Indigenous Women's Perspectives

A Literature Anthology

Age-appropriate resources for the modern educator

This anthology is a collection of children's literature appropriate for the junior level (grades 4-6). The collection includes three literature items that highlight the perspectives and voices of Indigenous women. The inclusion of Indigenous source material is of particular importance to Canadian educators as it aids in the response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. These titles accommodate educators in incorporating Native culture and history into the Canadian classroom at an age-appropriate level.

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#Not Your Princess: Voices of Native American Women

Charleyboy, L., Leatherdale, M. B. (2017). #NotYourPrincess: voices of Native American women. Canada: Annick Press Ltd.

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Fatty Legs: A True Story

Jordan-Fenton, C., Pokiak-Fenton, M. (2010). Fatty legs: a true story. Canada: Annick Press Ltd.

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Dear Canada: These Are My Words

Slipperjack, R (2016). Dear Canada: these are my words: the residential school diary of Violet Pesheens. Canada: Scholastic Canada Ltd.

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#Not Your Princess

This book offers an eclectic mix of poetry, personal narratives, essays, visuals, and interviews created by diverse Indigenous women. The authors share their stories of racism, abuse, search for self, and demands for change. This collection offers invaluable insight into the continuing struggle of First Nation communities.

Due to the variety of topics explored in this collections, educators should use their professional judgment to decide which content to use in their class. There are stories that would be valuable in each grade from kindergarten to high school. They can be linked to a variety of subjects in ways that inspire critical thinking, global citizenship, and creativity.

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Fatty Legs: A True Story

When her sister regales her with her new ability to read, Olemaun desperately wants to do the same. How else will she find out how the book ends? Full of naivety and enthusiasm, she begs her father to let her attend the outsider’s school. Unfortunately, the school teaches more than just reading. It enforces “outsider” cultures and values, force Olemaun to become Margaret. They cut her hair and expect strict obedience, cruelty, punishment, and excessive chores being their favorite tools. Suddenly, Olemaun wants nothing more than to rid herself than the awful red stocking that generated the nickname “fatty legs” and to go home.

Beyond the important sharing of residential school history, this book offers the reader a peek into Inuit culture. Vivid imagery and language bring a global perspective to its audience. Vocabulary such as schooner, ulu, and kamak enrich the pages. Copies of real photograph uniquely capture parts of valued history. A sequel has recently been published to accompany it, outlining Olemaun’s struggles to adjust to being back home after two years, with her own family perceiving her as an outsider.

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Dear Canada: These Are My Words

As part of the popular book series for Junior students in Canada, Dear Canada, this book is written in the perspective of a student who attended a residential school in Northern Ontario in 1966. The book details the struggles and adversity that Violet Persheens faces as she navigates her changed life at residential school.

This book addresses global perspectives by giving an account of Canadian history, written by a woman who experienced this time in history first-hand. Her recollections of this time are assigned to the novel with careful thought and attention to the young reader audience. In light of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, educators who are becoming involved in the responsibility to share accurate representations of residential schooling are looking for materials that they can share with elementary school students. This book addresses this need and opens reader’s eyes to a part of history that had long been uncovered.