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MY CHALLENGE
I challenge you to go out and find a book by an Indigenous author that you haven’t read before. Share online why you chose the book and tell us something about it.
About This Challenge
Throughout my life, I’ve sought out stories. I’ve told my own stories of course, but more important than that, I’ve listened to others’ stories. By listening to and really taking in the stories of my friends and neighbours and colleagues and even perfect strangers, I’ve grown more than I ever could have on my own. Because when we hear each other’s stories, we become connected. We carry those stories in our heads and in our hearts and it changes the way we act in the world.
I believe in the power of storytelling and I believe that by purposefully reading more Indigenous literature you will forge new connections in your head, in your heart, and in your community. I challenge you to go out and find a book by an Indigenous author that you haven’t read before. Share online with us why you chose the book and tell us a little something about it. I encourage you to visit your local library to check out a book by an Indigenous author, or we’ve provided links to a few places where you can find Indigenous reads online, including a book that I helped with called, “Speaking My Truth,” that you can access for free. Take this challenge and make it fit into your life; read a book by an Indigenous author to your kids, listen to an audiobook on your way to work, suggest one for your book club, or simply stop by a bookstore on the way home and pick up a book you haven’t read yet and share with us why you’re excited about it on social media using the hashtags "#IndigenousReads" and "#Next150."
Why Indigenous Books?
Stories have the power to bind us together so that we don’t need to walk alone. Through a book, you can forge connections to a whole host of characters and ideas that you get to carry with you and turn to whenever you need them.
Indigenous authors are putting out amazing writing in all genres, from historical fiction, to dystopia, to poetry, YA fiction, comics, graphic novels, non-fiction, memoir, fantasy and everything in-between. There is a book for every reading interest and every reading level - find yours. Whether you pick up Indigenous reads all the time, or this is your first, I know you will gain joy, insight, and a new perspective from taking on this challenge.
To begin, click "accept challenge" below!
ADDITIONAL LEARNING
A Few Book Lists to Help you Choose your #IndigenousReads
- Books to Read by Indigenous Authors in Canada - BookRiot
- 108 Indigenous writers to read, as recommended by you - CBC Books
- #IndigenousReads by Indigenous Writers: A Children’s Reading List - The Conscious Kid Library
- Where are the Children? Reading List - Legacy of Hope Foundation
- Listopia: Indigenous Book Lists - Goodreads
- Must Read Indigenous Children’s Books List - Muskrat Magazine
A Few Free #IndigenousReads Downloads
- Speaking My Truth - Aboriginal Healing Foundation
- We Were So Far Away: The Inuit Experience of Residential Schools - Legacy of Hope Foundation
A Few Places to Buy #IndigenousReads Online
Join others who have
accepted this challenge.
ACCEPT CHALLENGE
A veteran broadcast-journalist, Shelagh Rogers is the host and a producer of The Next Chapter, an award-winning CBC Radio program devoted to writing in Canada. In 2011, she received an Order of Canada for promoting Canadian culture and for advocacy in mental health, and adult literacy. That same year, she was named an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. She is the co-editor of the book Speaking My Truth: Reflections on Reconciliation and Residential School. She holds honorary doctorates from six universities, and is the inaugural recipient of The Margaret Trudeau Award for Mental Health Advocacy. She is the 11th Chancellor of the University of Victoria. Richard Wagamese, author of Indian Horse, called Shelagh his Chosen Sister. Nothing has made her more proud.
"I challenge you to go out and find a book by an Indigenous author that you haven’t read before. Share online why you chose the book and tell us something about it."
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