OTTAWA, ONTARIO (December 2, 2018) – The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today:

"This is the time of year when we think of others and express our love by exchanging gifts. In our family, the best thing ever is to unwrap a book! Books can make us laugh, make us cry. Books can teach us.

Reading books by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis authors can change our whole understanding of who we are as Canadians and reinforce our commitment to reconciliation. Over the past years, I have truly loved gifting the inspiring stories written by brilliant Indigenous authors in Canada to my family and friends.

In the past years it's been exciting to see so many beautiful children's books. When we read these stories to our children, we all are learning about the history and culture of First Nations, Inuit and Métis we never taught in school.

In June, during Indigenous Book Club Month, and in December during the #IndigenousReads Holiday Campaign, we share our suggestions of books by Indigenous authors. Let others know which books you have chosen by sharing the titles on social media using #IndigenousReads.

I hope this holiday season you will consider gifting books by Indigenous authors.

Wishing you a holiday season with lots of time for family and friends and #IndigenousReads!"