Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters
- Publisher
- Nimbus Publishing
- Initial publish date
- Apr 2017
- Category
- General
- Recommended Age
- 4 to 8
- Recommended Grade
- 2
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781771085076
- Publish Date
- Apr 2017
- List Price
- $12.95
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781774713785
- Publish Date
- Apr 2017
- List Price
- $8.99
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
The story of Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters is a very old Mi'kmaw legend. It happens in the North Sky as the stars that show the story of Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters move around Tatapn, the North Star.
In pictures in this book you can see how these stars, shown as they appear two hours before dawn, move through the night sky. They are in a different position each of the seasons because they are the time-keepers, the calendar. All through the year, as the stars and plants travel through the sky, the Mi'kmaq watch the story of Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters as it unfolds before their eyes.
About the authors
Prune Harris is a mother of two, originally from Cornwall in England but now living in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She is a member of the Integrative Science team at Cape Breton University, directed by Dr. Cheryl Bartlett.
Lilian Marshall's profile page
Murdena Marshall is a mother of six, grandmother of fourteen, great-grandmother of five and godmother of eight. She is the Clan Mother of the Muin Clan. She says, “I have two loves in the world. First and foremost is my language and second is my relationship with God.”
Murdena Marshall's profile page
Cheryl Bartlett pours her mother-love into countless students as a Professor at Cape Breton University. She most cherishes being in nature camping with friends, family and her three dogs.
Librarian Reviews
Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters: A Mi'kmaw Night Sky Story
This Mi’kmaw traditional sky story, in Mi'kmaq and English, explains the movement of Ursa Major (Big Dipper) around the North Star (Tatapn) during each of the seasons. As such, the stars were the calendar before modern timekeeping. The seven hunters, each a star of Ursa Major, are different species of birds who are trying to catch their prey, the bear (muin). During winter the bear’s spirit enters another bear, continuing a never-ending cycle. Each of the birds has a different personality, reinforcing cultural expectations like generosity and gratitude. The unique illustrations track the progress of the stars. The story also layers science and legend. An online version is noted where one can hear the original language. Includes an extensive glossary.Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2011-2012.
