Canton is in the ancestral home of the Tunxis tribe of Native Americans. Today, Native Americans continue a rich tradition of storytelling with several new and exciting authors. There are always classic well-known authors like Louise Erdrich and and Sherman Alexie; but, check out some of these newer authors.
The Removed by Brandon Hobson.
Steeped in Cherokee myths and history, a novel about a fractured family reckoning with the tragic death of their son long ago–from National Book Award finalist Brandon Hobson.
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones.
From New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones comes a novel that is equal parts psychological horror and cutting social commentary on identity politics and the American Indian experience. Fans of Jordan Peele and Tommy Orange will love this story as it follows the lives of four American Indian men and their families, all haunted by a disturbing, deadly event that took place in their youth. Years later, they find themselves tracked by an entity bent on revenge, totally helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way. Also available as an eBook on Overdrive.
There There by Tommy Orange.
A novel which grapples with the complex history of Native Americans; with an inheritance of profound spirituality; and with a plague of addiction, abuse and suicide it follows 12 characters, each of whom has private reasons for traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow. Also available as an eBook and Downloadable Audiobook on Overdrive.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse.
From the New York Time’s bestselling author comes the first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas and woven into a tale of celestial prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic. Crafted with unforgettable characters, Rebecca Roanhorse has created an epic adventure exploring the decadence of power amidst the weight of history and the struggle of individuals swimming against the confines of society and their broken pasts in the most original series debut of the decade. Also available as an eBook and Downloadable Audiobook on Overdrive.
When the Light of the World was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through : a Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry
This collection contains fascinating poems from poets such as Joy Harjo and Layli Long Soldier as well as many others from a number of tribes.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on âa journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise. (Elizabeth Gilbert).Also available as an eBook and Downloadable Audiobook on Overdrive.
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden.
A vigilante enforcer on South Dakota’s Rosebud Indian Reservation enlists the help of his ex to investigate the activities of an expanding drug cartel, while a new tribal council initiative raises controversial questions. Also available as a CD audiobook and an eBook on Overdrive.
History
If you are interested in the history and life of Native American’s in general try David Treuer’s; The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee : Native America from 1890 to the Present.
Museums
We also have a museum pass to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center which $5.00 off regular admissions for two adults and two youth for a maximum of four people.