Best First Nations Canadian History Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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First Nations Canadian History Books are a collection of educational materials that explore the rich history and culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada. These books are authored by respected Indigenous scholars and historians, providing an authentic perspective on the experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. The books cover a range of topics, including traditional practices, residential schools, treaty rights, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples. Through these books, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex history and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Time Traveling to 1973: Celebrating a Special Year Cover #TOP 1
Time Traveling to 1973: Celebrating a Special Year
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Native American Ethnobotany Cover #TOP 2
Native American Ethnobotany
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Voyage of the Karluk Cover #TOP 3
Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Voyage of the Karluk
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 First Nations Canadian History Books

E. Miller, Robert
E. Miller, Robert
Independently published
Nov 25, 2022
Time Traveling to 1973: Celebrating a Special Year Cover
Time Traveling to 1973: Celebrating a Special Year

This book, published by Zeronic, is a perfect gift for those who want to immerse themselves in the year 1973. It includes over 220 iconic images, 25 vintage ads, and a comprehensive overview of politics, leading events, crimes, movies, TV shows, music, sports, pop culture, fashion, and technological advancements that shaped the world as we know it today. The book strikes a perfect balance between serious and popular events, making it an unforgettable time travel experience. Overall, this book is a great way to celebrate a special year and relive the remarkable moments of history that made it unique.

#TOP 2

Native American Ethnobotany

Daniel E. Moerman
Timber Press
Aug 15, 1998
Native American Ethnobotany Cover
Native American Ethnobotany

Native American Ethnobotany is an extraordinary compilation of the plants used by North American native peoples for medicine, food, fiber, dye, and more. Anthropologist Daniel E. Moerman spent 25 years gathering the accumulated ethnobotanical knowledge on over 4,000 plants, documenting more than 44,000 uses by various tribes. This definitive book is an invaluable resource for ethnobotanists, herbalists, and other researchers interested in the uses of plants. The typographically attractive book presents its data with interest and humor, making it a fun and fascinating read. It is a monumental work and an important library book that should not be missed.

Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Voyage of the Karluk

Levy, Buddy
Dec 6, 2022
Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Voyage of the Karluk Cover
Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Voyage of the Karluk

Empire of Ice and Stone by Buddy Levy is a gripping account of the disastrous 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition and the heroic voyage of the Karluk, a wooden-hulled brigantine. Levy's vivid descriptions of the Arctic landscape and the harrowing suffering and heroism of the crew are both evocative and chilling. The book focuses on the contrasting leadership styles of the expedition's two leaders, Captain Bob Bartlett and Vilhjalmur Stefansson, and how their decisions shaped the fate of the crew. Overall, Empire of Ice and Stone is a fascinating and unique read that sheds light on one of the most audacious and disastrous expeditions in polar history.

#TOP 4

The First Frontier: The Forgotten History of Struggle, Savagery, and Endurance in Early America

Weidensaul, Scott
Harper
Feb 8, 2012
The First Frontier: The Forgotten History of Struggle, Savagery, and Endurance in Early America Cover
The First Frontier: The Forgotten History of Struggle, Savagery, and Endurance in Early America

The First Frontier: The Forgotten History of Struggle, Savagery, and Endurance in Early America explores the history of the Eastern frontier, which was the boundary between complex Native cultures and the first colonizing Europeans. The book traces two and a half centuries of history through poignant personal stories, combining vivid storytelling with the latest research to bring to life modern America’s tumultuous, uncertain beginnings. The author, Weidensaul, provides a stirring panorama of the land and the peoples who made their mark on it from the late sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. Overall, this book is a unique and compelling read for anyone interested in the history of early America.

Alaska Highway Travel Guide - 202 Best Stops: Road Trip from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction - Guidebook with Planner, Maps, Journal & Logbook

Watson, Mark
Nov 8, 2022
Alaska Highway Travel Guide - 202 Best Stops: Road Trip from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction - Guidebook with Planner, Maps, Journal & Logbook Cover
Alaska Highway Travel Guide - 202 Best Stops: Road Trip from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction - Guidebook with Planner, Maps, Journal & Logbook

The Alaska Highway Travel Guide - 202 Best Stops is a comprehensive guidebook for anyone planning to embark on an adventure through the Alaska Highway. From Dawson Creek, BC to Delta Junction, AK, this guidebook provides a complete road guide with detailed route maps, GPS coordinates, and addresses for all 202 stops along the way. The unique feature of this guidebook is the QR codes that appear alongside every location description, making it easy for travelers to navigate and plan their journey with just a scan of their smartphone. A must-have guide for all Alaska Highway travelers!

#TOP 6

Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America

Johnson, Michael G.
Hook, Richard
Firefly Books
Sep 1, 2022
Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America Cover
Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America

The Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America by Firefly Books is an excellent reference for anyone interested in the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of North America. The book provides detailed information on over 400 tribes, including their identity, kinships, locations, populations, and cultural characteristics. With more than 680 color and archival photographs, extensive visual coverage of tribal dress and cultural artifacts, and over 100 specially commissioned color illustrations, this comprehensive and authoritative encyclopedia is an essential addition to any school or library collection. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Native American history and culture.

The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689 (The American Story)

Maestro, Betsy
Maestro, Giulio
HarperCollins
Jun 29, 2004
The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689 (The American Story) Cover
The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689 (The American Story)

The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689 is a great addition to any child's library interested in American history. The book introduces young readers to the struggles and triumphs of the colonists who came from Europe to build a new home in America. The clear and simple text, combined with accurate illustrations, helps children develop a better understanding of America's past and present. The book is part of the "American Story" series, written by Betsy Maestro and illustrated by Giulio Maestro. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for children learning about the American Revolution.

The French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America

Borneman, Walter R.
Harper Perennial
Oct 30, 2007
The French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America Cover
The French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America

The French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America by Walter R. Borneman is a historical account of the epic struggle for a continent, fought across virgin territories in North America. Borneman explores the centuries-long feud between Great Britain and France, which ultimately decided the fate of the entire continent, including the Spanish and Native American populations. He also emphasizes how the war's aftermath led to the American Revolution. This book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in Native American history and the early days of the United States.

#TOP 9

Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World

Margaret MacMillan
Richard Holbrooke
Casey Hampton
Random House Trade Paperbacks
May 11, 2023
Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World Cover
Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World

Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World by Margaret MacMillan is a captivating narrative history of the Paris peace talks that followed World War I. MacMillan provides a dramatic and intimate view of the six months that saw the birth of new political entities and the redrawing of the modern world's borders. The book is a national bestseller, a New York Times Editor's Choice, and a winner of multiple prestigious awards. MacMillan's writing is superb, and she brings history to life with her wealth of colorful details and a concentration on the strange characters many of these statesmen were. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how historic mistakes can morph into later historic problems.

#TOP 10

Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys: A Native American Expression of the Jesus Way

Twiss, Richard
IVP
Jun 9, 2015
Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys: A Native American Expression of the Jesus Way Cover
Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys: A Native American Expression of the Jesus Way

Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys: A Native American Expression of the Jesus Way sheds light on the painful history of Christianity among Indigenous communities of North America and how it has impacted their spiritual beliefs. Richard Twiss provides a culturally authentic expression of the Christian faith, incorporating traditional practices and rituals while critiquing American Christian mythologies. This book is an essential read for Christians of all ethnicities to understand the contributions of Native brothers and sisters to Christianity in America. Overall, this book is a powerful and thought-provoking read that highlights the importance of contextualization and intercultural ministry in today's world.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 6 First Nations in Canada?

Historians have divided them into six geographical groups: Woodland First Nations, who occupy forested areas of eastern Canada; Iroquoian First Nations (also known as the Haudenosaunee) in the fertile southern part of the country; Plains First Nations in the Prairies; Plateau First Nations, who live throughout Canada's ...

2. Does Canada recognize First Nations?

The Government of Canada recognizes First Nations, the Métis Nation, and Inuit as the Indigenous peoples of Canada, consisting of distinct, rights-bearing communities with their own histories, including with the Crown.

3. What is the oldest Indigenous tribe in Canada?

With an average age of about 10,500, component 1 at Charlie Lake cave near Fort St. John is the oldest dated evidence of man in the province, and one of the oldest in Canada. The Dane-zaa First Nation (Beaver) are the descendants of these early people.

4. Why are First Nations important to Canadian history?

Throughout Canada's history, Indigenous peoples have helped shape this land into the country we know today. During the War of 1812, First Nations warriors and Métis fighters played important roles in the defence of these British territories against invading American forces.

Editor's Notes

During our first nations canadian history book research, we found 1,000+ first nations canadian history book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,559 customer reviews through our big data system to write the first nations canadian history books list. We found that most customers choose first nations canadian history books with an average price of $16.85.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.