The Circle for Reconciliation and Justice would like to celebrate National Indigenous Education Month by sharing a review of a new Indigenous book each week, and encourage you and your congregation to get to know some new Indigenous authors and illustrators.
For me, this book begins with the beautiful cover illustration by my friend Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. His mom, Leigh, is so proud of her son and his many gifts.
Editors Stefanie and Sara begin by introducing their German-Jewish grandmother and their Neyhiyaw-Anishinaabe grandfather. The book is an entry point to conversations they hope to have with their own children and they hope the words and images might also move us toward conversations about Indigenous history, strength and life, conversations many of us struggle to begin.
Murray Sinclair has written a beautiful and heartfelt forward about a story that touched him deeply – the story of the Ugly Duckling.
The book is structured as a medicine bundle, with each section representing a traditional medicine – water, tobacco, cedar, sweetgrass or sage.
In each section are uplifting, encouraging, nourishing stories written by Indigenous authors , paired with beautiful illustrations by Indigenous artists, demonstrating the gifts of collaboration and relationship.
“Bringing together forty Indigenous writers, artists, activists, athletes, scholars and thinkers from across Turtle Island, this joyful, proud and groundbreaking collection celebrates the potential of young people, who they are, and what they dream of.”
Reviewed by Beverly McNabb, October 2025.