THE FORT ERIE LIBRARY HONOURS INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH

FICTION, NON-FICTION TITLES AVAILABLE, ASHLEY DUNK WRITES

June is National Indigenous History Month! Each June, we celebrate and recognize the rich culture, history, resiliency, diversity, and heritage of Indigenous Peoples. Your local library has a collection of books for you to browse and borrow, which feature Indigenous authors and artists. Check out some titles from this collection.

One of my favourites is "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline. Set in a dystopian future, Indigenous Peoples are being hunted for their bone marrow because they are the only people in North America with the ability to dream, and their marrow holds the answer. However, collecting the marrow is fatal for the unwilling donors, so they are forced to hide away for their survival. Following a group of friends who become family, the story will take you on a heart-pounding ride. A breathtaking book that you cannot put down, I can't recommend this title enough.

Another must-read is "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley, which made a successful debut last year. The story follows Daunis, a product of scandal and an unenrolled tribal member, trying to fit in on her reservation and hometown. After witnessing a shocking murder, Daunis goes undercover to help find answers. The lies and deaths keep piling up around her, and she needs to decide how far she is willing to go to protect her community, even if it means tearing apart the world she knows. A well-received and much-loved book that needs to be added to everyone's "to be read" pile.

If you're looking for a non-fiction book with beautiful, candid pictures and a look into Indigenous communities, look no further than "Blanket Toss

Under Midnight Sun: Portraits Of Everyday Life In Eight Indigenous Communities" by Paul Seesequasis. Affected after the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Report, Seesequasis wanted to share a different history of Indigenous communities. He started posting images from libraries and archives onto social media, and communities eagerly responded with identifying people in the photos, and sharing stories. His book includes some of the most provoking and inspiring photos from eight different Indigenous communities, and their stories. It is a thoughtful look into Indigenous communities and their stories.

Interested in any of these titles? Place your holds online at www.fepl.ca, or by calling or visiting the library.

Check out more titles we have curated for National Indigenous History Month by stopping by any branch of the Fort Erie Public Library and browse our displays.

Ashley Dunk is the Children and Teen Librarian at the Fort Erie Public Library. She enjoys romance books, and camping with her dog. You can reach her at adunk@fepl.ca.