Toronto, September 11, 2025 – The First Nation Communities READ program is pleased to announce the shortlists for the Children’s and Young Adult/Adult categories. Chosen by a jury of First Nation librarians from across Ontario, these titles represent the best of Indigenous literature from Canada today. The title selection announcement and award presentation for FNCR 2025-2026 will take place during First Nation Public Library Week (October 6-10, 2025).
The two selected title authors will be the recipients of the Indigenous Literature Award generously sponsored by our partners of 12 years, the Periodical Marketers of Canada. The selected authors will each receive a $5000 cash prize. More information can be found on the FNCR website at www.fncr.ca
Children’s Category Shortlist
- The Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese and Illustrated by Bridget George. Published by Douglas and McIntyre.
- Bannock in a Hammock by Masiana Kelly. Published by Inhabit Media.
- Dad, I Miss You by Nadia Sammurtok. Published by Inhabit Media.
- Boozhoo!/Hello! by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley and translated by Mary Ann Corbiere. Published by Groundwood Books.
- Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee by Jennifer Leason and translated by Norman Chartrand. Published by Orca Books.
Young Adult/Adult Category Shortlist
- Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and Nation by the Honourable Murray Sinclair. Published by McClelland & Stewart.
- The Baby Train by Stella Shepard. Published by Acorn Press.
- Little Moons by Jen Storm. Published by Highwater Press.
- Lost at Windy River by Trina Rathgeber. Published by Orca Books.
- Medicine Wheel for the Planet by Dr. Jennifer Grenz. Published by Knopf Canada.
First Nation Communities READ was launched in 2003 by the First Nations Public Library Community in Ontario with support from the Ontario Library Service, it promotes a community-based approach to reading. FNCR celebrates and promotes the importance of Indigenous literature across Canada. The program encourages family literacy, intergenerational storytelling as well and intergenerational knowledge transmission. FNCR helps to increase awareness of the importance of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit writing, illustration, and publishing.
Ontario Library Service (OLS) is mandated to deliver programs and services on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming:
- increasing cooperation and coordination among public library boards and other information providers to promote the provision of library service to the public;
- assisting Public Library boards and First Nation public libraries by providing them with services and programs that meet their needs, including consultation, training, and development services.
For more information about First Nation Communities READ and the Ontario Library Service, contact: Nancy Cooper, First Nation Consultant, Ontario Library Service | Telephone 647-264-7342 | E-mail ncooper@olservice.ca
Periodical Marketers of Canada is the national association of magazine and book wholesalers serving thousands of retail newsstands across Canada. Its activities have included funding of the non-profit charitable Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Letters which has contributed to individuals and agencies engaged in the encouragement of literacy and reading in Canada.
For more information about Periodical Marketers of Canada, contact: Barry Francis, Periodical Marketers of Canada | Telephone 416-447-7908 | Cell 416-876-3204 | E-mail barryfrancis@sympatico.ca
The Support of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming is gratefully acknowledged.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund for this project.