AMŌ’S Sapotawan

In Book Two of the Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthininwak series, AMŌ’S Sapotawan, William Dumas and Rhian Brynjolson educate readers about Rocky Cree rites of passage through a young person’s story.

AMŌ is growing up and soon she will be entering her sapotawan and will choose the skill she will master to contribute to her community. As a member of the Moose family she is an artist and a craftsperson, she will pursue an apprenticeship as a maker, in this case a potter, making important vessels that will be vital to her community’s survival. Through a story about the day leading up to the ceremony, readers learn Rocky Cree knowledge and practical life skills.

This beautiful volume contains a wealth of information about the Rocky Cree, their past, present and future. Readers have the opportunity to learn about life during AMŌ’S time, roughly the 1600s and how the Rocky Cree people continue preserving and sharing the teachings of their ancestors. 

The book is large, filled with gorgeous illustrations, reflective of life in the 1600s as well as the present. I was also struck by the amount of teaching contained in the book. Throughout AMŌ’S story, through sidebars, readers learn more in depth of her experiences. We learn about the tools of the Rocky Cree potter, we learn the songs of the people as well as ceremonies and important teachings. We also learn some practical life skills, like what to do if you encounter a black bear in real life. 

I appreciate how this book will have longevity. For younger readers, AMŌ’S story is engaging and interesting just on its own. As readers grow, they can take advantage of all the learning and teachings in the sidebars as well as the glossary at the end. William Dumas is so generous in his teachings and with his words and knowledge, sharing stories of the Rocky Cree of the past and connecting with the Rocky Cree of the present. AMŌ’S Sapotawan is an engaging and fascinating trip back in time and a book that will help all remember our roles as citizens of the future, no matter where we are.

Rhian Brynjolson’s art is beautiful, reflecting the joy and honouring the Rocky Cree people. The landscapes are sprawling and the people beautiful and joyful.

For educators wanting to bring this book into your teaching, more information about the series and helpful resources is available at the Six Season Project: Teams – Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak (sixseasonsproject.ca)