Young Adult Nonfiction Aboriginal & Indigenous
Siksikaitsitapi
Stories of the Blackfoot People
- Publisher
- Durvile Publications
- Initial publish date
- Apr 2022
- Category
- Aboriginal & Indigenous, Native American Languages, Indigenous Studies
- Recommended Age
- 11 to 18
- Recommended Grade
- 6 to 12
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781988824833
- Publish Date
- Apr 2022
- List Price
- $29.95
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
Siksikaitsitapi: Stories of the Blackfoot People brings together seven authors who share stories rooted in both oral traditions and personal experiences. Many of the stories are presented in both Blackfoot and English, accompanied by full-colour illustrations and photographs that bring Blackfoot traditional and contemporary cultures to life. The Blackfoot Confederacy consists of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, and Amskapi Piikuni Nations of Southern Alberta and Montana.
- Payne Many Guns captures how the Blackfoot People live in harmony with the land, animals, and stars in their traditional homelands.
- Crystal Many Fingers shares a delightful modern tale about animals, their gifts, and their purpose on Earth.
- Sheena Potts beautifully illustrates the many ways love is woven into Blackfoot traditions and culture.
- Tim Fox tells a humorous story about mice celebrating, much to the curiosity of the raven Napi and a group of dogs who want to join in.
- Marlene Yellow Horn reflects on the teachings she received as a child, offering a personal account of the Elders' traditional and sacred knowledge.
- DerRic Starlight shares the tale of Morning Star and his diverse, loving family.
The book includes a foreword by Alayna Many Guns.
About the authors
Crystal Many Fingers' profile page
Latasha Calf Robe's profile page
Marlene Yellow Horn's profile page
DerRic is a comedian, puppeteer, author, and pro-wrestling promoter. He has appeared in many television productions with APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) and has won a Gemini Award of Canada as a voice actor. His puppetry has recently been featured in the Fragglerock Television Series.
Excerpt: Siksikaitsitapi: Stories of the Blackfoot People (by (author) Payne Many Guns, Crystal Many Fingers, Sheena Potts, Latasha Calf Robe, Tim Fox, Marlene Yellow Horn & DerRic Starlight; foreword by Alayna Many Guns)
Excerpt From A’pistotooki kii Ihkitsik Kaawa’pomaahkaa Creator and the Seven Animals By Crystal Many Fingers
It was iksisto (hot) on a niipo (summer) morning, Natosi (the sun) was shining brightly in the sspoohtsi (sky). Seven of the kaawa’pomaahkaa (animals) had gathered together to say their regular morning aatsimoyihkaan (prayers). They were seated in an ao’takii (a circle). “Ayo Ihtsipaitapiiyao’p (Oh Great Spirit and Source of Life) Ayo A’pistotooki (Our Creator) Isspommookinnaan (Help us)” Immoyiitapi (Big Foot) led the group as they asked A’pistotooki (Creator) for help from harm. After they said Aatssimoyihkaan (prayers), Ksisskstaki (Beaver), the one who had sopoksistawa’si (grown in wisdom) asked, “Why did A’pistotooki (Creator) put us here on this ksaahkomm (Earth)?” All of the other kaawa’pomaahkaa (animals) nodded their heads in agreement. “Yes, please O Great Spirit, A’pistotooki, tell us why we were put here on this ksaahkomm (Earth).” All of a sudden, waahkanaapinako (a beautiful sunbeam) shone down through the soksistsiko (clouds). It shone directly down on the kaawa’pomaahkaa (animals). All of them looked up sspoohtsi (skyward). A loud voice began to speak, “I am A’pistotooki (your Creator). I will now tell you why you have each been put on this ksaahkomm (Earth).” “Ksisskstaki (Beaver), since you are the first one to ask and since you cherish the knowledge, you will be the one to Sopoksistawa’si (grow in wisdom). You will have the gift of being able to move the Aohkii (water) and you will protect it and all who dwells in them. You will also protect the maohtoksko (trees) and soi’stipikiaaki (berries) that also live along the niitahtaa (river). This will greatly help the Niitsitapi (Real People). The Niitsitapi will always honour the great Aohkii iksissta’pssi (water spirits) in their Aatssimoyihkaan (prayers).” “Kiaayo (Bear), you are the protector of the ikso’kowa (relatives), the Nookoossinnaaniksi (children), Ninnaaniksi (fathers), Niksisstsinnanniksi (mothers), and Naahsinnanniksi (grandparents) of the Niitsitapi (Real People). Because of this, you will always be sskonata’pssi (industrious and strong). You will be iiyikitapiiyi (brave and fearless) as you roam the ksaahkomm (Earth). You will be considered an awaawahkao’tsii (warrior) to all because of how you strive to protect them.”
End of Excerpt
Editorial Reviews
“Children everywhere can learn through Blackfoot storytelling.” — Beverly Hungry Wolf, author of The Ways of My Grandmothers
