nēhiyawēwin awāsi-masinahikanis: A Little Plains Cree Book for Children: A Reference for Teaching the Plains Cree Language is an invaluable resource for preserving and teaching the Plains Cree language to children. Designed to be accessible and engaging, the book offers structured lessons that introduce foundational aspects of nēhiyawēwin, including vocabulary, basic grammar, and conversational phrases. This not only aids in language acquisition but also fosters cultural preservation by imparting insights into the traditions and nuances of Plains Cree culture.

Suitable for elementary school-aged children, typically from kindergarten through early elementary grades (K to 5), the book aligns well with language arts and social studies curricula that emphasize multicultural perspectives and language revitalization efforts. Educators can integrate it to enhance students' language skills, deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures, and promote cultural sensitivity in the classroom. By using this resource, educators not only support language revitalization goals but also empower students to appreciate and respect diverse cultural heritages, fostering a more inclusive educational environment that values Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions.

Other End Matter: Resources
Images: B&W illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Authors Patricia Deiter (Peepeekisis First Nation), A.J. Felix (Sturgeon Lake Nation), Elmer Ballantyne (Little Red First Nation)
Bibliography: Yes
Index: Yes

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

ABOUT ALLEN J. (A.J.) FELIX Allen J. (A.J.) Felix, Sturgeon Lake Nation, Saskatchewan, is an Elder, Knowledge Keeper, and experienced translator of the spoken Plains Cree language. He provided the audio and video translations used in the e-book of nēhiyawēwin awāsi-masinahikanis— A Little Plains Cree Book for Children (YNWP, 2023).ABOUT ELMER BALLANTYNE Elmer Ballantyne, B.Ed., Certificate Ed. Admin. Saskatchewan Teachers Federation), is from Little Red First Nation, Saskatchewan, and provided the written translations for this book. Elmer was raised in the Plains Cree language, is a former Cree teacher, and provides translations in the SRO Plains Cree format.ABOUT INEZ DEITER Inez Deiter (née Wuttunee) holds a B.A. in Cree Linguistics and is an Elder of Peepeekisis Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. Inez is originally from the Red Pheasant Nation and is a Residential School survivor who had to relearn her Cree language. As an Elder, she has worked as a Cree teacher and translator.ABOUT PATRICIA DEITERPatricia Deiter, B.A., B.Ed., M.A., is member of the Peepeekisis Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. She has several reports and publications to her name, a selection of which includes: peepeekisis atoyokēwina: Sacred Stories from the Peepeekisis Cree Nation (YNWP, 2021); “Tawow,” Welcome to Pow-wow Country! kā-kī-pē-isi-nakatamākawiyahk / Our Legacy: Essays, edited by Cheryl Avery and Darlene Fichter (University of Saskatchewan, 2008), among other publications.

Patricia Deiter's profile page

Elmer Ballantyne Allen (A.J.) Felix's profile page