The Game

Synopsis:

A beautifully illustrated reimagining of the origins of hockey from an Indigenous lens.

Killer Whale and Brown Bear are arguing: Brown Bear says he can beat Killer Whale at any challenge, yet Killer Whale disagrees. When Powerful Mena overhears their bickering, he comes up with a solution: a game on the ice, played with sticks, nets, and a star for a puck. But who will win and earn the trophy?

For kids aged 4-8, The Game features:

• An introduction to Musqueam language and culture
• Beautiful watercolor artwork from a celebrated Haida artist
• Detailed backmatter and a pronunciation guide

With poetic text by gifted Indigenous storyteller Henry Charles (Ten Bears), an elder of the Musqueam First Nation, and breathtaking illustrations by Haida artist, Shoshannah Greene, The Game offers a vibrant introduction to Musqueam language and culture and inspires readers to rediscover a sport we know and love.

Reviews
"This book is written in English with some words in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓. It begins with an introduction of the author, Henry Charles (Ten Bears), as the book was published posthumously. The story imagines hockey in the long ago; Mən’ə decided that a game played on ice was the only way for Killer Whale and Brown Bear to settle their dispute. Mən’ə made a trophy for the winner, but when Killer Whale wins, he declines the trophy as he is heading back to the ocean. The reward is then shared with a boy who invited others to witness the game, and he shares it with his people. Students can learn about important traditional practices (witnessing, inviting others to witness, and the use of a game to settle a dispute) through the story. Older students could use the story to learn about sportsmanship and review the characteristics of fair play." - Alethea S., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It's recommended for K to 4 classrooms for English Language Arts and Physical and Health Education.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover