Amo's Sapotawan


Book Description

Rocky Cree people understand that all children are born with four gifts or talents. When a child is old enough, they decide which gift, or mīthikowisiwin, they will seek to master. With her sapotawan ceremony fast approaching, Amō must choose her mīthikowisiwin. Her sister, Pīsim, became a midwife; others gather medicines or harvest fish. But none of those feel quite right. Amō has always loved making things. Her uncle can show her how to make nipisiwata, willow baskets. Her grandmother can teach her how to make kwakwāywata, birchbark containers and plates. Her auntie has offered to begin Amō’s apprenticeship in making askihkwak, pottery. What will Amō’s mīthikowisiwin be? Which skill should she choose? And how will she know what is right for her?




The Gift of the Little People


Book Description

I don’t recall seeing books when I was a little boy. But the old people, they grew up listening to stories. And so, every night, when the old people were done their evening prayers, they would sit and they would tell us stories too. At the time of the spring thaw, the Rocky Cree fill their canoes with furs, eager to trade with the new visitors in mistiwāsahak (Hudson Bay). But not all of the new visitors are welcome. When the canoes return home to the shores of the misinipī river, the Rocky Cree begin to collapse one by one, drenched in sweat and slowly slipping into delirium. Kākakiw struggles to help the sick as more and more people pass into the spirit world. Exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, he seeks guidance through prayer. Hope finally comes with a visitor in the night: one of the Little People, small beings who are just like us. If Kākakiw can journey to their home, he will be given the medicine his people need. All he has to do is paddle through a cliff of solid bedrock to get there. To save his people from certain death, Kākakiw must overcome doubt to follow the traditional teachings of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak and trust in the gift of the Little People. In this illustrated short story for all ages, celebrated Rocky Cree storyteller William Dumas shares a teaching about hope in the face of adversity. This book is a companion story to The Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak series.




Pisim Finds Her Miskanaw


Book Description

NOW REVISED! This edition features updated Rocky Cree translations and an expanded glossary, augmented with new maps to give a more detailed look at Pīsim’s journey. These enhancements make this book a great tool for teachers and a great addition to any library. Out of an important archaeological discovery came this unique story about a week in the life of Pīsim, a young Cree woman, who lived in the mid 1600s. In the story, created by renowned storyteller William Dumas, Pīsim begins to recognize her miskanaw – the path for her life – and to develop her gifts for fulfilling that path. The story is brought to life by the rich imagery of Mi’kmaw artist Leonard Paul, and is accompanied by sidebars on Cree language and culture, archaeology and history, maps, songs, and more. Great ideas for using this book in your classroom can be found in the Teacher’s Guide for Pīsim Finds Her Miskanaw. A printable eBook of the guide is available for download. Pīsim Finds Her Miskanaw is book one in The Six Seasons of the Asiniskow Īthiniwak series about the Asiniskow Īthiniwak (Rocky Cree) of Northern Manitoba. Corresponding to the six seasons of sīkwan (spring), nīpin (summer), takwakin (fall), mikiskow (freeze-up), pipon (winter), and mithoskamin (break-up), the books explore the language, culture, knowledge, territory, and history of the 17th century Rocky Cree people through story and images. The groundbreaking series centres Indigenous ways of knowing and includes insights from a wide range of disciplines – cross-cultural education, history, archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, literature, oral culture and storytelling, experiential and community-based learning, and art. To find more information about The Six Seasons project and the Picture Book App: Pisim Finds Her Miskanaw visit www.sixseasonsproject.ca.




When We Were Alone


Book Description

Winner of the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award! A young girl notices things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak Cree and spend so much time with her family? As the girl asks questions, her grandmother shares her experiences in a residential school, when all of these things were taken away. Also available in a bilingual Swampy Cree/English edition. Download the free teacher guide on the Portage & Main Press website.




Teacher's Guide for Pisim Finds Her Miskanaw


Book Description

Pīsim Finds Her Miskanaw provides groundbreaking historical information about the culture and language of the Rocky Cree people around present-day South Indian Lake, Manitoba. The Teacher’s Guide for Pīsim Finds Her Miskanaw focusses on midwifery, Miskanaw, journey making, and storytelling. The lessons and activities in the guide support the learning outcomes included in Manitoba curriculum documents. The guide emphasizes the origins of First Peoples, their connections to the land, their culture, types of leadership, the value of oral culture, and the forms of interaction before and during early contact with Europeans.




People and Stories of Canada to 1867


Book Description

Take a look at life in Canada from very early times until 1867. The history of Canada is presented in exciting stories about different people and intriguing events, including wars, betrayals, and acts of heroism. To help make history come alive, People and Stories of Canada to 1867 includes: hundreds of vibrant illustrations, pictures, and historical artwork detailed maps, charts, and diagrams accurate timelines to help organize historical information special information boxes to enhance content and much more! Recommended by Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth as a Manitoba Grade 5 Social Studies Learning Resource.




Stand Like a Cedar


Book Description

When you go for a walk in nature, who do you see? What do you hear? Award-winning storyteller Nicola I. Campbell shows what it means to “stand like a cedar” on this beautiful journey of discovery through the wilderness. Learn the names of animals in the Nłeʔkepmxcín or Halq’emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us. Experience a celebration of sustainability and connection to the land through lyrical storytelling and Carrielynn Victor’s breathtaking art in this children’s illustrated book. Discover new sights and sounds with every read. A glossary and pronunciation guide can be found at the back of the book.




Pisim Finds Her Miskanow


Book Description

A young seventeenth century Cree woman finds her miskanow - her life's journey - and beging to develop her gifts for fulfilling that path.




Canada, A Country of Change


Book Description

Canada; A Country of Change (1867 to Present) explores the characters and events that have shaped Canada. Through Confederation, two world wars, Depression, and post-war prosperity, Canada has risen to become the free country we know today. In this book, your students will discover the exciting story that defines our nation. It includes: Historical photographs and artwork; Primary archival documents, including letters and other first-person accounts; Sidebars that extend the main text; Profiles of Canada’s prime ministers; Fun facts that connect history to children’s own experiences; Maps and charts designed for young readers; and Much more.




World History


Book Description

In World History: Societies of the Past, students explore societies of the past and see the influences and impact history has on their lives today. The textbook provides students with an easy-to-understand and in-depth look at human societies?from early hunters-gatherers to ancient societies to the beginnings of modern-day societies (1850 CE). A chronological approach explores social, environmental, political, economic, cultural, and technological issues that remain relevant in today's world. To help your students visualize historical situations and events, the textbook includes: hundreds of vibrant illustrations and historical artwork detailed maps, diagrams, and charts informative timelines questions, summaries, and quick facts stories of everyday people Recommended by Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth as a Manitoba Grade 7 Social Studies Learning Resource. recommended for British Columbia grade 7 classrooms