Independent publishing is thriving, as recognized by the Foreword Reviews 2025 INDIES Book of the Year Awards, an inspiring reflection of the diverse voices and ideas shaping our world today.
Among last year’s finalists, New Society Publishers is honoured to share three books that speak to the heart of our mission: Kids These Days (Category: Family & Relationships), The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power (Category: Business & Economics), and The Wild Path Home (Category: Education).
Together, these finalists reflect the power of thoughtful publishing to nurture connection, resilience, and meaningful change.
Anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance use disorders, and teen suicide—despite having more counselors, educators, experts, and medications than ever before, today’s young people are said to be suffering from a mental health epidemic. Exploring a range of factors contributing to this wicked problem—from social media, overprotection, and environmental toxins to the erosion of connection — Kids These Days clearly identifies what works for raising happy and healthy youth, and what does not.
The Indigenous economy is surging, but full Indigenous economic participation is still lacking, thwarted by the colonial and racist policies of Canada’s Indian Act. The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power deconstructs these historic and systemic barriers and presents an ethical response based on Indigenomics in action.
In a technologically saturated world, how can we reconnect young people to their ecological and human communities?
Grounded in science-based research and Indigenous wisdom, The Wild Path Home offers practical strategies to foster respect, reciprocity, and responsibility—combining creative outdoor learning and mentorship to help youth become resilient, passionate stewards of the planet.
Nevin Harper, PhD, is a Professor in the Faculty of Health at the University of Victoria, and a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 30 years’ experience leading groups and individuals through transformative outdoor experiences. He is co-author of Kids These Days, Nature-Based Therapy and Outdoor Therapies. Nevin lives on Vancouver Island, Canada.
Carol Anne Hilton, MBA, is founder of the Indigenomics Institute, which is focused on the economic empowerment of Indigenous peoples to design their own futures and fully realize the potential of the emerging Indigenous economy. She is a Hesquiaht woman of Nuu chah nulth descent from the west coast of Vancouver Island and is from the house of Mam’aayutch, a chief’s house, a name which means “on the edge.” Hilton is the first generation out of Canadian residential schools, fifth generation since the existence of the Indian Act, and comes from over 10,000 years of the potlatch tradition of giving and demonstration of wealth and relationship. She is deeply connected to focusing on building a collective reality that centers Indigenous peoples in social and cultural well-being and economic empowerment today and is leading the evolution of Canada’s $100 billion Indigenous economy. An advisor to governments, business, and First Nations, she lives in Victoria, BC.
Jacob Rodenburg, nature sommelier, is an award-winning educator who believes in the importance of connecting children to nature. He is the executive director of Camp Kawartha, a summer camp and outdoor education center, and an instructor in environmental education at Trent University. An educator of three decades, Jacob has published articles on children, nature, and the environment; has taught more than 100,000 students; and is co-author of The Big Book of Nature Activities. He lives in Peterborough, Ontario.
Cathy Dueck is a lifelong naturalist who has worked in community-based environmental education for over 35 years. She is founder of the Peterborough Ecology Park where she oversaw the development and delivery of children’s programs. Cathy taught in the School of the Environment at Trent University for 15 years and holds a B.A. in Environmental Science and a Master’s in Canadian and Indigenous Studies. She served as lead writer, researcher, and co-ordinator for the Kawartha Region’s Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship project, where she shared her passion for fostering community connection and environmental stewardship with people of all ages. Cathy has received many local, provincial, and national awards. She lives in Havelock, Ontario.
Will Dobud, PhD, MSW has over 20 years of therapeutic experience working with youth and families from diverse backgrounds across the US, Australia, and Norway. He has developed innovative programs that integrate psychotherapy and the outdoors to improve teenagers’ experience when seeking mental health treatment. A dedicated, award-winning researcher and senior social work lecturer, Will explores ways to improve the experience and effectiveness of mental health supports, and advocates for youth impacted by the United States’ troubled-teen industry. He is co-host of the popular Adventure Therapy Collective Podcast and co-author of Solution-Focused Practice in Outdoor Therapy: Co-Adventuring for Change and Outdoor Therapies: An Introduction To Practices, Possibilities, and Critical Perspectives. A senior lecturer in social work at Charles Sturt University, Will lives and works between Australia and the Washington DC area.
