Two five-book shortlists have been announced for the 2025-2026 First Nation Communities READ Awards.
The First Nation Communities READ Awards are two $5,000 prizes that celebrate outstanding Indigenous books for children and young adult/adult literature. Chosen by a jury of First Nation librarians, the winning titles are distributed in libraries across Ontario.
One of the shortlisted books in the children’s category is The Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget George.
The Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese, upper right, illustrations by Bridget George, lower right. (Douglas & McIntyre, Yvette Lehmann, Submitted by Bridget George)
In the picture book The Animal People Choose a Leader, a group of animals, who share the same language, come together to decide who should be their leader. The different animals give their reasons why they should be considered for this revered position, and then they decide that the animals must race one another around a mountaintop lake. This tradition-steeped story reflects on respecting the land, wisdom and kindness.
Wagamese was an Ojibway writer from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Ontario. He is the author of six novels, including Indian Horse, which was a finalist on Canada Reads 2013, defended by Carol Huynh. He also wrote a collection of poetry and three memoirs. He was shortlisted for the CBC Nonfiction Prize in 2015 for Finding Father. Wagamese died in 2017 at the age of 61.
George is an Anishinaabe writer and illustrator from London, Ont. She was raised on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and she belongs to the bear clan. Her first picture book that she also wrote was It’s a Mitig!. She has illustrated numerous children’s books including Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom.
The remaining books on the children’s shortlist is Bannock in a Hammock by Masiana Kelly, Dad, I Miss You by Nadia Sammurtok, Boozhoo!/Hello! by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, translated by Mary Ann Corbiere, and Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee by Jennifer Leason, translated by Norman Chartrand.
Who We Are by Murray Sinclair, with Sara Sinclair and Niigaan Sinclair, made the shortlist in the young adult/adult category.
Who We Are is a memoir by Murray Sinclair, pictured. (McClelland & Stewart)
Sinclair made his mark on Canadian society as a judge, activist, senator, the chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the co-chair of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry — and wrote about it in his memoir Who We Are.
The book answers the four guiding questions of Sinclair’s life — Where do I come from? Where am I going? Why am I here? Who am I? — through stories about his remarkable career and trailblazing advocacy for Indigenous peoples’ rights and freedoms.
Anishinaabe and a member of the Peguis First Nation, Sinclair was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba and the second appointed in Canada. He won awards including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, the Manitoba Bar Association’s Equality Award and its Distinguished Service Award (2016) and received Honorary Doctorates from 14 Canadian universities. Sinclair died on Nov. 4, 2024 at the age of 73.
The remaining books on the list for young adults/adults are The Baby Train by Stella Shepard, Little Moons by Jen Storm, illustrated by Ryan Howe, Lost at Windy River by Trina Rathgeber, illustrated by Alina Pete, and Medicine Wheel for the Planet by Jennifer Grenz.
The winners will be announced during First Nation Public Library Week from October 6-10.
The First Nations Communities Read Awards are sponsored by the Periodical Marketers of Canada.