Indigenous Read Alouds
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 11, 2023
Indigenous read alouds are wonderful ways to acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation Day, and start the conversation about this important piece of Canada’s history. These stories are a great way to introduce and celebrate the vibrant cultures of Canada’s Indigenous people. In this post I have rounded up some of my all time favorite Indigenous read alouds. These stories have been student favorites, and provide ample opportunities for learning extensions and classroom discussions.
Looking for some no-prep activities to use along with your next Indigenous read aloud? Click on the image or button below to see all of the Indigenous resources available in my TPT shop!
Favorite Indigenous Read Alouds
Check out some of my all time favorite Indigenous read alouds below!
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1- Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox by Danielle Daniel
This story is a beautiful introduction to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals. On each page, children explain why they identify with different creatures such as a deer, beaver, and moose.
This story is a great jumping off point for talking to students about animals they personally connect with, and is one of my all time favorite Indigenous read alouds. In my grade 2/3 class, I had students write about their chosen animals, and make masks similar to those worn in the story. It was a great way to learn about Indigenous culture, as well as get to know my students at the start of the school year.
Check out my resource to go along with this story on TPT by clicking here or on the image below.
2- The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad
This picture book tells the story of Phyllis Webstad, who had her special orange shirt taken away from her when she entered Residential School. This story is why we all wear orange on Orange Shirt Day. When it comes to perfect Indigenous read alouds for September 30th, this one is a winner.
Grab some resources to use along with the story from my TPT shop by clicking here or on the image below.
Interested in reading more about Orange Shirt Day? Check out our complete guide!
3- Shi-Shi-Etko By Nicola Campbell
In this story, young Shi- Shi- Etko is preparing to leave for Residential School. Before she leaves, she takes the time to gather memories from her family and surroundings to take with her. This is a beautiful story with language that really helps students paint pictures in their minds.
4- Shin-Chi’s Canoe By Nicola Campbell
This story focuses on the brother of Shi- Shi- Etko, who struggles with life at Residential School. His one solace is his tiny canoe; when he plays with it, he remembers the river and his family, and dreams of being able to return home. This story pairs great with Shi- Shi- Etko, and tells the story of the sadness of Residential School from a child’s perspective.
5- Stolen Words by Melanie Florence
Stolen Words discusses the intergenerational impact of Residential Schools in a child friendly way by looking at the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather. This is a very sensitive and heart felt story.
6- When We Were Alone by David A Robertson
In this story, a young girl learns about life in Residential School through the eyes of her grandmother. While working alongside her in the garden, the young girl learns of all of the things her grandmother had taken away, and how she learned to be strong.
7- Raven Brings the Light by Robert Budd
Raven Brings the light tells the story of Weget, who uses clever trickery to bring daylight to Earth. The illustrations in this story are done by Canadian artist Roy Henry Vickers, and are absolutely stunning. This traditional story is a great way to celebrate Indigenous culture and one of my very favorites to read aloud to my learners.
Grab a complete read aloud unit to go along with this story from my TPT shop. Simply click here or on the image below.
8- When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan Fenton
In this story, a young girl struggles to learn to read while attending Residential School. This is a sad story with a positive message about perseverance and strength. If you are looking for Indigenous read alouds for Orange Shirt Day, this one will not disappoint.
Grab a complete Interactive Read Aloud unit to use along with this story by clicking here or on the image below.
Looking for more information on Residential Schools? Check out our post on the Canadian Residential School System.
9- Not My Girl by Christy Jordan Fenton
This picture book is the sequel to When I was Eight. It tells the story of Margaret’s return home from Residential School, and the struggles and strife that went along with it as she tried to fit in with her family and community.
Looking for a FREE List of Indigenous Read Alouds?
Click here or on the image below to grab your free guide!
Interested in reading more about Indigenous Learning Activities?
Check out the blog posts below!
Canadian Heroes to Inspire Your Learners
Favorite Indigenous Read Alouds
All About Orange Shirt Day 2023
Using Orange Shirt Day Quotes in the Classroom
On the hunt for more meaningful resources for teaching Canadian History?
Creative Classroom Core has a wide variety of engaging, no-prep resources for elementary and middle school to help you teach about Canadian History. Click on the image below to see all of the resources available.
Interested in a free resource to help you teach about indigenous history?
Click on the image below to sign up for my email list and download this FREE set of Orange Shirt Day 2023 bookmarks and coloring pages. By signing up for my email list you will also gain access to periodic emails with free resources, teaching tips, and exclusive deals.
