A Rocky Cree family in Northern Manitoba travels to hunt, gather medicines, and learn from their relatives during the fall season of takwakin in this historical picture book for ages 9 to 12.
As the seasons change and the birds head south, a Rocky Cree family makes their yearly journey to see relatives and teachers in the heartland. Each of the family members receives teachings and shares their own knowledge with their mentors in this community. All except for 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 leads his first moose hunt while the family is visiting, but Mwakwa knows he isn't a hunter. How can he contribute to the community?
When Mwakwa meets his uncle Opimotiho, a stargazer and storyteller, he learns a new way of looking at the night sky. But is Mwakwa brave enough to leave his family to become the stargazer's apprentice?
Access the free teacher guide at the HighWater Press website.
Autorentext
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 Ithiniwak series, William knows first-hand the power storytelling has to teach Indigenous youth about where they come from and where they are going.