This rich resource, part of the Sk’ad’a Stories series, provides a valuable glimpse into the preparation, purpose, impact, and experience of Potlatch. Told through the eyes and ears of a participant, readers will gain an understanding of the significance of the Potlatch and how Haida culture is learned through song, dance, story, art, and ceremony. Readers may be inspired to learn more about the historic Potlatch ban and its impact. This book can be enjoyed as a read-aloud and as a Social Studies resource. Themes include generosity, gratitude, kindness, contribution, and culture. Sara Florence Davidson and artist Robert Davidson, writers; and award-winning illustrator Janine Gibbons, are members of the Haida Nation. Supporting resources include a map, additional information, a video link on the publisher’s site, and a teacher’s guide for the Sk’ad’a Stories available for purchase. Included on IBBY Canada’s 2020–2022 Best Books, CCBC Best Books 2023, AICL Best Books 2022.

Other End Matter: map, additional information
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Authors Sara Florence Davidson (Haida) and Robert Davidson (Haida), Illustrator Janine Gibbons (Haida)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

Sara Florence Davidson (she/her/hers) is a Haida/Settler Assistant Professor in Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. Previously, she was an educator working with adolescents in the K-12 system in British Columbia and Yukon Territory. Sara is the co-author of Potlatch as Pedagogy: Learning through Ceremony­, which she wrote with her father, and Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii, which she wrote with her stepmother, Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson.

When she is not reading or writing, Sara can be found walking with her dog, drinking tea, or listening to stories and learning something new.

 

Sara Florence Davidson's profile page

Robert Davidson is a carver, sculptor, painter, printmaker and jeweller, whose work is in private and public collections internationally. He is also a student of the Haida language, culture and history, and performs Haida songs and dances as a member of the Rainbow Creek Dancers. Two books have been published on his work, Robert Davidson, Haida Printmaker by Hilary Stewart and Robert Davidson: Eagle of the Dawn edited by Ian M. Thom, in conjunction with a major retrospective of his work at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Robert Davidson's profile page

Janine Gibbons, a Haida Raven of the Double-Fin Killer Whale Clan, Brown Bear House, is a multi-disciplinary artist and award-winning illustrator. Janine’s works are inspired by the waters and lands of the Pacific Northwest, and their myriad colours, energies, and languages. Janine graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle and Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Janine has illustrated four books in the Sealaska Heritage’s Baby Raven Reads series, including Raven Makes the Aleutians, an AIYLA Honor Book, and most recently Nang Jáadaa Sg̱áana ‘Láanaa aa Isdáayaan (The Woman Carried Away by Killer Whales), which is entirely in the Haida language Xaad Kíl.

Janine Gibbons' profile page

Each of the four books documents a different day in the authors’ lives, including learning to carve argillite and fishing on the Yakoun River. Along the way, they immerse the reader in an Indigenous approach to teaching and learning. The collection really honours the people in the stories.

Vancouver Sun

Among CCBC's Best Books for Kids & Teens 2023

CCBC

Among American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) Best Books 2022

American Indians in Children's Literature

A Globe and Mail top 10 kids' book of 2022

The Globe and Mail

Among Quill & Quire's Fall Preview: Books for Young People – Picture Books

Quill & Quire

The book is exciting, powerful, and educational for readers.

Anishinabek News

Among IBBY Canada's 2020-2022 From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Book Collection

IBBY Canada

The colorful, painted illustrations set a festive tone while the text also teaches that there were once laws banning these celebrations. The celebratory book will find a ready home in public library and elementary school library shelves, and anywhere looking to expand picture book knowledge of Indigenous cultures.

School Library Journal