• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: p to 2

Alex is attending her first Mi'kmaw spiritual gathering, or mawiomi. Though she is timid at first, older cousin Matthew takes her under his wing. Meeting Elders along the way, they learn about traditional Mi'kmaw culture: the sacred fire, drumming, tanning and moccasin decorating, basket- and canoe-making, and enjoy a Mi'kmaw feast. Most importantly, Alex finds her voice in the talking circle.

With contemporary illustrations by the bestselling illustrator Art Stevens, The Gathering is an inclusive story that will educate and entertain Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike.

Theresa Meuse is the former chief of Bear River First Nation and has worked in various jobs with Mi’kmaq organizations. She is an educator and advisor and author of a children’s book titled The Sharing Circle. Lesley Choyce is the publisher of Pottersfield Press, an English instructor in Dalhousie University’s Transition Year Program and the author of a number of books. Julia Swan is an editor with Pottersfield Press and teaches English at Dalhousie University.

Theresa Meuse's profile page

Arthur Stevens is a Mi’kmaq community member from Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia. Throughout his professional and personal life Arthur has worked with and for Indigenous peoples and organizations across Atlantic Canada. As a published artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, Arthur is an award-winning Indigenous professional who takes pride in sharing his creative works and is always looking for artistic opportunities that engage and promote connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Art Stevens' profile page

• Short-listed, First Nation Communities Read
• Winner, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Spring

"Teachers, librarians, and parents looking to purchase and use authentic indigenous children's literature will be rewarded by the book. A Mi'kmaw reader will be pleased to see her or his culture respectfully represented in a manner that embraces the past and present." —Canadian Review of Materials