Saskatchewan author Leah Dorion and her book, The Diamond Willow Walking Stick: A Traditional Métis Story About Generosity, have been shortlisted for the First Nation Communities Read (FNCR) program.

The winner will be promoted at First Nation public libraries across Canada as part of the FNCR initiative. For the first time this year, the title will receive the inaugural $5,000 Periodical Marketers of Canada Aboriginal Literature Award.

The finalists were chosen by a six-person jury from First Nation public libraries in Ontario. They are:

• The Diamond Willow Walking Stick: A Traditional Métis Story About Generosity written and illustrated by Leah Marie Dorion; Michif translation by Norman Fleury (Gabriel Dumont Institute)
• Little Chief and the Gifts of Morning Star by Victor Lethbridge; Ben Crane, illus. (Tatanka Productions)
• Moccasin Creek written and illustrated by Rene Andre Meshake (self-published)
• Raven Brings the Light by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd; Roy Henry Vickers, illus. (Harbour Publishing)
• Wild Berries/Pakwa Che Menisu written and illustrated by Julie Flett; Cree dialect translations by Earl N. Cook (Simply Read Books)

This year's winner will be announced the week of May 19.