I Am Indigenous, written by Anne Tenning, a member of the Stz’uminus First Nation, and illustrated by 13 Indigenous artists from across what is now called North America, celebrates the diversity of Indigenous identities both in Canada and around the globe. Tenning, a teacher currently working on her PhD from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, was inspired to write I Am Indigenous because many of the Indigenous students she worked with expressed a lack of comfort with their Indigenous identity based on how they looked or because they lacked deep knowledge of their culture. 

The artists showcased here emphasize Indigenous diversity. Each artist contributes a unique illustration – some are drawn in a photorealistic style, some more cartoony, and others draw from more traditional schools of Indigenous art, such as Woodlands and Formline. The book includes text from every artist, giving them space to discuss their own sense of Indigeneity and belonging, and how they’ve expressed it in their work. Even if readers don’t connect with Tenning’s poem, these personal anecdotes demonstrate her point – everyone approaches identity and belonging differently. The contribution of these artists enriches the meaning of this book beyond what could have been possible with the work of only a single artist.

Illustration: Kameron White.

I Am Indigenous is a good read for those with Indigenous children in their lives. The book may not be as relevant for non-Indigenous readers, but its narrower audience is a strength rather than a weakness; Tenning is serving a community of readers and students who historically have not been a focus of mainstream publishing. She captures the many perspectives Indigenous students bring to the classroom. 

Tenning has successfully produced an affirmation of Indigenous identity for Indigenous children with this work. She highlights words from different languages, showcases the many different ways Indigeneity may look, and emphasizes the sense of belonging for a group that sorely needs it.

Illustrators for I Am Indigenous are Aedan Corey, Emily Côté, Lynne Hardy, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Aaron Kaleinani Kai, Soni López-Chávez, Kelsey Mata Foote, Lannie McCullough, Onedove, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Madeson Singh-Whiteknife, Jordan Stranger, and Kameron White.