The Gift of the Little People

I love traditional stories. There is a certain magic that comes from reading and/or listening to a story told in the oral tradition. There is a sense of grandeur and importance knowing that these stories have made their way to our hearts through generations. The Gift of the Little People by William Dumas and Rhian Brynjolson is a Rocky Cree story about how traditional medicines came to the Rocky Cree people.

It is spring and the Rocky Cree people are heading out across mistiwāsahak (Hudson Bay) to trade with the travelers who have come with the sharpest knives and the best pots for cooking. The travelers are interested in the furs of the Rocky Cree. The trouble begins when the delegation arrives home, bringing a strange sickness with them. Kākakiw, an old medicine man living in the village, knowing the sickness will decimate his people, prays for guidance. When one of the Little People comes to Kākakiw in a dream, he sets off on a journey to save his people.

Part of the Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak Series, The Gift of the Little People shares traditional knowledge of the Rocky Cree with readers everywhere, preserving the stories for future generations and teaching young readers the importance of traditional ways. There is so much to learn from Elders, none more important than teachings that demonstrate the important relationship between humans and the Earth. In this story, the Little People gifted Kākakiw with medicines, plants, to help cure sickness, medicines that continue to be used today among the Rocky Cree. These stories connect readers to cultures and traditions that may be theirs but also may not and further demonstrate the breadth of traditions all around us. William Dumas clearly writes from his heart, with a generosity of words to convey this story to young readers. There is also an excellent pronunciation guide at the back to guide non Rocky Cree speakers.

I love the format for this story. The size of the book is small, more like a novel and there are illustrations throughout making the book an excellent choice for readers who still love picture books but are looking for a deeper or longer story.

Rhian Brynjolson’s illustrations are remarkable, carrying the story from page to page. She chooses a simple colour palette, embodying the natural world and the mysticism in the story.