Siha Tooskin Knows the Sacred Eagle Feather

by Charlene Bearhead, Wilson Bearhead, Chloe Bluebird Mustooch (Illustrator)

Overview

Paul Wahasaypa—Siha Tooskin—can find eagle feathers in Ade’s truck, on the dream catcher above his bed, on his Uncle Lenard’s bustle, and in with the smudge bowls in all of his relatives’ homes. Paul already knows that the eagle is important because of the way that his family respects and cares for eagle feathers. Now he’s old enough for the teachings of where the feathers come from and why they are so sacred. Walk with Paul and Mitoshin (his grandfather) so you too will understand the teaching of the sacred eagle feather.

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781553798491
Publisher:	Portage & Main Press
Publication date:	05/26/2020
Series:	Siha Tooskin Knows , #2
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.10(d)
Lexile:	960L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Charlene Bearhead (she/her/hers) is an educator and Indigenous education advocate living in Treaty 6 Territory in central Alberta. She was the first Education Lead for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Education Coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Charlene was recently honoured with the Alumni Honours Award from the University of Alberta and currently serves as the Director of Reconciliation for Canadian Geographic. She is a mother and a grandmother who began writing stories to teach her own children as she raised them. Adaptations of these stories have now been published as the Siha Tooskin Knows series, which she co-wrote with her husband, Wilson.

Wilson Bearhead (he/him/his) is a Nakota Elder and Wabamun Lake First Nation member in Treaty 6 Territory (central Alberta). A recent recipient of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation Indigenous Elder Award, he co-wrote the Siha Tooskin Knows series with his wife, Charlene. Currently Wilson is a board member for the Roots of Resilience Education Foundation. Wilson’s grandmother, Annie, was a powerful, positive influence in his young life, teaching him all of the lessons that gave him the strength, knowledge, and skills to overcome difficult times and embrace the gifts of life.

Chloe Bluebird Mustooch (she/her/hers) is from the Alexis Nakoda Sioux Nation of Central Alberta, and is a recent graduate of the Emily Carr University of Art & Design. She is a seamstress, beadworker, illustrator, painter, and sculptor. She was raised on the reservation, and was immersed in hunting, gathering, and traditional rituals, and has also lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an area rich in art and urbanity.

What People are Saying About This

Marie Wilson

Reconciliation is a big word, and it is a big job. Authors Wilson and Charlene Bearhead show us that even storybook characters can help when they are brought alive in authentic cultural settings. Meet Paul Wahasaypa, also known as Siha Tooskin or Little Foot, as he dances his way through these colourful pages, sharing some of the things he loves most with his new, non-Indigenous friend Jeff…his culture, his powwow dances, and even his beloved Uncle Lenard with all his teachings and teasing! More than an adventure between new friends, this is a colourful, youth-friendly, cultural exchange based on kindness, respect, and willingness to share and to learn.

Tanya Talaga

#SihaTooskinKnows…, with its words and illustrations, is a love letter to our family, culture, resilience, and pride.

Editorial Reviews

Reconciliation is a big word, and it is a big job. Authors Wilson and Charlene Bearhead show us that even storybook characters can help when they are brought alive in authentic cultural settings. Meet Paul Wahasaypa, also known as Siha Tooskin or Little Foot, as he dances his way through these colourful pages, sharing some of the things he loves most with his new, non-Indigenous friend Jeff…his culture, his powwow dances, and even his beloved Uncle Lenard with all his teachings and teasing! More than an adventure between new friends, this is a colourful, youth-friendly, cultural exchange based on kindness, respect, and willingness to share and to learn.

Marie Wilson

Among The Globe and Mail's twelve children’s books that will inspire and enlighten

The Globe and Mail

Among Best Books for Kids & Teens, a starred selection of exceptional caliber

The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC)

#SihaTooskinKnows…, with its words and illustrations, is a love letter to our family, culture, resilience, and pride.

Tanya Talaga

There are many reasons to love this series. Highly Recommended.

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