kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk?

indigenoustutoring
21 hours ago
2 min read

kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk?/What’s in a Bead?

Title: kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk/ What’s in a Bead?

Age Rating: 6-9 years old

Genre: Educational, Arts & crafts

Kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk?/What’s in a Bead? is a children’s book written by Nbisiing Nishnaabe author Kelsey Borgford. The book was published in 2024 by Second Story Press, who are dedicated to publishing feminist, inclusive, and empowering books for adults and young readers. The book is illustrated by Tessa Pizzale, an Indigenous artist from Ontario, who not only illustrates books but also makes handcrafted leather regalia belts.

What’s in a Bead? is about a Cree girl named Tessa, who wants to learn the art of beading from her grandmother. The story follows Tessa, who learns from her mother and grandmother as they teach her about Cree customs. Tessa learns about the history behind beading and the difference in designs used by Indigenous peoples. This book is a great educational tool to teach young readers about Indigenous history surrounding beading!

The book is written in English, but there is also a Cree and English Version translated by Angela Sisheesh and Duane Linklater. The edition contains both Ininîmowin (Cree, N-dialect) and English. A perfect book to have in a classroom or read for fun!

Kelsey Borgford is also the author of Once the Smudge is Lit, a poetry collection published in 2024.

To purchase What’s in a Bead?, see the links below!:

Or go to your local library to borrow the book! Here are some links to get you started:

Prince George Public Library

Calgary Public Library

Markham Public Library

Toronto Public Library