Last year witnessed a high-water mark for Native literature. Not only did a wealth of Indigenous texts flood the market, but the democratization of virtual platforms meant that one could stream author events from every corner of Turtle Island. With a few clicks of a mouse, book lovers were able to join their favorite authors’ tours or drop in to hear a new voice.

Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson (Mississauga Nishnaabeg) is a novel that weaves strands of prose and poetry together to create a narrative framed by enduring Anishinaabe teachings. Privileging Anishinaabemowin without an English language glossary, the title translates to “in the bush” and is a response to a non-Native’s 1852 memoir about “roughing it” on First Nations lands. Jumping amongst seven characters who represent the machinations of human life, the text challenges the racism and modern absurdities that affront, but can never replace, traditional lifeways.

See the full list at Tribal College.