ošil (betty wilson)
ošil (betty wilson) has lived in her community of ɬaʔamɩn (Tla’amin), British Columbia, her entire life. Throughout her 25-year teaching career, she worked extensively to revitalize the ʔayʔajuθəm language, and continues to work as part of a team that is archiving ʔayʔajuθəm words and phrases so they are not lost. She enjoys weaving traditional cedar-root baskets and hopes to become a master in this art.
Kids Books (1)
Synopsis:
Join ošil and her grandparents as they harvest food along what is now called the southwest coast of British Columbia!
It’s ošil’s favourite time of year! When the seasons change and the weather grows warm, the ɬagət̓ (herring) return to the waters of the ɬaʔəmɩn Nation, located on the southwest coast of British Columbia. For ošil and her grandparents, their arrival is the beginning of a full year of harvesting traditional foods provided by the sea and land. Together they fish, pick berries, and dig for clams. Everything tastes so good. And the best part is that there is enough for everyone to share!
Connect with the land and explore traditional Indigenous ways of gathering food in this beautifully illustrated picture book written in the language spoken in Tla’amin and English. Drawn from the childhood memories of ošil (betty wilson), this book is sure to charm readers of all ages.
Reviews
“I absolutely loved this story. [It] gives readers the opportunity to experience life through the main character's eyes as she harvests traditional foods with her grandparents.The colourful images and descriptions—of herring roe, fish soup, and mashed fresh harvested berries with oven bread—are wonderful and made me wish for all these delicacies.”—Nicola I. Campbell, author of Stand Like a Cedar
“Prashant Miranda's expressive illustrations bring ošil’s story of ɬaʔəmɩn lands, language, and food to life. Whether this is an introduction to ʔayʔajuθəm or a warm trip down memory lane, as it was for me, this book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.”—Cameron Fraser-Monroe, dancer and choreographer (Royal Winnipeg Ballet)
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Explore this captivating story that bridges generations, celebrates cultural practices, and immerses readers in the rich traditions of the Tla’amin Nation.
Connect with the land and explore traditional Indigenous ways of gathering food in this beautifully illustrated picture book written in the language spoken in ʔayʔajuθəm and English.
Dual-Language: written in the language spoken in Tla'min and English.
The backmatter includes information on traditional foods in Tla'amin, a glossary, a note from the author, and a map.
Big Ideas: Land-Based or Place-Based Learning, Aspects of Indigenous Cultures: Traditional Foods, STEM: Seasonal Cycles, STEM: Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability.
Additional Information
44 pages | 7.75" x 10.25" | Hardcover
Our logo reflects the greater Nation we live within—Turtle Island (North America)—and the strength
and core of the Pacific Northwest Coast peoples—the Cedar Tree, known as the Tree of Life. We are
here to support the building of strong nations and help share Indigenous voices.
