Kelsey Borgford
Kelsey Borgford is a Nbisiing Nishnaabekwe from the Marten clan. She is an emerging author, passionate about utilizing writing as a tool to revitalize cultural connections. After losing her Gokomis-baa in 2014, Kelsey sought out a means of connection with her grandmother and found that connection to her through the arts. Kelsey's work aims to pass along cultural traditions and identity. Her work is predominantly centered in the practice of beading and writing. She has a children's book, What's in a Bead, forthcoming from Second Story Press. In all aspects of her creativity, Kelsey draws inspiration from her culture, her mother, her community, and relatives in the natural world.
Books (1)
Once the Smudge is Lit
$20.00
Artists:
Format:
Paperback
Text Content Territories:
Indigenous Canadian; First Nations; Anishinaabeg; Ojibway; Nipissing First Nation;
Reading Level: N/A
ISBN / Barcode: 9781928120407
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
Ceremony, community and connection - the poems of Once the Smudge is Lit carry the reader into deeply spiritual elements of Nishnaabe/Ojibwe culture. Co-written by Cole Forrest and Kelsey Borgford, the poetry of Once the Smudge is Lit highlights the Indigenous experience in post-colonial times through explorations of themes ranging from love to community. Bogford's and Forrest's verses seek to open a multidimensional window into the experience of being a contemporary Nishaabe. A profound sense of movement, connection, and continuity is emphasized by Tessa Pizzale's beautifully evocative illustrations, which include a line of smudge smoke that flows from page to page from beginning to end.
Additional Information
50 pages | 5.50" x 8.50" | 50 Illustrations | Paperback
Kids Books (2)
kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk / What’s in a Bead?
$21.95
Artists:
Format:
Hardcover
Text Content Territories:
Indigenous Canadian; First Nations; Anishinaabeg; Cree (Nehiyawak);
ISBN / Barcode: 9781772603675
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
There are many stories in a bead. We must listen to the stories they tell us.
Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead.
A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. The loving exchange of knowledge between Tessa and her Kohkom will be familiar to many children. Readers will learn that different Indigenous communities have different beadwork techniques, and that this traditional art form is alive and thriving today.
Reviews
"The story is a beautiful look into the importance of beading in our communities and the ways that this art practice ties us together as families and communities." — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation Communities Read
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
This dual language edition contains the story in both Ininîmowin (Cree, N-dialect) and English.
Translators: Duane Linklater & Angela Shisheesh
Duane is Omaskêko Ininiwak and currently lives in North Bay, Ontario. He earned a Master of Fine Arts from Bard College and a Bachelor of Native Studies with a focus in Cree language from the University of Alberta. Linklater is lifelong learner of the Cree language and credits the many Elders, including his kohkom Agnes Hunter, for teaching and sharing the language.
Angela is a Cree translator at Ojibway & Cree Cultural Centre based in Timmins, Ontario
An English-only version is available: What's in a Bead?
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover
What's in a Bead?
$21.95
Artists:
Text Content Territories:
Indigenous Canadian; First Nations; Anishinaabeg; Cree (Nehiyawak);
ISBN / Barcode: 9781772603668
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
There are many stories in a bead. We must listen to the stories they tell us.
Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead.
A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. The loving exchange of knowledge between Tessa and her Kohkom will be familiar to many children. Readers will learn that different Indigenous communities have different beadwork techniques, and that this traditional art form is alive and thriving today.
Reviews
"The story is a beautiful look into the importance of beading in our communities and the ways that this art practice ties us together as families and communities." — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation Communities Read
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
A dual-language version in Ininîmowin (Cree, N-dialect) and English is available: kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk / What’s in a Bead?
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover
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