Celebrating the Stories of First Nations
by Nikki TateShin-chi’s Canoeby Nicole I. Campbell, illustrated by Kim La Fave
Groundwood Books, 2008
Two British Columbians teamed up to create this picture book about two children’s experiences at residential school. In the sequel to Shi-shi-etko, older sister Shi-shi-etko is about to return to residential school, this time with her younger brother Shin-chi. On the trip to school in the back of a cattle truck, Shi-shi-etko tells Shin-chi to remember the trees, mountains and rivers of the home he will not see again until the following summer. This is a moving story of how the children endure the long months during which they must not speak to each other or speak their own language. Even as they are forced to learn to cook, clean, sew, and work in the fields, wood shop, and at the forge, they manage to hang on to their connection with their home and family. This connection is symbolized by Shin-chi’s small carved canoe, a gift from his father. The muted palette of the illustrations allows the quiet strength of the free verse text by Interior Salish author Nicola Campbell to shine.
Time of the Thunderbirdby Diane Silvey, illustrated by John Mantha
Dundurn Publishing, 2008
Award-winning Coast Salish author Diane Silvey continues the adventures of brother and sister twins Tala and Kaya in Time of the Thunderbird. This sequel to Silvey’s earlier novel, Spirit Quest, begins when the village children from the Valley of the Earth Dwarfs are kidnapped. The unjustly accused Earth dwarfs ask the twins to help clear their name, which Tala and Kaya are keen to do as this will also lead to the safe return of the missing children. The stolen children have been spirited away and are being kept in the Upper Reaches of the Shamanistic World where they are forbidden to speak their own language, don’t get enough to eat, and cry themselves to sleep. The reference to life in residential schools is not so subtle, but the adventure that unfolds as the teenage twins set off on their rescue mission is full of magic and mystery.
En route to the children’s hiding place, Kaya and Tala meet odd beings like an Owlian (part man, part owl), Aixox, the largest and most ferocious of sea serpents, a talking rock, and various others—some friend, and some foe.
Like all good quest stories, the heroes face many challenges and must use all their senses and keep their wits about them in order to be successful. A glossary provides some additional information and context for those readers unfamiliar with Coast Salish traditions, culture and stories.
Niweahihaw/I Helpby Caitlin Dale Nicholson, translated into Cree by Leoa Morin-Neilson
Groundwood Books, 2008
This simple story about a young child and his grandmother celebrates not only their warm and loving relationship but also the way in which cultural traditions are passed along from generation to generation. The text is presented in Cree and English and the rich, painterly illustrations tell a universal story of affection and caring. A recipe for rosehip tea at the end of the book is a bonus!
I Am Ravenby David Bouchard, illustrated by Andy Everson
MTW Publishers, 2007
From the first sentence, “To discover your totem is to discover yourself,” this picture book feels like a gentle conversation between the narrator and the reader. Bouchard relates a story he was told by his grandmother as he explains the nature of an animal totem.
Knowing a totem pole will remain standing long after his demise, a great chief decides to have the likenesses of “a number of our wild cousins” carved into the commemorative pole. His plan is to create a pole that will allow his descendants to know him for who he really is. Visits soon follow from each of several animals wanting to be immortalized, each noting the qualities they share with the chief. As each animal is introduced to the reader, it states its case for inclusion and shares a little more information about the nature of animal totems in general.
A lengthy illustrated note at the end of the book provides descriptions of a number of additional creatures as well as sun and moon for those wanting to learn more about the qualities of various totems. The author note on the inside back jacket flap describes how the author came to discover his own totem, Raven.
Striking illustrations throughout by Andy Everson complement Bouchard’s text and the result is a picture book with a strong West Coast flavour.
The Littlest Sled Dogby Michael Kusugak, illustrated by Vladyana Krykorka
Orca Book Publishers, 2008
As a puppy, Igvillu loved to listen to stories about dogs from around the world. She dreamed about growing up to save skiers buried by avalanches, chase wolves with Irish wolfhounds, and fetch ducks with golden retrievers. But her favourite dream was to someday pull a sled alongside big huskies. The way this dream plays out in Rankin Inlet is utterly charming. Vladyana Krykorka’s colourful illustrations capture both the majesty and grace of Canada’s north and the cheek and spunk of an irresistible cairn terrier.
Nikki Tate is an author who lives on Vancouver Island. Kids who like to write should visit Nikki’s website at www.tarragonisland.com or www.stablemates.net.
