Inspiring Nonfiction Books by Indigenous Authors You Need to Read
Each book shares Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, culture, and stories that inspire healing, resilience, and personal growth.
Must-Read Nonfiction Books by Indigenous Authors
Indigenous authors are redefining the world of literature with powerful, authentic voices and life-changing stories. By reading these Indigenous nonfiction books, we learn and share in their experiences, culture, and ancient wisdom while also getting a fresh perspective on resilience, healing, and identity. Each book on this list carries unique stories and teachings, helping us explore Indigenous values and perspectives contributing to a more interconnected world. So, if you’re on the lookout for the best Indigenous books to enrich your understanding, these titles are a great place to start.
P.S. I recommend checking out the Indigenous Peoples Movement if you’re interested in taking direct action to support Indigenous rights and culture.
8 Nonfiction Books by Indigenous Authors
We Will Be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo, Mitch Anderson
We Will Be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson is an impactful memoir tracing Nenquimo’s life from her Waorani upbringing in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest to her emergence as a leading Indigenous activist and environmental advocate. Readers can expect a powerful, unflinching exploration of the clash between Indigenous values and Western economic interests, as well as an intimate look at Nenquimo’s journey to activism. Her story is both an ode to the Amazon and a call to action for climate justice
You can get a copy of We Will Be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo, Mitch Anderson on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well by Chelsey Luger and Thosh Collins
Chelsey Luger and Thosh Collins bring Indigenous wisdom into the modern wellness movement with The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well. This book is structured around seven interconnected aspects of wellness: movement, ceremony, community, land, sacred space, food, and connection to ancestors. Luger and Collins draw from their Native American heritage to offer practical guidance that can be incorporated into anyone’s daily life. So if you’re looking for Native American spirituality books, add this one to your reading list.
You can get a copy of The Seven Circles by Chelsey Luger and Thosh Collins on Amazon or Bookshop.
Heart Berries by Terese Mailhot
Terese Mailhot’s memoir, Heart Berries, is an intense, poetic exploration of personal trauma, resilience, and identity. Set against her experiences in the Seabird Island First Nation, Mailhot’s story is raw and unapologetic, peeling back layers of complex family dynamics and mental health struggles. Her prose is both lyrical and haunting, creating an intimate reading experience that leaves a lasting impact.
You can get a copy of Heart Berries by Terese Mailhot on Amazon or Bookshop.
Want To Save This Post?
Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get themed lists and posts from me every week!
The Dreaming Path: Indigenous Ideas to Help Us Change the World by Paul Callaghan and Uncle Paul Gordon
Written by Paul Callaghan, a proud Aboriginal man, alongside wisdom keeper Uncle Paul Gordon, The Dreaming Path provides a roadmap to embracing Indigenous knowledge for meaningful life change. Drawing from Aboriginal culture and storytelling, the authors guide readers on a journey to reconnect with ancient values of care, balance, and respect for the world. This book is a fantastic resource for those searching for transformative perspectives on living, making it one of the best nonfiction books by Indigenous authors for personal and global growth.
You can get a copy of The Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan and Uncle Paul Gordon on Amazon or Bookshop.
Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe
Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe’s Red Paint blends autobiography with Indigenous history, painting a vivid portrait of her life as a Coast Salish woman. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, LaPointe interweaves her personal story with her cultural heritage, touching on themes like punk rock, gender identity, and resilience. Her narrative challenges stereotypes, shedding light on the modern Indigenous experience while honoring ancestral roots. This book is an enlightening read for those interested in Native American authors who aren’t afraid to break boundaries while embracing their heritage.
You can get a copy of Red Paint by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe on Amazon or Bookshop.
Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog
Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog is a memoir that shares her life story as a member of the Lakota tribe and her involvement with the American Indian Movement (AIM). The book captures the fight for Indigenous rights in the 20th century, highlighting both Crow Dog’s personal struggles and her activism in the face of adversity. Her journey reflects resilience, as she navigates cultural expectations, motherhood, and activism with profound strength.
You can get a copy of Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog on Amazon or Bookshop.
Dog Flowers by Danielle Geller
In Dog Flowers, Danielle Geller takes readers on a moving journey through her life as she pieces together the remnants of her late mother’s past. Growing up estranged from her Navajo family, Geller revisits her heritage through the letters, photos, and journals her mother left behind. This memoir is an exploration of identity, grief, and resilience, as Geller grapples with the impact of family trauma while reconnecting with her Native roots.
You can get a copy of Dog Flowers by Danielle Geller on Amazon or Bookshop.
A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott
Alicia Elliott’s A Mind Spread Out on the Ground is a poignant collection of essays that tackles issues ranging from mental illness and colonization to family dynamics and cultural displacement. Elliott, a Haudenosaunee writer, interweaves personal experiences with broader social commentary, highlighting the impact of systemic inequities on Indigenous people.
You can get a copy of A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott on Amazon or Bookshop.
What do you think about this list of nonfiction books by Indigenous authors?
What do you think about these nonfiction books by Indigenous authors? Have you read any of them? Are any of these books on your TBR? What are your favorite nonfiction books by Indigenous authors? Let’s talk all about nonfiction books by Indigenous authors in the comments below.
