Jules, a young girl living in Wekweètì, NWT, reluctantly goes on a canoe journey through Tłı̨chǫ territory. Although she knows her fellow travellers and her friends will be there, neither her mom nor her late mentor, Uncle Joe, is with her for the trip and she is scared and nervous. During the journey, she learns about Tłı̨chǫ traditions, beliefs, customs, and the significance of the land she travels in. Neema has written a well-researched and well-supported story full of Tłı̨chǫ knowledge. The book has been read and reviewed by Tłı̨chǫ Elders and nation members to ensure accuracy and authenticity of information. Neema worked in Wekweètì as a manager in the Tłı̨chǫ government in the 1990s and has continued close ties to the community since she moved away. Archie Beaverho’s love for his Tłı̨chǫ heritage can be seen in his artwork throughout the book.

144 pp., 5.5 × 8", b&w photographs and illustrations

Nadine Neema • Archie Beaverho (Tłı̨chǫ Dene), illus.

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

Born in Montreal of Egyptian and Lebanese descent, Nadine Neema is a multi-disciplinary artist and workshop facilitator. As a recording artist she has released four albums; was mentored by Leonard Cohen; and has opened for artists such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and Cyndi Lauper. Neema began working with the Tłı̨chǫ in 1999, first as a community manager of Wekweètì, a small isolated Tłı̨chǫ community in the Northwest Territories, then assisting with their land claims and self-government negotiations under Chief Negotiator John B. Zoe. Since the landmark Tłı̨chǫ Agreement in 2005, Neema has maintained a strong bond with the community of Wekweètì and has returned periodically to conduct creativity workshops for the youth and photograph many of their events.

Nadine Neema's profile page

Archie Beaverho is an accomplished painter and illustrator, whose Tłı̨chǫ Dene culture is reflected in his work. He creates paintings of spiritual activities of his people, like drum dancing, hand games, and hunting. He lives in Behchokò, Northwest Territories.

Archie Beaverho's profile page

Joseph Judas is a respected Elder and leader of the Tłı̨chǫ People of the Northwest Territories, Canada. A former Chief of the Wekweèti community, he serves as chair of the Wek’èezhìı Renewable Resources Board. He is active in traditional knowledge research related to caribou monitoring with the Ekwǫ̀ Naxoehdee K’è (Boots on the Ground program). He spends much of his time on the land.

Joseph Judas' profile page

• Nominated, Periodical Marketers of Canada Indigenous Literatu
• Short-listed, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People
• Long-listed, First Nations Communities Read Award
• Short-listed, Jean Little First-Novel Award
• Nominated, Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children’s and Yo

“Journal of a Travelling Girl gives young readers the chance to imagine themselves on a journey as they read about it through the main character… Neema clearly conveys the modes of teaching afforded by the journey and the community’s Elders, as well as the historic moment the Tlicho Agreement for self-government and land ownership came into effect… The author shares from a place of knowledge, in deep collaboration with the First Nation concerned… This is an important story, not just for those whose lives it touches directly, but for all in Canada.”
—Jury for the 2021 CCBC Jean Little First-Novel Award

"Journal of a Travelling Girl is an absolutely wonderful and timely book that will appeal to girls and boys of any race, colour, or creed. During this time of reconciliation it is necessary for all young people to learn and embrace the ways of our Indigenous ancestors. This book will do that!" —Verna J. Kirkness, author of Creating Space: My Life and Work in Indigenous Education

"As a person born and raised right on the land, Nadine Neema's Journal of a Travelling Girl rings as true to me as the blue skies and open land she so lovingly recounts." —Antoine Mountain, Dene writer and artist

"Journal of a Travelling Girl is not only about people who generously welcome a young girl to share in a special journey, but it introduces readers to an important moment of history." —Kathy Lowinger, co-author (with Eldon Yellowhorn) of What the Eagle Sees: Indigenous Stories of Rebellion and Renewal and Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People

"Nadine Neema presents a unique and enlightening glimpse into the customs and culture of the Wekweèti community while exploring themes of acceptance, tolerance, equality, and reparation. . . This is a crucial and timely story. A must read for young readers!" —Tina Athaide, author of Orange for the Sunsets

"A wonderful account, through the eyes of a young girl, of our people’s ways of doing things today, guided by our strong history of storytelling." —Tammy Steinwand, Director, Department of Culture and Lands Protection, Tlicho Government

"What an absolute treasure for the Tlicho Nation and for the world. . . Journal of a Travelling Girl deserves to be in every northern classroom. There is so much to learn here, and there is so much to celebrate." —Richard Van Camp, Tlicho author of The Lesser Blessed and Moccasin Square Gardens