Books

In September 2026, māskīkīy miskanaw: The Medicine Way the third book in the Six Seasons series written by Rocky Cree storyteller William Dumas and illustrated by Rhian Brynjolson was published.

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?

Check out the free teacher's guide here: The Medicine Way Teacher's Guide

Check out the free apps here: The Medicine Way App - App Store - The Medicine Way - Apps on Google Play

In September 2022, Amō’s Sapotawan the second book in the Six Seasons series written by Rocky Cree storyteller William Dumas and illustrated by Rhian Brynjolson was published.

The book follows Amō, a Rocky Cree girl, as she decides what path to choose for her life. 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?

Check out the free teacher's guide here: Amō's Sapotawan Teacher's Guide

Check out the free apps here: ‎‎AMO App - App Store - AMO - Apps on Google Play

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. Written by William Dumas and illustrated by Leonard Paul. The revised edition features new maps, updated Cree spellings, and an expanded glossary.

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. 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.

Check out the free teacher's guide here: Pisim Finds Her Miskanaw Teacher's Guide

Check out the free apps here: ‎PISIM - Picture Book App - App Store - PISIM - Apps on Google Play