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by William Dumas (Author), Rhian Brynjolson (Illustrator)
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with The Medicine Way, a captivating children's picture book that explores Rocky Cree traditions and pre-colonial history in Northern Manitoba for ages 9 to 12.
As the birds head south for tākwākin--the autumn or fall season--a Rocky Cree family begins their yearly journey to hunt, gather traditional medicines, and learn from relatives in the heartland. Everyone has a clear purpose except for young Mwakwa, who struggles to find his miskanaw (the path for his life). While his cousin proudly leads his first moose hunt, Mwakwa knows he is not meant to be a hunter. How can he contribute to his community?
Everything changes when Mwakwa meets his relative Opimotiho, a revered stargazer and keeper of oral history. Through astronomy and star charts, Mwakwa discovers a new way of reading the night sky.
Beautifully illustrated, this historical picture book for ages 9 to 12 offers a vital window into the enduring science, wisdom, and resilience of Indigenous People.
This book is an essential classroom and library resource:
- Deep historical context: An authentic, meticulously researched look at pre-colonial history and community life before European contact, expanding student understanding of Indigenous history.
- Indigenous languages and literacy: Integrates authentic Asiniskaw Ithiniwak (Rocky Cree) terminology inline, providing young readers with direct exposure to an Indigenous language.
- STEM and cultural science crossover: Bridges astronomy, geography, and seasonal cycles with Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous culture.
- Easy-to-use lesson plans: Supports educators with a comprehensive, free teacher guide available for download directly from the HighWater Press website, making it a perfect fit for elementary school curricula.
Back Jacket
A great read and teaching tool for National Indigenous History Month!
A Rocky Cree family in Northern Manitoba travels to hunt, gather medicines, and learn from their relatives during the fall season of tākwākin in this historical picture book for ages 9 to 12.
As the seasons change and the birds head south, a Rocky Cree family makes their yearly journey to see relatives and teachers in the heartland. Each of the family members receives teachings and shares their own knowledge with their mentors in this community. All except for Mwakwa, who hasn't yet chosen the skill that will define his miskanaw, or the path for his life.
As he helps his relatives prepare for winter, Mwakwa wonders what his gifts might be. His cousin Mikisiw wants to be a hunter and leads his first moose hunt while the family is visiting, but Mwakwa knows he isn't a hunter. How can he contribute to the community?
When Mwakwa meets his uncle Opimotiho, a stargazer and storyteller, he learns a new way of looking at the night sky. But is Mwakwa brave enough to leave his family to become the stargazer's apprentice?
Access the free teacher guide at the HighWater Press website.
