Ningwakwe Learning Press is an Aboriginal operated publishing press. Our mandate is to publish books by Aboriginal (First Nation, Métis & Inuit) authors. The Press prides itself on providing Aboriginal authenticity in all aspects of our publishing process – from staff to authors, editors and artists, whenever possible. Continue reading →
In the publishing industry, a book is judged by its cover – and the amount of typos the forensic reader can find. As anyone in the media industry can attest to, this will always be a source of agony and embarrassment at times. Authors strive for perfection in their submitted work. Yes, I think anyone who makes a living from writing should take all efforts to ensure their submissions are as error-free as possible. Continue reading →
The theme of this anthology is as the name suggests, Journeys of the Spirit. Learners from across Canada share their fears, dreams, and relationships in this third collection of learner’s voices. Ningwakwe Learning Press is proud to publish writings such as these because they highlight the resiliency and bravery of learners in literacy programs.
They are both teachers who specialize in helping students become speakers of Anishinaabemowin. Their goal is for readers to understand each and every word and begin to use this beautifully complex language.
It is set in the 1940’s on Manitoulin Island, ‘the place of the spirits.’ This story celebrates veterans who gave their lives to end a World War, and the survivors who built a hockey arena to help young people understand the importance of memories and community.
Listen here to the story found in the book. It is in the Ojibway language, Anishinaabemowin, and narrated by one of the authors – Margaret Noori.
One of the major challenges in creating and publishing literacy resources is attaching a reading level to them. Adult students that are learning to read better probably wouldn’t like to see a “Grade 3” sticker on the front of the book. Literacy practitioners and instructors can assist their students more effectively if they provide motivational material at the correct reading level – not too hard and not too easy. Continue reading →
I used to be surprised when friends, even well educated ones, knew nothing about the residential schools and generational effects these had on First Nation people. We were taught nothing in schools about the Canadian government’s removal of Aboriginal children from their homes, communities and traditional ways of life and language. Continue reading →
Publishing cultural resources for the literacy and education field is what we do here at Ningwakwe Learning Press. I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned over the years working here as the Publishing Manager. I am continually learning new ways of working as a team with authors, editors, illustrators and volunteers. Our First Nation cultural diversity in Canada also continually adds to the learning curve of publishing books in this field. Continue reading →
I presented a workshop for Ningwakwe Learning Press at the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Gathering in Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan. Although, the weather was below average and whipped the salt lake into foamy waves, the people were warm, friendly and eager to learn about publishing cultural resources. Continue reading →
A young couple want to have a baby. They knew that preparing for a healthy pregnancy is the first step. Jenny learns to stay healthy in all areas of the Medicine Wheel in order to give their baby the best start in life.
Are you looking for more information on Canada’s Aboriginal people and want to know how to present that information to your students? Do you have First Nation students and need cultural reading resources to pique their interest? We have the books and now we have the blog to show you how to use these resources and to inform the literacy field about what’s going on with our organization. Continue reading →
Over the past years, literacy practitioners have been asking for a tool that blends various assessment approaches into an easy to use format so that learners working on improving their reading and writing can be assessed at the level or grade of their choice, whether it is within the LBS Skills Levels, the Essential Skills Levels, or the Ontario Common Curriculum Grades 1-10.
Ningwakwe Learning Press has developed this Assessment and Evaluation Matrix in order to provide a graphic representation of the LBS Skills levels in comparison to the Essential Skills and the Ontario Common Curriculum. Learners and practitioners will be able to see what Reading levels learners may be at in all three areas.
The overall theme of this book is what the title suggests: laughter is a healing power. Don Burnstick travels the continent spreading his brand of healing humour. It is the hope of Ningwakwe Learning Press that books like this one can help individuals and communities in their healing journeys and to provide insight to their struggle for understanding and health.
