Road to La Prairie Ronde

Synopsis:

Cort Dogniez’s Road to La Prairie Ronde, takes the reader on an imagined journey of his ancestor, Frederick Dumont, from his home in Batoche to the Métis settlement of La Prairie Ronde, known today as Round Prairie. Frederick was a relative of the famous Métis leader, Gabriel Dumont. Frederick’s journey takes place just a few years prior to the tragic events of the 1885 Resistance.

This charming coming-of-age story focuses on young Frederick learning valuable lessons from his family as he begins his own journey from boyhood to manhood. The Cree and Métis concept of wâhkôtowin is a central part of this story. Wâhkôtowin is about maintaining and affirming relationships with the Creator and the natural world and with families, communities, and Indigenous nations. We have a relationship to all things.

Elegantly illustrated by Jade McDougall, Road to La Prairie Ronde is complemented with a Michif glossary, a teachers’ guide, and suggested learning activities. This comprehensive learning package gives readers and educators an opportunity to learn more about traditional Métis lifeways and history.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended by the publisher for ages 9+.

Chapter book themes: Transportation, Family, Métis communities, Genealogy—kinship, Relationship with the land, Relationship with the Dakota, Travel pre-1885, Coming-of-age, Bison hunting, Humour, Familial relationships

"Dogniez says, “My intent with all my stories is to ensure that Métis cultural components are woven throughout the stories to encourage children to learn more about us, but also to think about their own cultural traits and practices.”" - from "Métis road trip tale shows snapshot of everyday life in late 1800s" on Praire Books NOW.

This book is the first in a historical fiction series from Cort Dogniez.

Additional Information
44 pages | Paperback