“We need to be careful that we don’t hurt the gifts that are given to us.” Told in paskwâwinîmowin (Plains Cree), anihšināpēmowin, (Saulteaux), and English, this simple tale of traditional teachings and values follows a grandparent and grandchild on a visit to a chokecherry patch, where lessons about respect and gratitude for the earth’s gifts are shared.

Awards:
Winner. 2023 Saskatchewan Book Awards: Publishing in Education Award
Winner. 2023 Saskatchewan Book Awards: Indigenous Peoples’ Publishing Award
Finalist. Indigenous Peoples’ Writing Award
Winner. 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Children’s Picture Book #OwnVoices
Finalist. 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Children’s Educational Picture Book
Winner. Silver Medal. Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, 2022.
2022 Best Books for Kids & Teens.
2020–2022 IBBY Canada From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books collection.

Alberta-Rose Bear is a Cree First Nation woman from George Gordon First Nation and a recent graduate of the First Nations University of Canada Indigenous Education program. Alberta teaches Grade 1 at George Gordon First Nation. Her culture and heritage will always be deeply rooted in her life.Dr. Kathleen O’Reilly is a professor in the Department of Indigenous Education, Health, and Social Work at First Nations University of Canada. She teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in social justice, language, literacy, and research with Indigenous peoples. Her main areas of research include memories of school, self-study, and Indigenizing the Academy.

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Lindsey Bear is a Cree woman from the George Gordon First Nation. Like her sister, Alberta, Lindsey is a recent graduate of the First Nations University of Canada Indigenous Education Program. When not teaching Grade 8 in her home community of George Gordon’s First Nation, Lindsey enjoys painting, drawing, and beading.

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