True Canadian Heroes Series

Viola Desmond was an accidental game changer. She built a career as a beautician and businesswoman. But her one act of defiance triggered a revolution in which the black persons of Nova Scotia began to stand up for their rights. Back in the days, there was an unspoken rule on segregation based on color. Viola challenged that rule when she stood in court. Read about her inspiring story today.

James Naismith was a man of many talents. He was a physician, an innovator, a Christian chaplain, a physical educator and a coach. But he is best known for being the inventor of today’s most widely played sports game - the basketball. Read about the man who invented basketball. Learn how the game changed the sports landscape, first in North America and the world.

Alanis Obomsawin used the art of documentary film making to bring into public consciousness the plight of the indigenous people of Canada. As a member of the Abenaki Nation herself, Alanis encountered bullying and the promotion of European cultural superiority in her community. She then used that experience as a stepping stone to becoming an award-winning filmmaker. Read her story today.

Louis Riel was a brilliant man who made change happen. He was a Metis leader who played a vital role in bringing Manitoba into the Confederation. He led the resistance to Canadian intrusion on Metis territory. Louis Riel died as a hero to his people. His name is still spoken of and his legacy continues today. Get a copy now.

Gord Downie was more than just a musician. His music told stories of Canada. His lyrics celebrated myths. Through his songs, Canadians slowly realized the richness of their historical and cultural backgrounds. Gord Downie made his countrymen proud of being Canadians. Read his life story and learn from it. Begin today.

This educational book for kids features the life of Elijah Harper, an Oji-Cree politician, consultant and policy analyst. He achieved great milestones for the Aboriginal people. He was recognized all over the world for his intelligence, diplomacy, and persistence. Read his story to understand how he used his childhood pain to bring forth a great good. Get a copy today.

Nellie McClung dared to challenge the status quo. When she was still alive, women were not allowed to vote and were treated unequally. Together with the “Famous 5,” Nellie petitioned the Supreme Court to allow women to vote and be eligible for public office. Nellie’s story was one of strength, determination, courage, and bravery. Read her story today.

Rosemarie Kuptana is no ordinary woman. She is a Canadian politician and an Inuit rights activist. She is also a broadcaster and a journalist. But did you know that she was born on an igloo while her parents were out hunting? Her birth into the world is the best introduction to her story of great will and greater actions. Read about Rosemarie today.

How did Tom Longboat use his skills as a distance runner to campaign for the cultural awareness of the indigenous people of Canada? Know the answer by reading this educational book that has been adapted for kids. Reading about the extraordinary lives of extraordinary people will help improve cultural and historical awareness. Get a copy now.

Clara Hughes is famous for being the only Canadian to have won medals at the Olympic Summer and Olympic Winter Games. You can say that Clara was born to be an athlete but it was her undying dedication to better her skills that made her a champion. If you want an inspiration to do better and to never give up, look up to Clara. Read her story today.

Lester B. Pearson was yet another Canadian who left huge marks on history books. He was a statesman, public servant, politician and professor who led a government of notable legacy. What were these legacies? Read this biography book that has been adapted for kids to enjoy an easy read. Secure a copy today.

Did you know that Marshall McLuhan was the first to study the effects of mass media on thought and behavior? McLuhan was a communication theorist, which means he studied heavily on the effects of thoughts, opinions, feelings expressed via communication channels. This educational book will not tell Marshall’s story but will also touch on his communication theory. Enjoy the read!

Daphne Odjig was a self-taught visual artist who showcased her originality, social awareness and feminism to create masterpieces that are reflective of he Anishinaabe culture. Daphne gave the Indigenous people of Canada a voice to the foreground of contemporary art. See the world through Daphne Odjig’s eyes. Read her story today.

Stories about Hiawatha come in many versions. This educational book tells the tale of Hiawatha as an important precolonial figure who united the Five Nations. Reading Hiawatha’s tale will open the eyes to the way of living of the early Canadian tribes, as well as their customs, beliefs and traditions. A lot can be learned about early Canada from the life of Hiawatha. Read today.

Read the story of one of the best storytellers of Canada’s Six Nations. Chief Dan George entered the silver screen to represent the indigenous people. He was Tsleil-Waututh actor and poet through and through. He turned down roles stereotypical roles. Learn about the colorful life of Chief Dan George. Read his story today.

Kateri Tekakwitha lost all reasons to smile when an epidemic of smallpox in her village made her an orphan. But instead of giving up, she persevered to live on. Kateri was a pious girl who defied tradition by choosing to convert to Christianity. She was the first North American Aboriginal person to become a saint. Read her inspiring story today.

Let’s learn from the story of Sir Frederick Banting, who was never satisfied with knowledge. It was Sir Frederick who first mentioned about a bodily substance that can might be the cure for diabetes. He spent years looking for an answer until he, together with his lab partners, discovered insulin. Sir Frederick’s story is that of an unrelenting pursuit for knowledge. Read his story today.

Who was Terry Fox? Why do Canadians name schools, roads, buildings, and parks after him? Know Terry Fox’s story through this educational book for kids. Be inspired by his determination, hardwork and a spirit too strong for cancer to beat. Reading biography stories will shape your child’s understanding of intrinsic human values that should be nurtured. Encourage your child to begin reading today.

Tommy Douglas was known as the father of socialized medicine. What does that mean? Is socialized medicine under the umbrella of medical science? Not really. You see, socialized medicine pertains to the introduction of programs such as Medicare, bargaining rights for civil servants, and a Canada-wide pension plan. Why did Tommy fight for these programs? Find out by reading this book.

Harold Cardinal lived a life of resistance and fulfillment. He was a man who initiated program that affirm Indigenous religion, tradition and culture. He was a also a leader who explored treaty negotiations and agreements from the perspectives of the First Nations community elders. Pick up lessons from the extraordinary life of Harold Cardinal. Use this educational book today.