Forever Our Home / kâkikê kîkinaw is about a parent showing a child the family’s Traditional Homelands, explaining which plants and animals are found on their lands, and that their spirit will feel their ancestors as they pass by. The connection between culture and living beings in the environment would help introduce an exploration of local First Nations, flora, and fauna. Students could connect with their own culture and share significant land, flora, and fauna. This book is written in Plains Cree and English. Tonya Simpson is Scottish and Cree, Carla Joseph is Cree, and Jean Okimāsis is Cree.

Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Tonya Simpson (Pasqua First Nation), Illustrator Carla Joseph (Cree), Translator Jean Okimāsis (White Bear First Nation)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

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

nêhiyâwiw êkwa Scotiwiw Tonya Simpson, paskwâwiyinînâhk ohtaskânêsiw. kî-masinahikêw mîna kâkikê kîkinaw. mêkwâc ê-wâh-ohpikihât ocawâsimisa mîmîw sâkahikanihk, Westerose, Alberta.

Tonya Simpson is of Scottish and Cree ancestry. She is a member of Pasqua First Nation and was born and raised in central Alberta. Tonya completed the MA program in anthropology at the University of Alberta and now works as a research assistant. Her first picture book Forever Our Home introduces readers to the animals and plants of the Prairies and the Plains. Tonya lives with her family at Pigeon Lake in Westerose, Alberta.

Tonya Simpson's profile page

Carla Joseph is a Cree artist originally from Prince George, British Columbia. In 2016 Carla was the Artist in Residence for the Prince George Community Arts Council, and she has done design work for several organizations, including the Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia, Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority. Carla loves the way she makes people feel with her art. It inspires her to continue with her gift, and she loves to challenge herself by taking on many different types of projects, many of which can be seen around her community. She is also the illustrator of Be a Good Ancestor. Carla lives in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Carla Joseph's profile page

Jean Okimāsis' profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“Extends its essence to all Indigenous children...Depicts expanses of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in all the seasons.”

Booklist

"A tender hymn to the prairie in all seasons...Uplifting and joyous."

Kirkus Reviews

“Simple yet profound…This picture book is a celebration of a Native people’s journey and the interconnection we all have with the natural world that surrounds us.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

★“This solemn and serene volume should be considered a first purchase. Essential for most collections, and with its wildlife-centric art, it’s also a perfect read-aloud for Earth Day.”

School Library Journal, starred review