Elements by Jamesie Fournier is a collection of poems that explores themes of nature, identity, and Indigenous culture. Fournier, an Inuk poet, artist, and activist from Nunavut, infuses the poems with personal reflections and a deep connection to the environment, particularly the landscapes of Vancouver Island.

This collection has a strong emphasis on understanding Indigenous perspectives and promoting bilingualism. Fournier's poems delve deep into the complexities of personal struggle and cultural identity, offering profound insights into the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals in contemporary society.

By engaging with Elements, students can explore themes of emotional resilience, cultural heritage, and the power of language to express and overcome adversity. Overall, Fournier's bilingual verse provides a compelling narrative of strength and perseverance, making it an invaluable addition to high school literature studies.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Mature language
Other End Matter: Bilingual
Images: None
Contributor Affiliation: Author Jamesie Fournier (Inuit), Translator Jaypeetee Arnakak (Inuit)
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Evaluator: David D., Indigenous Educator & Administrator, Indigenous Books for Schools

An Inuk raised in Denendeh, Jamesie Fournier’s work has appeared in Inuit Art Quarterly, Red Rising magazine, Northern Public Affairs, and the anthology Coming Home: Stories from the Northwest Territories. His brother, Zebede Tulugaq Evaluardjuk-Fournier, illustrated his last two projects with Inuit Art Quarterly. Jamesie was guest author at the 2018 & 2020 Northwords Writers Festivals and a runner up for 2018 Sally Manning Award for Indigenous Creative Non-Fiction. He lives in Thebacha/Fort Smith between Salt River First Nation, Smith’s Landing First Nation, and the South Slave Metis Nation.

Jamesie Fournier's profile page

Jaypetee is an Inuit linguist (one of only two Inuit linguists in Canada), and Inuit educator. Most of Jaypetee's career has been about the Inuit language. At Nunavut Tunngavik and later at Qikiqtani Inuit Association, he served as an Inuit Language and Education policy analyst and engaged in Inuit language and education discourse at the regional, territorial, and national levels as an analyst, commentator and advocate for Inuit language and education rights. He has also worked for the Nunavut Arctic College as an Adult Basic Education instructor, an Inuit Language instructor, and as an instructor for the Interpreter/Translator Program. He currently works full-time for Inhabit Education, Toronto Office, as a Senior Inuit Language Advisor and is involved in Nunavut curriculum development and as a designer/deliverer of Inuit language courses. He was also recently appointed as an executive director for NBES.

Jaypeetee Arnakak's profile page

• Winner, NorthWords Book Prize
• Short-listed, Indigenous Voices Award - Poetry in English

Elements by Jamesie Fournier is a collection of poems that explores themes of nature, identity, and Indigenous culture. Fournier, an Inuk poet, artist, and activist from Nunavut, infuses the poems with personal reflections and a deep connection to the environment, particularly the landscapes of Vancouver Island.

This collection has a strong emphasis on understanding Indigenous perspectives and promoting bilingualism. Fournier's poems delve deep into the complexities of personal struggle and cultural identity, offering profound insights into the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals in contemporary society.

By engaging with Elements, students can explore themes of emotional resilience, cultural heritage, and the power of language to express and overcome adversity. Overall, Fournier's bilingual verse provides a compelling narrative of strength and perseverance, making it an invaluable addition to high school literature studies.

David D., Indigenous Educator & Administrator, Indigenous Books for Schools