Description
The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story about Giving and Receiving, Laarbe Kawmaekit: Aen kiitwam achimook aen histwayr chi maykik pi aen ootistikook is a children's bilingual picture book that celebrates the Métis concept of generosity. The book is illustrated by the author Leah Dorion in a wildly vibrant fashion. The book explains the concept of the giving tree where Métis travellers often left food packages or everyday utensils in a special tree along the trail. This was to ensure that future travellers would have adequate food supplies or necessary tools if required along the trail. The traveller could take something from the cache and in return was obliged to leave something for the next person. In this way the Métis people practiced reciprocity. The book is written in short English and Michif sentences that are occasionally obscured by the colourful imagery. Nevertheless the book is a valuable addition to the growing collection of Michif literature. The end notes offers teachers and older students information about the Red River Cart Wheel Teachings that include Respect, Love, Kindness, Strength, Sharing, Balance, Caring, Courage, Honesty, Patience, and Tolerance. The book comes with an audio CD with the story told in English by Leah Dorion, and the Michif translation by Norman Fleury. YouTube video of Leah Dorion about writing this book at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-FGhbqcYMU Junior Spring 2012. FNCR 2013