On June 27, we’re celebrating Multiculturalism Day! This is an annual opportunity to celebrate, honour and uplift all the unique cultures and individuals that enrich our country and communities. This week, we’ve curated a list of fantastic new and forthcoming books by multicultural authors publishing in Canada, or that celebrate the mosaic of cultures and perspectives in the country.
Looking for more ways to celebrate? Check out this interactive map of activities across the country!
Nonfiction
Out of Hiding: Holocaust Literature of British Columbia by Alan Twigg (Ronsdale Press)
Out of Hiding collects eye-witness Holocaust stories from authors based in British Columbia with the goal of ensuring the stories survive. The collection is dedicated to Dutch-born survivor Robert Krell, who has been a tireless and passionate activist for Holocast education in Canada.
Braided Learning: Illuminating Indigenous Presence through Art and Story by Susan D. Dion (UBC Press)
In Braided Learning, Lenape-Potawatomi educator Susan Dion inspires engagement with the histories and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. As Deb St. Amant, elder-in-residence (Faculty of Education, Queen’s University), blurbs: “Each reader will take away the parts of the stories that are important to them, just like listeners do when we hear stories in the lodge from our elders.”
Muddy People: A Muslim Coming of Age by Sara El Sayed (Greystone Books)
In her debut memoir, Sara El Sayed shares stories of growing up in an Egyptian-Muslim household. After leaving Egypt when she was only six years old, Sara and her family had to come together and learn to navigate their new home.
Burnt Snow: My Years Living and Working with the Dene of the Northwest Territories by Kieran Moore (Hancock House)
A powerful new memoir by Kieran Moore, an Irish immigrant who, for five years, was partially raised by a Métis family in Winnipeg. Burnt Snow captures stories about life in the North. The author collected the stories in this book while travelling from community to community—by foot, floatplane, dogsled and ice road!
Inspiring Canadians: Forty Brilliant Canadians and Their Visions for the Nation by Mark Bulgutch (Douglas & McIntyre)
Acclaimed journalist Mark Bulgutch collects inspiring stories and ideas from a diverse group of Canadians to look at how we can improve our nation. The book includes a foreword by Peter Mansbridge.
Poetry
Miskwagoode by Marie Annharte Baker (New Star Books)
Taken from the Anishinaabe word for “woman wearing red,” Miskwagoode is an unsettling portrayal of colonialism written by acclaimed Anishinaabe poet Marie Annharte Baker.
Then Now by Daphne Marlatt (Talonbooks)
The poems in Daphne Marlatt’s latest collection explore what it means to find home as an immigrant, inspired by letters written by her own father after he emigrated from England to Malaysia.
Worth More Standing: Poets and Activists Pay Homage to Trees edited by Christine Lowther (Caitlin Press)
In this collection edited by Christine Lowther, Worth More Standing includes contributions from Canadian poets—both settler and Indigenous— who pay tribute to trees and call for better environmental protection.
Kids Books
tâpwê êkwa mamâhtâwastotin by Buffy Sainte-Marie, translated by Solomon Ratt (Greystone Kids Books)
A new, Cree edition of the beloved Buffy Sainte-Marie book, Tâpwê and the Magic Hat! Translated by Solomon Ratt, tâpwê êkwa mamâhtâwastotin is a chapter book inspired by oral histories and traditions, set on a prairie reserve.
Journey of the Midnight Sun by Shazia Afzal, illustrated by Aliya Ghare (Orca Book Publishers)
The true story of Inuvik’s Midnight Sun Mosque. In 2010 a Winnipeg-based charity raised funds to build and ship a mosque to the arctic town to serve the Northwest Territories’ growing Muslim community.
ka-aciwikicik / The Move by Doris George and Don K. Philpot, illustrated by Alyssa Koski (Heritage House)
A dual-language Cree and English picture book accompanied by stunning illustrations from Alyssa Koski. This heartwarming story showcases an elderly Cree couple who slowly build a new, rich home after being displaced from their ancestral land.
Food and Culture
Only in Saskatchewan: Stories and Recipes from the Province’s Best-Loved Eateries by Naomi Hansen, photography by Garrett Kendel (TouchWood Editions)
A beautiful photography collection of food, recipes and restaurants across Saskatchewan that captures the diverse mix of culinary communities across the province. Includes photos from Ukrainian, Indigenous, Italian, Vietnamese, Indian, Persian, Dutch, and Mexican kitchens.
Arab Fairy Tale Feasts: A Literary Cookbook by Karim Alrawi (Tradewind)
A collection of enchanting Arab fairy tales paired with traditional recipes easily accessible to young cooks and their families. The recipes in this cookbook are created by Vancouver restaurateurs.
Enebla: Recipes from an Ethiopian Kitchen by Luladey Moges (TouchWood Editions)
Luladey Moges learned the art of traditional Ethiopian cuisine from her grandmother, mother, and aunts. Now, she is sharing their techniques and delicious dishes in this collection of 65+ recipes. The recipes are accompanied by mouth-watering photos, charming family anecdotes, and history.