In light of Native American Heritage Month, these are five informational works selected by TiP reporters that they have consumed and learned from. We hope you enjoy these selections and choose to engage with them.
This novel written by Angeline Boulley, is a young adult thriller that follows Daunis Fontaine. She witnesses her friend’s murder and becomes involved in an FBI investigation. This book is a great way to learn about Indigenous culture while also enjoying an interesting story.
How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story
In this book, a young Cherokee boy walks the trail of tears and encounters many tragedies on the way, while also finding a new sense of community. Tim Tingle writes beautifully and provides great historical insight into the oppression Indigenous people experienced during the Trail of Tears while also beautifully reflecting Cherokee culture.
Speaking Our Truth – Podcast For Change
Kaysera, Four Years Later, Episode 30
This podcast episode brought to you by the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center focuses on the death and injustice of Kaysera Stops Pretty Places and the impact it has had on their family. This episode reflects the deep injustices Indigenous people face within our current government structures and how families are left to overcome tragedy and protest in hopes of receiving justice.
Written by Cherie Dimalline, this young adult dystopian novel takes place in a world where everyone but Indigenous people has lost the ability to dream and their marrow may be able to help save the world. Through the themes of survival and hope this book illuminates the hardships that come with assimilation.
This documentary focuses on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission looking into the story of stolen Wabanki children within Maine’s child welfare system. It’s a painful and powerful piece of documentation that sheds light on a systemic erasure of native culture. All under the pretense of “Kill the Indian, save the man.”
The Down-to-Earth and genuine music of Lovejoy
