K - 3

I Know I Am Precious and Sacred follows a conversation between a child and loving grandfather as they talk about what the words “precious” and “sacred” mean. These culturally integral concepts are explained in simple, practical terms, so that Little Ones may recognize how they affect relationships in families and communities. Readers and listeners are invited to explore how these ancestral teachings impact their families and communities.

I Know I Am Precious And Sacred is a soft-cover children’s book, geared towards readers and listeners ages 5 to 10 years old, but holds out important truths for their adults as well.

Educator & Series Information
This is the second book in the Precious and Sacred series.

Reading level: K-3.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

Authenticity Note: This book has received an Authentic Text label because it was written by Debora Abood with the support and participation of Elders from the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

It is winter. The land lies still, quiet and stark beneath a blanket of snow. The tiny footprints of a mouse can be seen in the light of the moon.

"Wrapped in the quiet, and there in the bleak, there stood a wise mouse, preparing to speak."

The words that mouse chose were from many years past. She spoke them into the cold night air. So begins the enchanting story of a very special Winter Solstice celebration.

Kwakwaka’wakw author Terri Mack and Tsimshian artist Bill Helin have collaborated to bring us this story of strength, friendship and celebration. The lyrical text and engaging illustrations will appeal to readers of all ages.

Author's note:
Gila'kasla!
I spent a year writing and rewriting this poem to be sure to convey the message clearly to my audience. It was important to me that the poem reflect the importance of us all joining together to find the sacredness in celebration, the joy of belonging within a greater community and the voice of determination inside of each of us. Inspired by Indigenous Peoples rising, healing and joining together I hope that this poem inspires our youth to be strong and determined in all their future goals.
~Terri Mack

Additional Information
24 pages | 9" x 12" | ISBN: 9781771740555 | Paperback

24-page board book by various Indigenous artists.

"Animals are highly respected in our culture and featured in our traditions. They are part of our stories, dances, songs, and in our dreams." - Francis Horne Sr., Coast Salish

 Additional Information
Board book format.  Also available as a hardcover book.

Celina is a young Mohawk girl who moves to her mother's home reserve. She is teased by her classmates who tell her that she is not Mohawk and does not belong because she has blond hair and blue eyes. Celina starts to believe her classmates and decides not to dance at an upcoming Pow Wow. But her great-grandmother helps Celina understand that being Mohawk is not about how she looks but about what she feels in her heart. When the drumming starts at the Pow Wow, Celina decides to dance after all. A beautifully illustrated story, I Like Who I Am explores issues of bullying and belonging as Celina looks for acceptance in her new community.

Reviews
"[I Like Who I Am] doesn't only work as a learning tool, with Mohawk words interspersed with English ones, it is a life lesson. Heart warming, sincere and full of experiences we've all had, I Like Who I Am is a must read for parents." — Steve Bonspiel, The Eastern Door

"An outstanding book ideal for helping grades three to six children begin exploring: 1) the concept of culture, 2) the dynamics and pitfalls associated with judging/bullying others based on their physical features, and 3) the value of taking action against bullies who judge others by how they look." — Canadian Material Review

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 6-11

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.00" x 9.00"