Holding and opening Jackie Traverse’s book IKWE, meaning “woman” in Anishinaabemowin, is pure joy. In her work, Traverse celebrates women in many phases of life through imagery connecting to lands, waters, and skies. She reflects on the dynamic and diverse connections humans have with not only each other but also the earth and the spiritual world. Her 40 pieces include titles like “Cherish One Another,” “Dance to the Beat of Your Own Drum,” and “Walk with Courage.” Each colouring page of Traverse’s spectacular and flowing art is complemented by a thoughtfully developed reflection that provides great depth and insight into the creation of each piece. Here she speaks gently and concisely about her Anishinaabe worldview through discussions of courage, responsibility, tradition, identity, family, and the Seven Teachings. Students and teachers alike will enjoy this versatile and beautiful book.

50 pp., 10 × 8", b&w illustrations

Jackie Traverse (Anishinaabe)

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Jackie Traverse, Anishnaabe from Lake St. Martin First Nation, is the mother of three daughters and a grandmother to Lily. She graduated from the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. Her art is multi-media, including video, sculpture, mixed media and paint, and she is known across Canada for her powerful, beautiful work. Her paintings, drawings, documentaries and sculptures speak to realities of being an Indigenous woman. She is committed to her community and teaches art in public schools.

Jackie Traverse's profile page

“I first received Jackie’s colouring book as a gift. I was immediately struck by the feminine strength, beauty and resiliency in her drawings. The teachings she shares in the back of the colouring book add so much spiritual depth to her already powerful work! Hiy hiy mistahi Jackie for sharing your gifts of art and words, along with your cultural teachings with your drawings.

Lynette La Fontaine, Aboriginal nurse educator with Chee Mamuk, BC CDC

“The importance of celebrating Indigenous women and girls’ space and place within our collective journey toward healing, empowerment and reconciliation cannot be overstated. When we, as Indigenous women and girls, see ourselves reflected in positive and powerful ways, it renders emotional and spiritual transformative change in our lives. Jackie’s art, her book and her life fundamentally contribute to the positive imagery of Indigenous women and offers a sacred way to understand one another moving toward reconciliation in Canada.”

Nahanni Fontaine, NDP MLA for St. Johns, Legislative Assembly of Manitoba

“Jackie’s work is that medicine that connects us all to a time when the earth and her women were equally respected as sacred —life givers, leaders, teachers and healers. Her genius is to help make us remember.”

Leslie Spillett, Ka Ni Kanichihk, Winnipeg