Books

māskīkīy miskanaw: The Medicine Way is the third book in the Six Seasons series written by Rocky Cree storyteller William Dumas and illustrated by Rhian Brynjolson.

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 expect 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?

Amō’s Sapotawan is the second book in the Six Seasons series written by Rocky Cree storyteller William Dumas and illustrated by Rhian Brynjolson. The book follows Amō, a Rocky Cree girl, as she decides what path to choose for her life. The book teaches readers about Rocky Cree culture in the 1600s. Set in the season of nīpin, summer, it has a focus on traditional pottery and fishing techniques among many other things.

You can buy a copy of the book here: https://www.portageandmainpres...

William Dumas's The Gift of the Little People (beautifully illustrated by Rhian Brynjolson) is now available in bookstores and online. The book tells the story of a sickness that new visitors in mistiwāsahak brought into a Rocky Cree community and of hope that comes in form of a gift from the Little People.

In May 2020, the revised edition of Book One in the Six Seasons Series, Pīsim Finds Her Miskanaw was published. The revised edition features new maps, updated Cree spellings, and an expanded glossary. The revised edition is available for purchase in hard-copy or e-book format on the Portage and Main Press website.