Ovila Fontaine
Ovila Fontaine is an Innu Elder from the community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, where he has lived and worked all his life. From an early age he was interested in hunting and life in the forest. When he became a father, he embarked on a quest for his own history and culture. Today Ovila is an accomplished presenter, skilled at explaining the fundamentals of Innu culture and philosophy to the uninitiated. He is often called upon to act as a cultural ambassador for multiple organizations.
Kids Books (2)
Synopsis:
Il fait très froid dans le Grand Nord. L’hiver est difficile pour les Innus. Parmi les arbres de la forêt, le Grand-Manitu, grand esprit du bien, cherche celui qui apportera de la joie à tous. Serait-ce le mélèze, avec lequel les Innus fabriquent des traîneaux, des arcs ou des onguents ? Le bouleau, malléable et robuste ? Ou encore la magnifique épinette noire ? « Veux-tu devenir l’arbre de Noël ? », demande-t-il à chacun. Mais l’un après l’autre, les arbres déclinent son offre. Tous… sauf un, que le Grand-Manitu avait d’abord ignoré…
It is very cold in the Far North. Winter is harsh for the Innu people. Among the trees of the forest, the Great Manitou, the great spirit of good, searches for the one who will bring joy to all. Could it be the larch, used by the Innu to make sleds, bows, and ointments? The birch, flexible and strong? Or perhaps the magnificent black spruce? "Would you like to become the Christmas tree?" he asks each one. But one by one, the trees decline his offer. All of them… except one, the very tree the Great Manitou had first overlooked…
Reviews
Dans ce conte innu astucieux, on nous transporte aux côtés du Grand-Manitu [...]. Bien que ce soit un arbre de Noël qui soit au centre de la quête du personnage, cet album réellement intemporel offre une manne de connaissances sur nos forêts. »— Les Libraires
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
This book is available in English: The First Christmas Tree: An Innu Tale
Additional Information
52 pages | 7.25" x 9.25" | Paperback
Synopsis:
It is very cold in the Far North.
The Great Manitou knows that winter is the harshest season for the Innu, and he decides to find a way to make their winters a little brighter. He searches through the trees in the forest to find one who will bring joy, beauty and warmth to all. Could it be the larch, the tree that the Innu use to make sleds, bows or ointments? The birch, malleable and robust? Or the magnificent black spruce? “Do you want to become the Christmas tree?” he asks each one. But one after the other, the trees decline his offer. All except one, the little fir tree, whom the Great Manitou had initially overlooked.
Reviews
“The Great Manitou appears in vibrant fuchsia as various woodland creatures, standing out against the cool winter palette. A Christmas-themed look into Indigenous culture tradition that encourages further exploration.”— School Library Journal (SLJ)
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
This book is available in French: Le premier arbre de Noël.
Additional Information
56 pages | 8.50" x 10.75" | Hardcover
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