Children's Fiction Native Canadian
The Giving Tree
A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story
- Publisher
- Gabriel Dumont Institute
- Initial publish date
- Jan 2009
- Category
- Native Canadian
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9780920915905
- Publish Date
- Jan 2009
- List Price
- $12.95
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 6
- Grade: 1
Description
This charming story, richly steeped in Métis culture, focuses on the boyhood reminisces of Moushoom as he describes finding the “great giving tree” with his mother and father. This vibrantly illustrated children’s book is a beautiful retelling of a traditional Métis story. Both Leah Marie Dorion and the Gabriel Dumont Institute are very pleased to share this story with the Métis and larger communities since it emphasizes Métis core values and beliefs including strength, kindness, courage, tolerance, honesty, respect, love, sharing, caring, balance, patience, and most of all, the important connection with the Creator and Mother Earth. This resource also includes a Métis values chart, and an accompanying narration CD in English and Michif.
About the authors
Leah Dorion (B.Ed., B.A., M.A.) is a Metis artist raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. A teacher, painter, filmmaker and writer, Leah views her Metis heritage as providing her with a unique bridge for knowledge that connects all people. She has numerous creative projects to her credit, including academic papers for the Royal Commission of Aboriginal Peoples, books for children, gallery showings of her art works, and numerous video documentaries that showcase Metis culture and history. Leah’s paintings honour the spiritual strength of Aboriginal women and the sacred feminine.
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.
Awards
- Short-listed, Willow Awards - Shining Willow Award
Librarian Reviews
The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story
This story within a story, written in both English and Michif, describes the significance of a particular Manitoba maple to the Métis people. The grandfather narrating the story describes his boyhood joy and delight every time his family approached this tree, as it was the “Métis way” to stop for tea and bannock there. His father showed him that within the hollow of the tree was a cache of items left by travellers for anyone in a time of need. The hollow was also a message centre, and a symbol of honesty and respect and of the earth’s bounty. Includes a “Red River Cart Wheel” of the teachings used in the story, a description of the Métis Infinity flag and a CD with narration in both English and Michif.Dorion is a Métis artist, writer, curriculum developer, lecturer and researcher.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2010-2011.
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