Winners
First Nations/Indigenous Communities
2026 FINALISTS - FIRST NATIONS/INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
See below for the list of 2026 finalists in the FIRST NATIONS/INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES category, for books with a copyright date of 2025.
Chikasha Nannikbi Anoli (Chickasaw Creation Story)
2026 Finalist
Illustrator: Lauren John
Publisher: White Dog Press
ISBN: 9781952397288
Based on a traditional oral story, learn the Chickasaw account of how the crawfish shaped our world in this colorfully illustrated addition to The Nannanoli' (Story) Series. Readers can also scan a QR code to hear the story in Chikashshanompa' (the Chickasaw Language).
Lessons from Hu'ul Ke:li
2026 Finalist
Authors: Husi Cázares & Kerri Ann Cázares
Publisher: Desert Ink Press
ISBN: 9798992176315
This bilingual, Tohono Oodham/English story by Husi Cazares (enrolled member) and his wife Kerrie Ann offers an in-depth exploration of traditional knowledge and cultural insights. This resource provides guidance rooted in authentic teachings. The book tells about boy raised by his grandfather on the Tohono O'odham Nation in southern Arizona.
Rabbit Shoots the Sun: A Hopi Folktale
2026 Finalist
Author: retold by Terri Fields
Illustrator: Gerald Dawavendewa
Publisher:Wisdom Tales Press
ISBN: 9781957670157
How is it that rabbits became frightened of noise? Why does the sun rise slowly? Before science explained it all, a Hopi legend revealed some reasons. In this delightful retelling of an ancient fable by award-winning author Terri Fields, Rabbit sets out to teach Sun some manners.
2025 WINNERS - FIRST NATIONS/INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
See below for the list of 2025 winners in the FIRST NATIONS/INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES category, for books with a copyright date of 2024.
The Seventh Direction: A Legend of Creation
2025 Gold Winner
Authors: Kevin Locke and Kristy Cameron
Publisher: Medicine Wheel Publishing
ISBN: 9781778540134
In this enlightening legend shared by Lakota Elder Kevin Locke, Wakȟáŋ Tȟáŋka (The Great Spirit) created the entire world in seven days; leaving the most precious creation for last. The Seventh Direction: A Legend of Creation invites children to explore a world of cultural richness, creativity, and the interconnectedness of all things.
Sing for the Red Dress: Smokey River Suspense Series
2025 Silver Winner
Author: Joseph M. Marshall III
Publisher: Lucid House Publishing
ISBN: 9781950495542
Award-winning Sicangu Oglala Lakota author and historian Joseph M. Marshall III’s haunting narrative of the ongoing problem on Indian reservations of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) has been neglected for years in real life by both the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI. The fictional Smokey River Tribal Police Force risks all when they find the names of twelve Native girls who are thought to have been abducted for sex trafficking to oil field workers.
Today Is Orange Shirt Day
2025 Silver Winner
Authors: Phyllis Webstad and Natassia Davies
Publisher: Medicine Wheel Publishing
ISBN: 9781778540363
A first conversation about the importance of Orange Shirt Day — and what little ones can expect to see and do on Orange Shirt Day — The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An authentic, touch-and-feel board book designed for ages 0-3 written by the founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement and author of the bestselling book Every Child Matters.
About the
Independent Book Publishers Association
Founded to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,200 members, IBPA is the largest independent publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the access, knowledge, and tools needed to professionally engage in all aspects of an inclusive publishing industry.
For more information, visit www.ibpa-online.org.
