Powwow Counting in Cree
by Penny M Thomas & Melinda Josie
Description:
Publisher's description (Highwater Press, 2013):
This unique counting book introduces children to numbers one to ten in Cree. Discover vibrant illustrations on every page that reflect the rich culture and traditions of the Cree people. Through rhyme, rhythm, and powwow imagery, this book makes language learning a joyful experience for young readers.
A pronunciation guide is included in the back of the book.
Author biography (Highwater Press, 2013):
Penny M. Thomas, of Cree-Ojibway background, believes in approaching healing from all directions, with storytelling key to this purpose. She is an advocate for First Nations people and works in the field of psychology and therapy. Her first book for children, Powwow Counting in Cree, is the winner of the McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award.
Melinda Josie (she/her/hers), a graduate of Sheridan College, is an award-winning artist and illustrator. Her illustrations appear in children’s books, magazines, and commercial projects. An accomplished fine artist, Melinda has had a number of gallery shows and private commissions. Her work reflects the nature and magic of her Northern Ontario roots. She currently lives in Toronto.
Resource format: Picturebook
Age recommendation: Pre-K to Grade 1
Keywords: counting, numbers, Cree, language, language learning, culture, tradition, regalia, animals, seven teachings, drumming, singing, story, dancing, glossary, counting to ten
Year of publication: 2013
Publisher information: Highwater Press
Teaching and Learning Ideas
Our team collaborated with new teachers, alumni of the Werklund School of Education’s Bachelor of Education program, to create teaching and learning plans for texts in this website. With audiences ranging from Pre-Kindergarten to Post-Secondary, lesson plans across this resource address a wide range of school subject areas, inclusive approaches, and Indigenous education topics, such as the revitalization of Indigenous languages. As this website was designed with Undergraduate Programs in Education instructors, as well as teachers in mind, connections to UPE courses have been flagged on each lesson plan. These lessons are intended as a starting place for educators, to help you envision ways in which you might bring Indigenous literatures, as well as ways of knowing, being, and doing, into your teaching contexts. Please adapt, use, and share these lessons in ways that are generative for your teaching practice. We offer our sincere thanks to the dozens of new teachers who gifted us with these creative ideas!
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