• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 4 to 6
• Reading age: 6 to 12

Muinji’j has been waiting all his life to make this trip with his grandfather-a trip to the city to sell rich otter, beaver and muskrat pelts and bring back supplies to the village. It’s a long expedition that tests Muinji’j’s reserves of strength, patience and maturity. Just as he thinks he and his niskamij have faced all of their challenges, the worst happens-his naskamij falls ill. Although Muinji’j gathers the medicine his grandfather asks for, it doesn’t help fast enough. Both of them realize that there is only one solution: Muinji’j must continue the jou ey alone. He must face the challenges and mysteries of a city he has never seen, and retu to help his grandfather as well as his village that relies on him. Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe is the chief of the Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi - Conne River Mi’kmaq Tribal Nation in Newfoundland. The Miawpukek Band Reserve, which is the only one recognized in Newfoundland, has an on reserve population of approximately 700 people. The reserve is located on the south east shore of Newfoundland. The reserve covers an area of some 14 square miles. It lies 560 km from the capital city of St. John's and 180 km from the nearest services center, Grand Falls. Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe was bo in Miawpukek on June 4, 1947 into a strong Mi’kmaq family; both his grandfather and uncle have held the office of hereditary Saqamaw. He has been educated in all the Mi’kmaq ways and traditions. Currently, Mi’sel Joe is in his fourth consecutive two-year term as Administrative Chief. He is also the spiritual leader of his people. In this capacity he has gained recognition provincially, nationally and inte ationally, particularly in the area of spiritual healing. He lives together with his wife Colletta and granddaughter Ansalewit at Miawpukek First Nation in Newfoundland. Muinji’j Becomes a Man is his first book.

Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe is the chief of the Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi - Conne River Mi’kmaq Tribal Nation in Newfoundland. The Miawpukek Band Reserve, which is the only one recognized in Newfoundland, has an on reserve population of approximately 700 people. The reserve is located on the south east shore of Newfoundland. The reserve covers an area of some 14 square miles. It lies 560 km from the capital city of St. John's and 180 km from the nearest services center, Grand Falls. Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe was born in Miawpukek on June 4, 1947 into a strong Mi’kmaq family; both his grandfather and uncle have held the office of hereditary Saqamaw. He has been educated in all the Mi’kmaq ways and traditions. Currently, Mi’sel Joe is in his fourth consecutive two-year term as Administrative Chief. He is also the spiritual leader of his people. In this capacity he has gained recognition provincially, nationally and internationally, particularly in the area of spiritual healing. He lives together with his wife Colletta and granddaughter Ansalewit at Miawpukek First Nation in Newfoundland.

Saqamaw Misel Joe's profile page

A trip for supplies becomes an unexpected challenge of strength and courage in this novel for middle readers. This simple and gentle story by first-time author Mi'sel Joe offers a glimpse of Mi'kmaq life in Newfoundland early in the 20th century. Clara Dunn's black and white sketches provide a visual sense of the characters and life on the land. With it’s curriculum friendly themes… it's emphasis on strong values and a humourous encounter, Muinji'j Becomes a Man has appeal for teachers, parents and children alike.

Quill & Quire

Young readers will leave this novel wiser in the ways of early 20th-century native life and spiritual values.

Susan Perren, the Globe and Mail

Muinji'j Becomes a Man

Muinji’j has been waiting all his life to make this trip with his grandfather – a trip to the city to sell otter, beaver and muskrat pelts, and bring back supplies to the village. It’s a long expedition that tests Muinji’j’s reserves of strength, patience and maturity. But then, the worst happens – his naskamij falls ill. Muinji’j must continue the journey alone, face the challenges and mysteries of a city he has never seen, and return to help his grandfather as well as his village that relies on him.

This book explores the themes of survival and perseverance. The author is a member of the Mi’kmaq tribe and as spiritual leader, he tells an authentic story about the culture and traditions of his people. Muninji’s adventures paint a clear picture of Aboriginal people who sell animal pelts in the city and bring back supplies to their home village. This book can be shared to support studies of First Nations people. A translated version is a useful companion to this short novella.