Lucy Hemphill is an author of Kwakwaka’wakw/Métis and Scottish/Irish descent. She is a member of the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations. Trees is an addition to the Overhead series, which is focused on explorations of identity. Hemphill transports us into her childhood community, emphasizing her relationship to the land she is surrounded by and the histories and legacies connected to colonial experiences. She also includes scientific dendrological illustrations and a glossary of the Kwak´wala words that are included in her writing. Hemphill’s writing is a deep expression of gratitude to the land and to her ancestors who came before her. She writes, “I am here because of them.”

Other End Matter: Glossary, Kwak´wala Words
Images: b&w illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Lucy Hemphill (Kwakwakaʼwakw), Illustrator Michael Joyal
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

Lucy Hemphill is a Kwakwaka’wakw mother from the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in First Nations and Indigenous Studies in 2019. Lucy strives to reconnect to ancestral relational ways of being and is currently working to develop language revitalization and healing programs in her community. Lucy is the author of the Overhead Series, which includes three poetry titles: Clouds, Stars, and Trees.

Lucy Hemphill's profile page

MICHAEL JOYAL is a Canadian watercolour artist whose work focus on reinterpreting characters from mythology and fairy tales through a modern lens. The paintings explore roles of feminine power through feelings of strength, anger, melancholy and joy. He has exhibited in Canada and the United States. His work is held in permanent collection at the International Cryptozoology Museum and the Legislative Library of Manitoba.

Michael Joyal's profile page