This Native Heritage Month I have 3 recs (and a bonus one) for you to squeeze between your reads for the month. All of these are written or illustrated by Indigenous creators. It is rare when the whole team behind a comic from the writer to to the colorists and illustrators are all indigenous but the ones featured below are primarily. Have you heard of these comics before? Let me know in the comments if you plan on picking any of these up.

1. The first comic is MOONSHOT: The Indigenous Comics Collection which brings together dozens of creators from North America to contribute comic book stories showcasing the rich heritage and identity of indigenous storytelling. You can check out the full list of contributors here. From traditional stories to exciting new visions of the future, this collection presents some of the finest comic book and graphic novel work on the continent.

   This has been on my tbr for a while and this year I've finally picked it up. I'm on a huge comic kick this month so I will post a review once I've finished on my storygraph.

1. The second comic came out April 2025, it's titled Brave by Weshoyot Alvitre

   An affirming, heartfelt picture book about a Native American boy proudly growing out his hair and basking in the knowledge that braids are beautiful. Each morning, Dad brushes the knots from his son’s long hair to braid it. The boy winces at the tugging, and at school he's teased for his braid. But he remembers the stories of how his father and grandpa were forced to cut their hair and forbidden from practicing their traditions when they were young, and how they fought to make it possible for him to wear his hair long. Although it can hurt, having long hair ultimately makes him feel brave and strong.

   This powerful picture book by author-illustrator Weshoyot Alvitre examines the traumatic history of colonization and reclaims Native pride in long hair, delivering a tender father-son story that's perfect for fans of Hair Love and Love in the Library.

1. The last comic is a middle grade called Surviving the City written by Tasha Spillett and illustrated by Natasha Donovan, Donovan Yaciuk Miikwan and Dez are best friends. Miikwan is Anishinaabe; Dez is Inninew. Together, the teens navigate the challenges of growing up in an urban landscape--they're so close, they even completed their Berry Fast together. However, when Dez's grandmother becomes too sick, Dez is told she can't stay with her anymore. With the threat of a group home looming, Dez can't bring herself to go home and disappears. Miikwan is devastated, and the wound of her missing mother resurfaces. Will Dez's community find her before it's too late? Will Miikwan be able to cope if they don't?
   
   This comic is part of a 3 book series that is complete! I highly recommend checking them out.

Bonus comic illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre, Sixkiller #1

When Alice Sixkiller's sister is murdered she embarks on a mysterious journey of revenge.  But her quest won't be easy, especially as her schizophrenia pulls her further and further down the rabbit hole.  As she is swept away from reality, the stories and characters of her people give her purpose and direction: to find her sister's killer and exact vengeance.

This was a debut comic by an Indigenous writing team Lee Francis 4 (Pueblo of Laguna), with illustrations by Weshoyot Alvitre (Tongva). This story weaves a surreal tale of intrigue, identity, blood memory and issues of violence against Native women. You can buy a copy here.

This issue came out in 2018 and hasn't been picked up for a second issue, but I hope it does eventually !

Let me know if you've picked any of these up before or are planning to now.