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Come Walk in My Moccasins Newsletter
February 2017
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In this issue:
Children's Books: We Sang You Home, Many Nations, Fishing with Grandma
Our Stories: Ayagaaq String Stories
Our Ways: Parents are pregnant together!
Our Words: Mohawk Commands Children's Story and Song: Paa Paa Sey (Woodpecker) Indigenous Game: Sting Games
Traditional Arts: Medicine Bags
Recipe: Pumpkin Pancakes
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| We need YOU! Help us become more inclusive of the many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples among our readership. Share an Indigenous recipe, song, or traditional art through Come Walk in My Moccasins. Contact aflccanada@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming a guest contributor.
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| In First Nation spirituality the sacred circle is used everywhere. The medicine wheel is a circle, traditional dances go in a circle, gatherings are held within a circle of people. The drums they play are round, the sweat lodges are round, the shell/bowl that is used to smudge is round. The sacred circle symbol represents the cycle of life in all forms and reminds us that we are all equal within this circle of life.
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| We Sang You Home
For infants and toddlers
Gentle rhyming text captures the wonder new parents feel as they welcome baby into the world. A celebration of the bond between parent and child, this is the perfect song to share with your little ones.
Internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author Richard Van Camp teams up with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett to create a stunning board book for babies and toddlers. (excerpt from Chapters.ca) |
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| Many Nations
For preschoolers
From Anishinaabe artists making birch bark bowls to Zuni elders saying prayers for the day that is done, the diversity of Native American cultures is simply presented in this unique and beautiful alphabet book by Joseph Bruchac. (excerpt from Amazon.ca)
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| Fishing with Grandma
For school-age children
"My sister and I were excited for a visit with our favourite elder, and we were hoping to convince her to take us out for an adventure!"
Adventure begins when Grandma takes her two grandchildren out for a trip to the lake. After showing the kids how to prepare for a fishing trip, Grandma and the kids enjoy a day of jigging in the ice for fish. Grandma shows them every step they need to know to complete a successful fishing trip, from what clothes to wear, to how to drill and clear holes in the ice, to how to make a traditional Inuit jigging rod. By the end of the day, the kids have a yummy meal of Arctic char, and they have also learned everything they need to know to go out on the lake on their own. (excerpt from Strongnations.com)
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| Ayagaaq String Stories
Discover the legacy of traditional String Stories in Inupiaq culture. This video shows the importance of learning cultural traditions that creates pride, pleasure, and community among all generations. (3 minutes)
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| Parents are Pregnant Together!
Tom Porter, Bear Clan from the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne, shares his teachings about how the thoughts and actions of both parents impact the development of babies during pregnancy. Porter teaches that both parents must be of 'good mind' throughout the nine months a mother is pregnant.
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| Mohawk Commands
These short everyday commands are spoken in Mohawk. Adults may find these short sentences helpful in supporting young children's language development.
Use meaningful gestures with the words, and repeat the directions in varied contexts throughout the day to help children recognize and remember unfamiliar sentences. (2 minute video) |
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Paa Paa Sey - Woodpecker Story and Song for children of all ages
Paa Paa Sey, is the Algonquin word for woodpecker. Anishinaabekwe Knowledge Keeper, Judi Montgomery shares an Algonquin story and song about the paa paa sey.
Paa Paa Sey Song (2:30 minutes)
(Paa Paa Sey may be spelled differently depending on the region and Algonquin speaker.) |
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| String Games
The Inuit were one of the many origins that came up with string games & figures. They were very skilled at coming up with advanced complicated and beautiful designs. Many Inuit people used string games to pass time or as a hobby; they also used string figures to create stories that were told by the fire.
String games and or figures were created by using string, sinew and leather thong. Currently nylon cord that is approximately 2 meters in length is used as well. To keep the string or material together it is usually tied or melted together to complete a smooth round working or playing surface.
Many well known string games are cat’s cradle, and owls eyes.
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| Making Medicine Bags
Medicine bags, also known as medicine pouches, are used by many nations and tribes. Although the origin is unknown, they have been adopted by many First Nations peoples. Medicine bags are spiritual objects, sacred and unique to each person. It is imperative that other people do not touch others' medicine bags. Items put into the bag are individual to the person to whom it belongs. Items could include traditional medicines, stones, crystals, feathers, shells - any item that has a connection to the person. The items could reflect the person's clan, animal spirit, or colour. There are no right or wrong medicine bags as they are all unique, different and special to the person making or wearing them. (Dunkley, S., 2017)
Learn how to make an Indigenous Medicine Bag with these simple step-by-step instructions from Kathleen Coleclough (Métis) in this demonstration video (6 minutes). |
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| Pumpkin Pancakes
Try making these pancakes made with pumpkin and served with maple syrup. |
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Indigenous Language Resources
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Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na provides Mohawk language and culture programming at the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory (the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte).
Programs include: Totáhne (At Grandma's House) for preschool children, Kawenna'ón:we Primary Immersion (K-4) and Shatiwennakará:tats, a program for Adults
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Canoe Kids
Canoe Kids is a family book for readers of all ages. These full-colour books explore indigenous cultures through authentic Indigenous voices.
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Sources for Indigenous books:
Indigenous Book Lending:
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| Reconciliation through Indigenous Education Free MOOC Open Online Course
January 24 - March 7, 2017 (registration is still open in February) |
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| Have a Heart for First Nations Children, Tyendinaga Breakfast and letter signing Friday, February 3, 2017
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| Full Moon Ceremony, Kingston Thursday, Februrary 9,2017 |
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Feature from February 2015 issue of Come Walk in My Moccasins:
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| Indigenous Family Literacy Circle Partners:
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Copyright 2016 Indigenous Family Literacy Circle
465 Advance Avenue, Napanee, Canada | |
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