
Louis Says is a Canadian animated video series that teaches the importance of helping in the community, respecting Elders and being responsible. In each episode, Louis gives Randy, a six-year-old boy, a task to complete, such as bringing a gift to a sick boy. Because Louis speaks mostly Cree and Randy speaks mostly English, Randy learns some new Cree words but often tries to complete his task before he fully understands what he's been told. In the end, Randy learns to help others and also learns more about traditional and contemporary First Nations culture.
Please see the related resources below.
Record posted/updated:
October 20, 2021
R039807
Refreshing, sensitive, colourful, fair, engaging and inclusive are just a few of the words that can be used to describe this story about same-sex marriage. With love and affection, Rosie, the young daughter, describes the excitement of planning and taking part in the wedding between her two moms. The text and illustrations portray a loving family where diversity is accepted.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R055003
In this book, Kona, a Métis child, introduces her family as they prepare for a feast. The role of Kona's grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts and cousins are described as they get ready for the family celebration. The bold, vibrant illustrations are intriguing.
Record posted/updated:
April 8, 2021
R101636
This picture book presents two children enjoying seasonal activities throughout the year. There are four dedicated pages for each season. At the end of the book, the four seasons are represented in a circle along with drawings of animals in each season.
Record posted/updated:
January 7, 2022
R042475
This atlas is designed for young children to develop mapping skills. There is developmentally appropriate progression in reading, geography and mapping skills. Students learn how to read and use maps by developing an understanding of the elements of maps such as symbols, legends, scales and grids.
The atlas includes a table of contents and a gazetteer.
Please see the related resources below.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R104228
A set of 9 colourful books describing important aspects of traditional Métis lifestyle and culture.
Please see the related resources below.
Book
$124.95 (complete set)
Record posted/updated:
June 30, 2021
R048515
Told in Cree and English, the story explores the relationship between a young boy and his grandmother (Kôhkum). The two prepare to take a walk in the woods to pick rosehips. The young boy follows his grandmother as she walks, listens, picks, prays and eats. By mimicking her actions, the young boy is learning the cultural traditions and values of his Cree heritage. Included at the back of the book is a recipe to make rosehip tea.
Teachers may consider bringing an Elder into the classroom to discuss our relationships to the land.
This book was selected as a finalist for the 2009 Canadian Children's Book Centre - Best Books for Kids and Teens.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R071130
Karas describes Earth and its cycles. He invites young children to travel on the spaceship Earth as the concepts of rotation and revolution are introduced. The Earth is in constant motion as it spins, circles, glides and tilts. Throughout the book, relevant terminology is introduced.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R100145
A Métis grandmother teaches her granddaughter about how the Métis people use plants for food and medicine by taking her out into the bush. The granddaughter learns about cultural traditions and how important it is to be grateful for the land and all the gifts it provides.
Record posted/updated:
March 11, 2020
R052037
Sandy loves to visit her grandpa's house by the beach where she and her dog, Pepper, play in the sand. One day, Sandy's walk to the beach is ruined because the sand is littered with garbage. Sandy wonders who would do this to a beautiful place. She then meets the Garbage Lady who keeps the beach clean by recycling materials that she has found. The Garbage Lady teaches Sandy that by recycling and reusing items, she is shrinking her footprint. At the back of the book are 12 suggestions for shrinking our footprints.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R054543
Developed by the Western Development Museum, this teacher resource offers lesson plans, Saskatchewan fast facts, materials lists and suggested additional resources. There are 25 Saskatchewan themes and 100 lesson plans. Topics contained in the resource include rural electrification, immigration, First Nations and Métis farming and health care. Some of the lessons plans have been translated into French and Cree.
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R054531
On the West Coast of Canada, Solomon has developed a special relationship with a large maple tree in his yard. Through the tree, Solomon has learned many things about the life of insects, plants and animals. After a fierce storm topples the maple, Solomon's uncle leads him through the process of creating a mask, which brings to life all of the things that were special to Solomon. Students will appreciate Solomon, his family, the respect there is for the natural environment and how art is a part of the culture in this story.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R052464
Children in families who follow nontraditional gender roles are often the target of put-downs by their peers. In this documentary, young Canadian children, ages 5 to 12, discuss the problems they face and make it very clear that educators, parents, and other children need to act positively to make schools safe and welcoming places. As the Canadian Human Rights Commission indicates, "The effect of homophobia can be devastating." While this video shows the effects of homophobia, it also illustrates the loving and caring families that support these children.
The program won the Itinerant - National Council on Family Relations Award in 2002 and the 2003 Bronze Plaque Award at the International Film and Video Festival.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R101982
This series of books explores a variety of themes in Métis culture. The books are written at guided reading levels A to I, with each theme containing one book at a lower, middle and higher reading level. Themes explored in the set are: Métis Beadwork, Métis Clothing, Métis Dance, Métis Food, Métis Identity, Métis Music, Métis Symbols and Celebrations and Métis Traditional Storytelling. Each book contains colourful photographs and begins with a Cultural Connections text box that provides background information on the content of the book.
Please see the related resources below.
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Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R070580
Charlie likes to help his grandmother, who tells stories while they work. While being reminded to turn off the water tap, Grandma describes how everything around us is connected to water. Children will benefit from Grandma's wisdom as they learn to take care of Mother Earth.
Record posted/updated:
August 16, 2020
R035464
The Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) has developed a treaty information kit for use in Saskatchewan schools. The kit features educational resource materials that include curriculum supplements, videos and books about the history of treaties. The individual pieces show both First Nations and European perspectives about the treaty relationship. Information on treaty topics range from the precontact history of First Nations people, first contact issues, the relevance of the past to the contemporary situation and what is happening within the present treaty relationship.
The OTC provides inservice training for teachers in use of the kit.
The kit was provided to every school in the province.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R102917
Set in the past, this illustrated book tells the traditional story of a First Nations family's seasonal migration. While relocating, the youngest member is separated from the family and protected from the cold by animals until his father finds him. At the end of the book are some words in the Passamaquoddy language and a QR code to an audio recording of the story in the Passamaquoddy language. There are numerous cultural aspects addressed in this book.
Record posted/updated:
June 15, 2022
R054568
This unique alphabet book presents historical figures and events, places of interest and other important aspects of Métis history and culture. Child-like drawings rendered in black ink and crayon support the text.
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R070597
Each page contains a drawing and a short sentence explaining that peace is many things: helping a neighbour, sharing a meal, planting a tree, learning another language and being who you are. The traditional concept of peace gives way to a much broader message that is positive.
Record posted/updated:
November 22, 2018
R101634
This illustrated story is about Courage, one of the Seven Teachings. In this story, Tim musters the courage to ride his bike for the first time without training wheels. With his father’s encouragement Tim overcomes his fear.
Book
$124.95 (7 book set)
Record posted/updated:
January 7, 2022
R101633
This illustrated story is about Honesty, one of the Seven Teachings. In this story, Susan finds a watch that belongs to Mary, who is distraught for having lost it. After struggling with her thoughts and feelings, Susan returns the watch to Mary the next day.
Book
$124.95 (7 book kit)
Record posted/updated:
January 7, 2022
R101628
This illustrated story is about Love, one of the Seven Teachings. In this story, excitement and love are shown by family members at the arrival of a newborn. The lack of attention on big sister makes her feel as though she is unloved, but her parents reassure her that she is loved, and that baby is dependent on others and needs more attention.
Book
$124.95 (7 book set)
Record posted/updated:
January 7, 2022
R101630
This illustrated story is about Truth, one of the Seven Teachings. Two brothers Shane and Tyler learn how important it is to tell the truth, even if it may not be in their favour.
Book
$124.95 (complete set)
Record posted/updated:
January 7, 2022
R101440
This kit supports teaching and learning about treaties. Using the alphabet as a framework, the author explores key words to provide information about treaties and the treaty process. Discussion questions and student activities are included.
Record posted/updated:
February 10, 2023
R009299
In this illustrated book, the turtle’s back is a significant symbol to the Iroquois people that represents the creation of Turtle Island. A closer look will reveal a pattern of thirteen individual segments on his back which represent each moon of the cycle of seasons. There are also twenty-eight platelets which form an edging around the shell which represent the number of days in the moon cycle.
Record posted/updated:
January 6, 2022
R019941
This illustrated book explores the concept of identity as Thunder Boy Jr. wishes for a unique name of his own, different from his father’s and based on his experiences, skills, traits, passions, and dreams. Just when Thunder Boy Jr. thinks all hope is lost of receiving a suitable name, his dad chooses the perfect name. Although the book connects to the importance of naming ceremonies or rituals, that aspect is not explained.
Record posted/updated:
June 15, 2022
R032173
In this book, traditional Inuit clothing is described with reference to the animal skins and furs used as well as new technology and fabric that has changed how clothing is produced in modern times.
Record posted/updated:
June 15, 2022
R072154
Children learn about the role and importance of small, local farms. Using the four seasons, children will understand the workings of the farm from plowing, planting, composting, mulching, harvesting, marketing fruits and vegetables and caring for the animals.
Children will realize that we depend upon the people who work together to grow and to share food for our sustenance, while protecting and respecting the land and animals.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024
R051330
World War II separated men from their families. Sometimes young children would meet their fathers for the first time when the fathers returned home from war. Duncan-Cary explores how a young boy feels when his father returns home from war and the two meet for the first time. He wonders if his father will love him. His father also has the same concerns as he meets his young son for the first time.
Based on her father's experience, Duncan-Cary complements the text with personal photographs. A DVD is included with the author narrating the story and singing the song.
Record posted/updated:
July 8, 2024