Stories of Our People
A Métis Graphic Novel Anthology
- Publisher
- Gabriel Dumont Institute
- Initial publish date
- Jan 2008
- Category
- History
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9780920915868
- Publish Date
- Jan 2008
- List Price
- $30.00
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 11
- Grade: 6
Description
This groundbreaking book—the first graphic novel produced in Saskatchewan and the first Métis stories graphic novel—is part of the Gabriel Dumont Institute’s mandate to produce innovative and culturally-affirming Métis resources. Stories of Our People is a graphic novel anthology which includes the storytellers’ original transcripts, prose renditions of the transcripts, and five illustrated stories. This community-based book is steeped in the Michif-Cree language and culture.
Métis stories seamlessly blend characters and motifs from Cree, Ojibway and French-Canadian traditions into an exciting, unique synthesis. Métis stories are an invaluable treasure because they tell familiar stories in interesting ways while preserving elements of storytelling that have become rare to the Métis’ ancestral cultures. Stories of Our People includes stories about the three Métis tricksters (Wiisakaychak, Nanabush, and Chi-Jean), werewolves (Roogaroos), cannibal spirits (Whiitigos), flying skeletons (Paakuks), and the Devil (li Jiyaab).
About the authors
Originally from St. Lazare, Manitoba, Norman Fleury is a gifted storyteller and teacher. Dedicated to the conservation and promotion of the Michif language, he has contributed to dozens of language resources. He currently teaches Michif in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan.
Gilbert Pelletier's profile page
Awards
- Short-listed, Saskatchewan Book Awards - First Peoples' Publishing Award
Librarian Reviews
Stories of Our People: A Métis Graphic Novel Anthology
This is a collection of five Métis stories ranging from the very traditional tales of Nanabush the trickster to more modern stories of Roogaroos (werewolves) and Whiitigos (cannibal spirits). Each story is told three ways: in a graphic format, in a short story format and in an interview format. The illustrations are simple but bright and attractive. The writing in all three formats is clear and easy to follow. This collection demonstrates the depth and importance of these stories to Métis culture and beliefs. The transcription of the interviews will be an important addition to any classroom studying oral storytelling tradition.Fleury also wrote The Canadian Michif Language Dictionary.
Caution: Some students might find some stories frightening.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2009-2010.
Other titles by
Road Allowance Kitten: Broken Promises
The Voyageurs
Forefathers of the Métis Nation
The Big Tease
A Story of Eliza Delorme and her Cousin, Édouard Beaupré, the Willow Bunch Giant
Métis Camp Circle
A Bison Culture Way of Life
Métis Christmas Mittens
Towards a Prairie Atonement
La Lawng: Michif Peekishkwewin Vol. 1
Language Practice
Road Allowance Kitten
Manny's Memories
My First Métis Lobstick
A Story of Métis Life During the Voyageur Fur Trade Days
