This story shares the importance of family and culture to a little girl named Cree. Cree is excited with the arrival of her auntie who has come to visit. Auntie has brought a surprise for Cree, a puppy from the rez. Auntie shares with Cree the important role dogs played in the history of their people and how they helped in the good times and the bad. After listening to Auntie’s stories, Cree knew it would be important to take good care of her new puppy to show respect for all her ancestors, including the dogs. To honour her new puppy and welcome him into the family, Cree named him Atim, the nēhiyawēwin word for dog.

Other End Matter: Cree word list
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Heather O’Watch (Nakota and Nehiyaw), Illustrator Ellie Arscott
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Heather O'Watch is a Nakota and Nehiyaw woman from Okanese First Nation, located in Treaty 4 Territory. She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan. Heather is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan and hopes to continue a career in governance and policy. Heather enjoys spending time with her family, relatives, and five dogs.

Heather O'Watch's profile page

ELLIE ARSCOTT has been sharing her love of color and paint with a wide range of clients for twenty years. She has painted scenic art for Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre and the National Ballet of Canada, and she has worked with the Toronto District School Board creating mural projects with school children. Ellie is currently painting a series of portraits for her own initiative, Girls Stand Tall, which encourages young girls to believe in themselves and their dreams. This is her first picture book.

Ellie Arscott's profile page

• Short-listed, Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Shining Willow
• Joint winner, Second Story Press Indigenous Writing Contest

"Auntie’s Rez Surprise showcases the importance of Elders and how their teachings honour the beliefs and values of Indigenous culture. The retelling of these values through stories, allows the wisdom to be passed on to Indigenous youth.... Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials