Portage & Main Press

11/08/2025

Today, we honour the courage, service, and resilience of Indigenous Veterans who have defended Canada in times of war and peace. Their legacy is one of bravery, sacrifice, and leadership — both on the battlefield and within their communities.
To commemorate this day, we’re sharing two powerful stories that bring their experiences to life through graphic storytelling:

🎖️ “The Scout” — Tales from Big Spirit
Telling the story of Sergeant Tommy Prince, a descendant of Chief Peguis and Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldier. Through courage, skill, and determination, Tommy Prince became a symbol of heroism and pride for generations to come.

🪶 “Peggy” — This Place: 150 Years Retold
Honouring Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwa sniper and scout from Wasauksing First Nation. One of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldiers of the First World War, his story reflects both his remarkable bravery and the challenges Indigenous veterans faced upon returning home.
Today and every day, we remember and celebrate the Indigenous warriors whose strength and sacrifice have shaped our shared history.

11/04/2025

Tyna's family moose stew recipe is included at the end of this lovely story 🤍 🫎 🍁

This Moose Meat Stew with Dumplings recipe is comforting and filling...substitute the moose meat for any venison or beef and you have a hearty dish. https://canadiancookbooks.ca/kokums-moose-meat-stew-with-dumplings/ Portage & Main Press

10/30/2025

👻 Halloween Character Spotlight 👻

This supernatural season, we’re shining a light on some unforgettable characters from our books — each navigating their own worlds of terror, mystery, and courage.

✨ First up: Cole Harper, from The Reckoner Trilogy by David A. Robertson.
A talking coyote, a disfigured ghost, and a community in crisis — Cole returns to Wounded Sky First Nation to face old ghosts, new monsters, and truths that refuse to stay buried.

🌕 Next: Wahsakapeequay, from “Red Clouds” in This Place: 150 Years Retold.
Haunted by a windigo spirit, Wahsakapeequay’s story is one of grief, transformation, and the blurred line between humanity and the supernatural — brought vividly to life by Jen Storm and Natasha Donovan.

💀 Finally: May, from the graphic novel "Will I See?".
As she walks city streets collecting keepsakes that hold both beauty and danger, May learns that the strength of the spirit world — and the love of those who’ve passed — might be her greatest protection. Written by David A. Robertson and haunting illustrations by GMB Chomuchuk and Erin Leslie.

From hauntings and heroes to spirits and survival, these stories remind us that the most powerful ghosts are the ones that never leave our hearts.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Portage & Main Press | HighWater Press 🎃✨

10/14/2025

Coming soon: Kevin Chief 's memoir❤️🖤💛🤍

SCO CONGRATULATES KEVIN CHIEF ON UPCOMING MEMOIR

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) proudly congratulates our SCO Community Ambassador, Kevin Chief, as he prepares to release his memoir.

The new book is called, “With a Name Like Chief.”

Kevin is a proud member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe. A former Manitoba Cabinet minister, a bridge-builder, a gifted speaker, a proud family man, and a high-stepping square dancer, he continues to lift up those around him.

Now, Mr. Chief is sharing his powerful and important life story. His book explores the themes of identity, reconciliation, and recovery from alcoholism.

He shared, “I hold deeply that nurturing connections, exploring identity, and sharing stories all matter a great deal. This belief is at the heart of my decision to write this book.”

Follow his journey—from growing up in poverty, to becoming a star athlete, to serving as an elected official—in this inspiring book.

Co-authored by Stu Slayen, “With a Name Like Chief” is available now for pre-order from HighWater Press (an imprint of Portage & Main Press).

Learn more here: https://www.portageandmainpress.com/Books/W/With-a-Name-Like-Chief

10/14/2025

Two beautiful gatherings celebrating Indigenous voices, storytelling, and connection to the land🌿

✨ Renewal: Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education — Oct 30, 7PM, McNally Robinson, Winnipeg.
🪶 Kookum, Are These Moose Tracks? — Nov 2, Entershine Bookshop, Thunder Bay.

📚 Join us in honouring Indigenous storytelling, learning, and renewal — in the classroom, on the land, and in community.

10/10/2025

🌍💚 World Mental Health Day 💚🌍

Today we pause to recognize the importance of open conversations, healing, and community. Stories can help us find courage, connection, and hope. We're sharing two stories that stand out - but of course - many more of our titles could be highlighted here.

📖 Between the Pipes tells the journey of Chase, a young Indigenous hockey player learning to embrace his Two-Spirit identity, with the guidance of Elders and mentors. His story reminds us that real strength comes from acceptance—not shame. Recently, this title was shared at a student-led event on su***de prevention, Changing the Narrative – Starting the Conversation, organized by 4th year nursing students at the University of Manitoba. With over 100 people attending, the event encouraged reducing secrecy and stigma around mental health. Swipe for a picture from the event!

📖 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga (15th Anniversary Edition) follows Edwin as he learns his family’s history across centuries, uncovering truths of resilience, loss, and healing. This intergenerational story reminds us that understanding our past is essential to healing in the present.

On this World Mental Health Day, let’s honour the power of stories to open conversations, reduce stigma, and create paths toward healing. 💛

10/07/2025

🍂✨ NEW RELEASE! ✨🍂

Now available in stores & online (October 7th)! 📚
Take a walk through the autumn forest with Joshua and his Kokum as they search for moose tracks. 🦌 Along the way, discover the beauty of the season, learn to recognize animal tracks, and explore Omushkegomowin (Swampy Cree) and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) words woven throughout the story. 🌿

Perfect for ages 5–8, this heartwarming adventure celebrates family, tradition, and respect for nature. Plus, don’t miss Kokum’s delicious moose meat stew recipe at the end! 🍲

🍁 Grab your copy today and share the journey.

10/04/2025

More books to honour MMIWG2S+ ❤️❤️

10/04/2025

Today, on Sisters in Spirit Day, we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S).

We remember their stories. We speak their names. We carry their spirit forward.
Through books like REDress and Little Moons, we hold space for grief, resistance, and hope.
In REDress, voices from across Turtle Island rise in unity—family members, Elders, artists, and activists demanding justice and reclaiming presence through the enduring power of the red dress.

In Little Moons a young girl navigates loss and invites us into the quiet strength of Ojibwe tradition, love, and spirit.

These stories are not only acts of remembrance—they are acts of resistance.
Let us listen. Let us honour. Let us never forget.