Dancing In My Bones

“Dancing in My Bones”
by Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton
Published by the Gabriel Dumont Institute
Review by Arnold J. Isbister
Price $12.95 ISBN 978-0-920915-89-9

I found this book insightful and entertaining. It is a good read for young people and adults as well. It takes you into a young boy’s life and shows how his culture plays such an important part in his upbringing. The language of the story is simple with the words written as the people would talk in such situations. I love the full page (21×28cm) colored illustrations with the story in English and below in Michif. These dimensions make the book more entertaining and engaging and make it feel good in the hands as you read, especially to kids who want to see the images whilst peeking over your shoulder. They are big, full of color and full of life, making the imagination ‘dance’. I greatly admire the imagery like the supper scene or the scene where Uncle Bunny is sitting and starting to play his violin as his foot taps the floor. These bring back fond memories that most can identify with. This is why I recommend this book for adults as well because most who have lived this life will remember and go back to their younger years. This book is perfect for a Moushoom to Nooshishim bedtime story where I see both falling asleep with smiles on their faces.

In addition to being a good read with fantastic imagery, I thought the glossary was a great idea. The recipe idea and add-on was genius and should be expanded on, maybe including some cultural staples such as bannock and Muskeg tea. Last but not least is the CD with actual music from this culture that makes you live the story. Play the tunes as you read and the imagery becomes that much more vivid.

“THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM “

Published in:  on 3 November 2009 at 11:59 am Leave a Comment
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Stories of Our People/Lii zistwayr di la naasyoon di Michif: A Métis Graphic Novel Anthology

Stories of Our People/Lii zistwayr di la naasyoon di Michif: A Métis Graphic Novel Anthology
By Norman Fleury, Gilbert Pelletier, Jeanne Pelletier, Joe Welsh, Norma Welsh, Janice DePeel, Carrie Saganace
Published by the Gabriel Dumont Institute
Review by Marie Powell Mendenhall
Price: $30.00 CDN ISBN: 978-0-920915-86-8

[Ed. Note: SPG believes every school and library in Canada should have this book on their shelves.] Five illustrated stories in this graphic novel anthology mix Michif and English to blend Cree, Ojibway, and French-Canadian folklore. This anthology seeks to create a bridge between the oral storytelling tradition and print with illustrated stories, retold in prose versions, followed by transcripts of interviews with the storytellers. As well, two essays provide an introduction to the cultural stories, and references suggest further resources.

The first story introduces three trickster characters: Chi-Jean, Wiisakaychak, and Nanabush, on a visit to Mother Nature. Later, Chi-Jean appears again in the humorous story a Mooshum (grandfather) tells a group of children.

In most of these stories, ordinary characters meet extraordinary ones, including some darker creatures: roogaroos (shapeshifters or werewolves), whiitigos (cannibal spirits), and paakuks (flying skeletons).

Sometimes foolish or unwitting actions attract these supernatural forces. In one story, for instance, reckless living causes two young men to attract the attention of li Jiyaab (the devil). In another, whipping a grave with a horse whip causes an unexpected haunting.

Protection against natural and supernatural disaster comes from the wisdom the elders, or li vieu (Old People). Whether giving a charm to ward off whiitigos or taking action to settle restless spirits, li vieu know how to handle the situation.

Stories of Our People was compiled from stories told by several elders, and their brief biographies with sketches appear at the back of the book. Other material collected during this project can be found on “The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture” website (www.metismuseum.ca).

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM

Published in:  on 21 January 2009 at 10:32 am Comments (1)
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