Description
William Dumas, a Rocky Cree Storyteller, was born in South Indian Lake, Manitoba. For 25 years, he has been an educator and administrator; his passion for Cree language and culture are well aligned with his current position as Cree Language and Culture Coordinator for the Nisichawayasihk (Nelson House) Education Authority. As the author of The Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak series, William knows first-hand the power storytelling has to teach Indigenous youth about where they come from and where they are going. Rhian Brynjolson is a visual artist, illustrator, author, art educator, and science communicator.
A Rocky Cree family in Northern Manitoba travels to hunt, gather medicines, and learn from their relatives during the fall season of tākwākin in this historical picture book for ages 9 to 12.
As the seasons change and the birds begin to head south, Ācapi Okimaw and his family make their annual journey to see relatives and teachers in the heartland. Family members each receive teachings and share their own knowledge with their mentors in this community. All except for the youngest, Mwakwa, who hasn’t yet chosen the skill that will define his miskanaw, or the path for his life.
As he helps his relatives prepare for winter, Mwakwa wonders what his gifts might be. His cousin Mikisiw wants to be a hunter and takes the lead on a moose hunt for the first time while the family is visiting, but Mwakwa knows he isn’t a hunter. He enjoys singing and sharing that with others, but how else can he contribute?
When Mwakwa meets his uncle Opimotiho, a stargazer and storyteller, he learns a new way of looking at the night sky. But will Mwakwa be brave enough to leave his family to become the stargazer’s apprentice?
Explore the glossary of terms and pronunciation guide at the back of the book. This book contains 23 spreads of mixed media painted and digital illustrations. Audience: Ages 9-12.