La petite robe rouge / Apje'ji'jk Mekwe'k Mtoqan / The Little Red Dress

Synopsis:

Sakari loves to rummage through her grandmother's house, but she doesn't know what's hidden in the woven basket her nukumi keeps in the attic. Then, one day, she sees her nukumi in tears by the open basket, holding a photo album with poems and photos that Sakari has never seen. This prompts the older woman to tell her the story of her younger sister who disappeared shortly after graduating high school. Sakari will help her nukumi to free herself from this heavy secret and allow the spirit of the missing young woman to fly away in peace.

This trilingual book, in English, French, and Mi'kmaq, is an excellent introduction to Red Dress Day, which aims to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Reviews
"The story highlights the meaning of the red dress and its role in raising awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). When Sakari visits her grandmother, she learns about her great-aunt, who left for the big city one day and was never seen again. The book includes the poem “The Elder and the Wind,” which shares the Creation Story and the red dress’s purpose. This gentle, yet powerful, introduction to a heartbreaking reality facing Indigenous communities is appropriate for elementary students. Cautions / Content Warnings: Discusses missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people which may be a trigger for some students." - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this book as an all-ages picture book.

Trilingual: French, Mi'kmaq, and English

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 3 to 7 for Social Studies.

Caution: Discusses MMIWG2+, which could be triggering for some students.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Paperback