Spirit Bear and Children Make History is an Indspire Successful Practice in K-12 Indigenous education! When Spirit Bear's mom tells him about an important human rights case happening in Ottawa, Ontario, he makes the LONG trip (by train, his favourite way to travel) to go and watch, and to stand up for First Nations kids. And he isn't the only one! Lots of children come too--to listen, and to show they care. Spirit Bear knows that children can change the world because he's there to see it happen. This is the story of how kids--kids just like you--made a difference... with a bit of help from some bears and other animals along the way! Learning Guide Spirit Bear is pawsitively thrilled about his Learning Guide to accompany Spirit Bear and Children Make History. The guide supports families, educators, and communities in using Spirit Bear's book to teach about equity, reconciliation, and how kids can make a difference. Indigenous Language Translations Spirit Bear's first book is available in various Indigenous languages! Click on the links below to read and download a free electronic version of each translation! Cree Translation Translated by Madeline Gamblin Carrier Translation Translated by Dorothy Patrick and Alex Michell

In his Nautilus Award-winning classic Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a powerful coming-of-age story of a boy who must overcome the effects that violence has had on his life. After severely injuring Peter Driscal in an empty parking lot, mischief-maker Cole Matthews is in major trouble. But instead of jail time, Cole is given another option: attend Circle Justice, an alternative program that sends juvenile offenders to a remote Alaskan Island to focus on changing their ways. Desperate to avoid prison, Cole fakes humility and agrees to go. While there, Cole is mauled by a mysterious white bear and left for dead. Thoughts of his abusive parents, helpless Peter, and his own anger cause him to examine his actions and seek redemption—from the spirit bear that attacked him, from his victims, and, most importantly, from himself. Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots of his anger without absolving him of responsibility for his actions, and questioning a society in which angry people make victims of their peers and communities. Touching Spirit Bear is a poignant testimonial to the power of a pain that can destroy, or lead to healing. A strong choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups.

In award-winning author Ben Mikaelsen’s riveting sequel to the acclaimed word-of-mouth bestseller Touching Spirit Bear, readers will be captivated by what Booklist calls a “hugely satisfying resolution.” Life in the wilderness—exiled from civilization as a punishment for his violent behavior—had its own set of hurdles, but for fifteen-year-old Cole Matthews, it's returning home and facing high school that feels most daunting. With gangs and physical altercations haunting the hallways of their school, Cole and his former victim Peter—who Cole has now become friends with—must face it all together. So when Peter’s limp and speech impediment make him a natural target for bullies, Cole’s suppressed rage comes bubbling to the surface a lot quicker than he anticipated. Will he throw everything away that he learned on the healing, remote Alaskan island? In this tale of survival and self-awareness, Cole realizes it's not enough to change himself. He has to change his world.

The true story of a boy who fought to protect a rare subspecies of bear. As a child, Simon Jackson found navigating the world of the school playground difficult. He felt most at home in the woodlands, learning about and photographing wildlife. At thirteen, Simon became fascinated with spirit bears, a rare subspecies of black bear that were losing their habitat to deforestation. Simon wanted to do something to protect them. He decided he had to become their voice. But first, he would have to find his own. The inspiring message is clear: one child’s voice truly can change the world.

Deep in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, little Sitka embarks on a journey that will change his life forever. He must track down the truth about who he is and risk his life in the process. The closer Sitka gets to his quest, the more the danger grows. Can Sitka handle the secret once it is finally revealed?Join him in this amazing adventure as Sitka finds out where he belongs, his true purpose, and a message of hope for his Clan and the World.

(NEW) Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams is the latest addition to the award-winning picture book series written by Order of Canada recipient Cindy Blackstock (Gitxsan Nation) and illustrated by Amanda Strong (Michif)! Spirit Bear is on his way home from a sacred ceremony when he meets Jake, a friendly dog, with a bag full of paper hearts attached to wood stakes. Jake tells Spirit Bear that school children and residential school survivors will plant the hearts when a big report on residential schools called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC for short) is shared. The TRC will have Calls to Action so we can all help end the unfairness and make sure this generation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children grow up healthy and proud!