Spathelfer’s worldview is informed by her mother’s residential school experience. This third book in the Little Wolf Series contains themes of courage, wisdom, racism, diversity, acceptance, and celebration of others. Little Wolf is a mother who is saddened by her mother’s childhood ordeal and her own experience facing racism in school. She is gifted with a vivid dream of people fearing an unknown creature. Their violent response results in harm to the creatures and to themselves. Little Wolf’s bravery is not only rewarded with abalone-coloured hair, but more importantly, it teaches the community to appreciate all creatures and to be courageous. Little Wolf, renamed Abalone Woman, is inspired to share this wisdom in a positive way with children. This detailed story with rich, colourful illustrations is suitable as a read-aloud, as a springboard to learning about each other’s cultures and diversity, and as a celebration of others.

Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Teoni Spathelfer (member of the Heiltsuk Nation), Illustrator Natassia Davies (Coast Salish)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools & Indigenous Books for Schools

Teoni Spathelfer is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from coastal BC. Since childhood she has loved immersing herself in her own culture and learning about other cultures around the world. Spathelfer has worked as a publicist; a radio journalist, host, and producer; and an arts and music writer. Her documentary Teoni’s Dream, informed by her mother’s residential school experience, has aired nationwide on CBC Radio. Her photography has been featured across various media and sold privately. She has been blessed with three daughters and four grandchildren. She lives in Sooke, BC.

Teoni Spathelfer's profile page

Natassia Davies is a Victoria-based artist and graphic designer, and is of Coast Salish ancestry from W̱SÁNEĆ territory. For nearly a decade, Natassia has worked traditionally and digitally to create illustrations, develop visual brand identities, and design various other visual communications tools for local businesses, individuals, and non-profits. She also works with other First Nations Peoples and Indigenous groups to create educational tools and public art pieces. Natassia has collaborated on multiple large-scale Indigenous murals that can be found throughout Sooke and Victoria’s harbour.

Natassia Davies' profile page

“Abalone Woman is a beautiful story of courage and identity, grounded in the values of sharing our culture and heritage. It is a gentle and impactful story, interwoven with resilience, healing and family. Teoni Spathelfer is a gifted modern-day Indigenous storyteller whose voice comes at a crucial time in our history as Indigenous Peoples.”
—K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett, Chief Councillor, Heiltsuk Tribal Council

“This beautiful book draws from traditional ways of knowing and living with each other, such as dreams and intuition, to help all of us to see through contemporary, real-world challenges such as fear of difference, racism, and self-doubt so that we can step forward and lovingly guide our Nations forward.”
—Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, QC, co-author (with Sara Florence Davidson) of Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii

“The story of Abalone Woman touched my heart as I experienced racism as a youth. Teoni’s story of how she overcame it through her culture speaks of the power of stories and dreams. Being recognized for not copying the harmful actions of others is inspirational to all Nation groups. Respect the diversity.”
—Elroy White, archaeologist of Haíɫzaqv descent and a potlatch historian, Central Coast Archaeology

“Teoni Spathelfer seamlessly educates and encapsulates the importance of Indigenous history within this book. Abalone Women is the perfect example of educating people with Canada’s tragic past while ultimately displaying the resilience of Canada’s First Peoples. The dream inside this book is a healing tool for all who wish to reconcile together.”
—Tchadas Leo, creator and host of Our Native Land