Indigenous summer reading: 3 top picks by Niigaan Sinclair

In this ongoing summer series,authors, celebrities and CBC personalities share their favourite indigenous books, the ones they want to read this summer,and the ones they think everyone should read.

• 3 picks by The Next Chapter'sShelagh Rogers
• 3 picks by graphic novelist David Robertson
• 3 picks by New Fire host Lisa Charleyboy

Niigaan Sinclair is aUniversity of Manitoba professor whoteaches native studies and specializes in indigenous literature. Sinclairis the co-editor of the best-selling anthologyManitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water.

A Favourite:Godless But Loyal to Heaven by Richard Van Camp

This is a recent favourite from my favourite author of all time. A Tlicho (Dogrib) writer,Richard's work constantly challenges, upendsand alters your perspective. Hisstories surprise, delightand provoke the senses. His words, simply, blow your mind.

His third collection of short stories,Godless But Loyal to Heaven,is nothing short of a spectacular and under-appreciatedcollection. His stories range from the recognizably traditional On the Wings of thisPrayerto the modern Feeding the Fire my fave!

They demonstrate adynamic, rich sense of youth and growth as young men we know from his otherbooks like Torchy make appearances to extend the Van Camp compendium.

There is delicious irony, sexand love in these stories and the title story,Godless ButLoyal to Heaven,is a sharp, funnyand tragic narrative of beauty.

Van Camp is known as one of Canada's greatest writers, with Godless But Loyal toHeaven he raises the level of his craft. He is a voice not to be missed.

A recommendation:Louis: The Heretic Poems by Gregory Scofield

One of my favourite writers of all time is Mtis poet Gregory Scofield,and it's hard tochoose what work of his I would recommend. I've been visiting and revisiting Louis:The Heretic Poems,though, finding amazing rhythmand symbols along the way.

Scofield has this rich ability to take the known and make it mysterious and new. Asan expert in native studies and someone who has written extensively on RielIfound new discoveries in the portraits of Riel Scofield delivers, including newlessons on his love, passions, and politics.

Without giving too much away, TheOrange Poemstell a new story of Riel as not only a leader but someone driven bythe vision of a new Manitoba, a politician sorely needed in today's Manitoba.Scofieldgives us rich research alongside a love for his people via Riel's life story and a voicewith many layers and possibilities.

I remember attending Scofield's launch of Louis: The Heretic Poems here inWinnipeg a few years ago and it was a packed house. Next time he is in town,comeearly.

To read this summer: The Gift is in the Making by Leanne Simpson

If there is one writer to read this summer, read Anishinaabe storyteller LeanneSimpson. Winner of the prestigious RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award, Simpson isa voice that will change your mind.

Here in The Gift is in the Making (Winnipeg: Highwater, 2013), Simpson re-envisions indigenous life in modern short stories. She takes old, familiar jokes, narrativesanddescriptions of animals, heroesand the land while remaking them in today'suniverse, mixing Nanabozho with Facebook, trees with machines, and syrup withparties.

If you ever wanted to understand what makes indigenous traditions vibrant,these stories show you the brilliance of a true traditional storyteller. Simpson remakes culture in these stories and the stories are awesome for young and old.

Myand my daughter'sfavourites are: Please Be Careful When You're GettingSmartand The Star People are Always Watching.

Simpson is an unforgettable voice and is quickly becoming one of Canada's foremostliterary superstars. Once you finish The Gift is in the Making, pick up her follow-upshort story collection, Islands of Decolonial Love,too.

You won't regret it!

Books by Canada's indigenous authors are second to none.Have an amazing niibin (summer)!