Cree Literacy Network

Let’s go to the Great Gathering Place.
kihci-mâmawi-ayâwinihk itohtêtân. 
Come, I’ll take you in my big red canoe. 

This new book for kids (and all the rest of us) is glowing with warmth and love. It began with a poem by the incomparable Edmonton poet, Naomi McIlwraith. Rooted in her own personal experiences canoeing across Canada, the poem is about Canada and wâhkotowin (“relationship”): to the land, and the water, and spirit, and to one another. Every connection helps in “forging a better path into the future.” 
The text, primarily in English, includes carefully chosen phrases in Cree, creating another layer of opportunity to those who “get in” and help paddle the big red canoe. The book also includes glossary and pronunciation guide. (And, if we’re lucky, we can get Naomi to record a reading for us one day soon, so we can add audio of her pronunciations here). 

Order from Kids Can Press, or find it in your nearest bookstore. 

Find a “look inside” preview here. 

[I was beyond honoured to have my own, autographed copy delivered to me in person (thank you, Naomi!) I’ll be sharing it this summer, wherever I go!]