The Debwe books in order

The Debwe series collects four books rooted in Nishnaabeg storytelling traditions, with titles spanning children's stories, educational writing, and cultural commentary, published between 2013 and 2016.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 The Gift Is in the Making 2013 Leanne Betasamosake Simpson Buy
2 Three Feathers 2015 Leanne Betasamosake Simpson Buy
3 Indigenous Writes 2016 Leanne Betasamosake Simpson Buy
4 Fire Starters 2016 Leanne Betasamosake Simpson Buy

The Debwe series brings together four books published between 2013 and 2016 that share a commitment to Nishnaabeg storytelling and education. The Gift Is in the Making (2013) retells traditional Nishnaabeg stories for younger readers, while Three Feathers (2015) is a children’s book that explores community and identity. Indigenous Writes (2016) by Chelsea Vowel offers an accessible introduction to key issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada, and Fire Starters (2016) collects writing on Indigenous resistance and resurgence.

The series is published by HighWater Press, which focuses on Indigenous-authored works for educational and general audiences. The name “Debwe,” meaning truth or heart sound in Nishnaabeg, reflects the shared purpose of these books: to pass along Indigenous knowledge through honest, grounded storytelling. The titles vary in format and audience but are connected by their roots in Indigenous intellectual traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the The Debwe series?

There are four books in the The Debwe series, published between 2013 and 2016.

What is the first book in the The Debwe series?

The first book in the The Debwe series is The Gift Is in the Making, published in 2013.

What does "Debwe" mean?

“Debwe” is a Nishnaabeg word that refers to truth, specifically a kind of truth that comes from the heart or from sound. The series takes its name from this concept, and the books within it are grounded in Nishnaabeg ways of knowing and sharing knowledge.

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