District Indigenous Education Director Publishes Children's Book

Campbell River School District Director of Indigenous Education Anne Tenning has published a new children’s book that celebrates the diversity of Indigenous identities and reminds young people that they belong.

I Am Indigenous began as a poem more than 20 years ago, when Tenning was working with a group of Grade 5 and 6 students at an urban school in Victoria. When she asked why they were proud to be Indigenous, some students said they knew little about their cultures or languages. Tenning wrote the poem to help them recognize that their identities remained strong and valid, regardless of where they lived, what they looked like or how much cultural knowledge they had. 

Years later, Tenning returned to the poem after hearing that Indigenous students and staff continued to have their identities questioned. She updated the work and began the process of turning it into a book. 

Written as a poem, I Am Indigenous recognizes the many ways Indigenous people understand identity, family, culture, community, and connection to the land. Its central message is that there is no single way to look, live or grow up as an Indigenous person. Young people may know a great deal about their culture or may just be starting to learn. Neither experience makes their identity less meaningful. 

The book features artwork from 13 Indigenous illustrators whose cultures and communities span North America, including Alaska and Hawaii. Together, the words and illustrations reflect the diversity of Indigenous children, families, and experiences. 

Tenning also wrote a teacher’s guide to accompany the book. Recently added to the publisher’s website, the free resource is designed to help educators extend the book’s themes and learning in the classroom.

The book is also creating opportunities for students to hear directly from its author. Tenning will be reading I Am Indigenous in SD72 schools as part of learning connected to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, sharing its message of identity and belonging with students across the district.

Community members can hear Tenning read from I Am Indigenous during Words at the Theatre in October. 30. Event information is available through the Words on the Water Writers Festival website.

Tenning is a member of the Stz’uminus First Nation and joined the Campbell River School District as director of Indigenous education in August 2025. She has more than 25 years of experience in education and is committed to advancing equity for students of Indigenous ancestry. 

The publication of I Am Indigenous brings a long-held goal to life and shares an affirming message with children and families: Indigenous identity is personal, diverse, and carried across generations.

I Am Indigenous is available locally from Coho Books.