Publisher Description

Paul Wahasaypa—Siha Tooskin—has invited his friend, Jeff, to a powwow. It's Jeff's very first powwow, and is he ever nervous! What if he says or does the wrong thing? Grass dancers, Fancy Shawl dancers, Chicken dancers—what does it all mean? Follow along as Jeff learns all about the dances and their beautiful traditions. See you at the powwow!The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Author Biography

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.

Review

#SihaTooskinKnows..., with its words and illustrations, is a love letter to our family, culture, resilience, and pride. -- Tanya Talaga, journalist and author
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, Commissioner, TRC of Canada , 2009-2015
Among Toronto Public Library's TD Summer Reading Club Top Recommended Reads (2021) list * TD Summer Reading Club *
...the use of humour, historical content and details of how a powwow is run helps bridge gaps of knowledge for readers who may have no knowledge of what a powwow is. Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance sets out to inform, educate and include the reader and does it in a way that works. Highly Recommended -- John Dryden * CM Association *
There are many reasons to love this series. Highly Recommended. * Bit About Books *
5 out of 5 starsI loved this story. Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance is a beautiful story about friendship and curiosity. I loved the way this story explains powwows and the importance of each type of dancer. In this story, Jeff goes to the powwow with Siha Tooskin and gets to learn and experience something so special. * NetGalley *
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) *

Promotional

Thundering drums, rattling hooves, clinking jingles—come along with Paul, Jeff, and Uncle Lenard to the powwow!

Review Quote

...the use of humour, historical content and details of how a powwow is run helps bridge gaps of knowledge for readers who may have no knowledge of what a powwow is. Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance sets out to inform, educate and include the reader and does it in a way that works. Highly Recommended

Promotional "Headline"

Thundering drums, rattling hooves, clinking jingles--come along with Paul, Jeff, and Uncle Lenard to the powwow!

Feature

An 11-year-old boy learns about his family's (Indigenous) Nakota teachings. A coming-of-age story about a Nakota boy learning about his identity and developing a sense of cultural responsibility in a contemporary, urban setting. Touches upon issues of environmental ecology and bullying. An Indigenous (Nakota) boy learns aspects of traditional teachings in a highly positive way in an urban prairie setting (near Edmonton). Charlene Bearhead is a well-respected educator, Indigenous education advocate, mother, and grandmother who instinctively knows how to instruct and communicate with children. Wilson Bearhead is a beloved Nakota Elder and Wabamun Lake First Nation community member who is a much sought-after presenter by Canadian educators for his storytelling gifts. The Nakota lessons aim for universality, informing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers. The relatable characters discuss and discover how traditional teachings can play a vital role in contemporary life. Nakota artist adds an extra layer of Indigenous authenticity with her dynamic illustrations.

Description for Sales People

Key Selling Points A coming-of-age story about a Nakota boy learning about his identity and developing a sense of cultural responsibility in a contemporary, urban setting. Also touches on issues of environmental ecology and bullying. Charlene Bearhead and Wilson Bearhead are both well-respected and accomplished educators and storytellers. A part of the Siha Tooskin Knows series with teachings that show an Indigenous community and family in a positive light. Nakota lessons aim for universality, informing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers. This book illustrates how traditional teachings can play a vital role in contemporary life. Dynamic illustrations by Nakota artist Chloe Bluebird Mustooch bring this story to life.

Details