Summer may be coming to a close, and back to school just around the corner, but there is always time to take in some new additions available at the OISE Library that focus on some of the lesser known stories about various communities in Canada and the U.S.A. Also included is a new Ministry of Ed.-approved text for Junior Social Studies.

Happy reading.

Nobody Can Do It Better Than Warisó:se / Í:iah ónhka sénha teieio’tenhserí:io tsi ní:ioht ne Warisó:se

In this short children’s story a young boy learns all about household chores by observing his mother, Warisó:se. This autobiographical story is based on the personal memories of Tom Porter (Shakokweniónkwas), a member of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation of Akwesaasne. Even later in life, he still aspires to carry out household chores as well as his mother did so long ago. He describes his mother’s approach as a way of demonstrating to him a strong work-ethic. Transcribed and edited in English by Lesley Forrester, the story is also told through a Mohawk translation by Dorothy Lazore (Karihwénhawe), and accompanied by photographs.

Meet a Police Officer: The Mueller Sisters

The career paths of three sisters to becoming RCMP Officers is described in this booklet, one of a series of booklets highlighting the careers of young Canadian Aboriginals. Through interviews and observations, the author, Kim Ziervogel outlines the steps and preparation the sisters took to achieve their chosen careers, including college training with a focus on the cultural context of Aboriginal communities, followed by training in the RCMP academy. Firsthand accounts describe the experience of training to become an RCMP Officer, and their experiences carrying this out with a sibling. The sisters reflect on their work, on the importance of helping others, and how being Aboriginal has shaped their outlook on the profession. An FAQ section provides information about working with the RCMP, and information specific to Aboriginal or Inuit persons such as the RCMP Aboriginal Youth Training Program (AYTP). This story offers valuable insights for all children and young adults of how hard-work, determination, and mutual support can lead to a rewarding career as a police officer.

My Seneca Village

Between 1825 and 1857 on the island of Manhattan, Seneca Village was a diverse community of African and Native Americans, and immigrants from Germany and Ireland. Soon after, the community was destroyed to make way for Central Park. My Seneca Village is a collection of over 40 poems, written by Newbery Honor medalist, and two-time Coretta Scott King Honor medalist, Marilyn Nelson. Through the poems, Nelson envisions and tells the stories of some of the individuals who lived in this 19^th century community. The poems are told through the perspective of residents, and are accompanied by brief prose that offers context about the residents and their surroundings. The names of the characters are real and based on census records and their stories are constructed by Nelson in such a way that we are able to learn about the types of connections that might have existed in this small and diverse community.

The Year of Miss Agnes

Life for ten-year-old Fred (Frederika) and her classmates changes when a new teacher arrives in their remote Alaskan village in 1948 to teach them in their single-room schoolhouse. Miss Agnes is different from past teachers whose work was short-lived after becoming frustrated with the children and village life. Suddenly the children become excited about new subjects, learning to read and write, and the newcomer’s approach to teaching. Narrated by Fred, this story reveals the observations of students about their teachers, their experiences with learning, and daily life among Athapascans in a small Alaskan village.

Canadian Communities, Past & Present

Canadian Communities, Past & Present is an invaluable tool for teaching about Canadian heritage and identity in the classroom. This is a Trillium approved textbook, and intended for use with Grade 6 students studying Social Studies/History and Geography. Students will learn to become active citizens by developing an understanding of communities, and how they themselves are connected to these communities. Chapters cover topics such as how people choose Canada as a home, how communities are established, how communities interact, and Canadian identity. Chapters also include learning goals, unit inquiries, and questions. This textbook is the first unit from a series of two textbooks. The second textbook, Canada and the Global Community is also available from the OISE Library.

Please visit the “New Acquisitions” bookshelf on the first floor of the OISE Library to view these titles, and other new additions.