My Indigeneity is woven into my identity, going all the way back to my ancestors, whose spirit I carry in my heart. I am proud of who I am.
Featuring illustrations by Aedan Corey, Emily Côté, Lynne Hardy, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Aaron Kaleinani Kai, Soni López-Chávez, Kelsey Mata Foote, Lannie McCullough, Onedove, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Madeson Singh-Whiteknife, Jordan Stranger and Kameron White.
With mindful affirmations and stunning artwork, I Am Indigenous is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be Indigenous. Powerful statements honor the richness of Indigenous experiences, showing how strength can be found in identity, inclusivity and respect, while acknowledging the vast variety of languages, territories, appearances, family structures, cultures and traditions. Each illustration was created by a different Indigenous artist, showing unique, personal expressions that highlight the diversity of Indigeneity in North America.
Available in French as Je suis Autochtone.
Key Selling Points
• Each spread showcases the beautiful artwork of 13 different Indigenous illustrators from across North America, highlighting the diversity of Indigenous experience and identity.
• Illustrators include Aedan Corey, Emily Côté, Lynne Hardy, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Aaron Kaleinani Kai, Soni López-Chávez, Kelsey Mata Foote, Lannie McCullough, Onedove, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Madeson Singh-Whiteknife, Jordan Stranger and Kameron White.
• The gentle text acknowledges different languages, territories, appearances, family structures, cultures and traditions, while reassuring the reader that even if they don't know much about their heritage, they are Indigenous.
• Anne Tenning was inspired by a group of young Indigenous students who she asked to share what it meant to them to be Indigenous. The majority expressed a lack of confidence in identifying as an Indigenous person because of how they looked or because they did not know much about their culture. She wrote this book as a way to let them know they should be proud of who they are, regardless of their level of knowledge.
• The author is a member of the Stz'uminus First Nation on Vancouver Island and is of Coast Salish, European and Japanese ancestry.
This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the diversity of Indigenous identities. Each illustration was created by a different Indigenous artist.
Anne Tenning is a member of the Stz'uminus First Nation on Vancouver Island and is of Coast Salish, European and Japanese ancestry. Anne worked as an educator for over twenty years and was also the District Principal of Indigenous Education in various school districts in British Columbia. In 2008 Anne received the Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2015 she was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for the Faculty of Education at the University of Victoria. Anne is currently a PhD student at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. She lives on the beautiful, ancestral and unceded territories of the Secwépemc people in Salmon Arm with her husband and their two cats.
Aedan ᐅᕕᓗᖅ;Corey is a writer, visual artist, Inuit tattooist and emerging curator from Iqaluktuuttiaq, Nunavut. They are the author and illustrator of the chapbooks Kinauvunga?, Inuujunga and the short story Unikkaannguaq. Aedan began creating art at a young age and their work is heavily inspired by their lived experience. Their goal is always to inspire and advocate for those within their communities through their artistic practices. Aedan currently resides in Ottawa on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation with their partner and their two pets.
Emily Côté is an illustrator originally from Windsor, Ontario. She has a unique perspective on art due to her education in both fine art and illustration. Since discovering her Métis connection, she has been learning more about Indigenous culture through
