Theytus Books

Theytus Books
Name	Theytus Books
Status	Active
Founded	1980
Country	Canada
Headquarters	British Columbia
Distribution	Independent/Indigenous
Publications	Books

Theytus Books is an independent Indigenous publishing house based in British Columbia, Canada, established in 1980 to publish and promote First Nations, Inuit, and Métis authors. It has been associated with Indigenous cultural revival movements, literary networks, and collaborations with community organizations across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and national institutions. The press has worked with schools, universities, libraries, and museums to circulate works by Indigenous storytellers, activists, poets, and scholars.

History

The press emerged during a period of Indigenous cultural resurgence linked to events such as the 1969 White Paper (1969), the 1973 Calder Case, and the founding of organizations like the Assembly of First Nations and the Native Women's Association of Canada. Early decades overlapped with legal and political developments including the Constitution Act, 1982 and Supreme Court decisions such as R. v. Sparrow that shaped Indigenous rights discourse. The press's growth paralleled activities by cultural institutions like the Canadian Museum of History, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and academic programs at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

Founding and Mission

Founded amid initiatives by Indigenous leaders and cultural workers responding to gaps in publishing for Indigenous audiences, the press aligned with community-based organizations, band councils, and activism from groups including the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and the National Indian Brotherhood. The mission emphasized support for storytelling traditions from nations such as the Haida, Coast Salish, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and Kwakwaka'wakw, and engagement with urban Indigenous communities in cities like Vancouver, Victoria, and Prince Rupert. Partnerships extended to post-secondary institutions such as Capilano University and cultural programs at the Royal BC Museum.

Publications and Imprints

The catalog spans genres including fiction, poetry, children's literature, oral histories, and academic texts. Titles have appeared alongside educational curricula in school districts like the Vancouver School Board and in collections used by departments at the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of Alberta. The press collaborated with illustrators and translators, and coordinated distribution through networks involving the Canadian Publishers' Council, regional bookstores in Victoria, Kelowna, and national chains like Indigo Books and Music. Works have been acquired by institutional libraries such as the Library and Archives Canada and international archives connected to the Smithsonian Institution.

Authors and Notable Works

Authors published include elders, storytellers, poets, novelists, and scholars from communities across British Columbia and Canada. Contributors have included voices alongside contemporaries such as Thomas King, Lee Maracle, Richard Wagamese, Nalo Hopkinson, and Eden Robinson in broader Indigenous literary movements. Manuscripts addressed topics resonant with events like the Oka Crisis, treaties such as the Douglas Treaties, and legal matters exemplified by Delgamuukw v British Columbia. The press has published children's books featuring characters and themes related to nations like the Squamish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Secwepemc and poetry collections in dialogue with works by poets associated with the League of Canadian Poets and festivals including the Vancouver Writers Fest.

Distribution and Impact

Distribution strategies targeted community centers, band offices, university courses, and cultural festivals including the Pow Wow, the National Indigenous Peoples Day events, and regional gatherings such as the BC Elders Gathering. The press's titles have been adopted in course lists at institutions like Trinity Western University and used by programs in reconciliation dialogues tied to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Internationally, materials have informed curricula and exhibitions at venues like the National Museum of the American Indian and academic conferences hosted by the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Awards and Recognition

Books published by the press have received attention in awards circuits including the Governor General's Literary Awards, the BC Book Prizes, and nominations in the Indigenous Voices Awards. Recognition has come from cultural bodies such as the Canada Council for the Arts, the British Columbia Arts Council, and community honors bestowed by tribal councils and cultural festivals. The press's role in amplifying Indigenous narratives has been acknowledged in policy discussions involving the Department of Canadian Heritage and in initiatives promoted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Category:Publishing companies of Canada Category:Indigenous publishing companies