Subject: Indigenous Family Literacy Circle January 2019 Newsletter

View this email online if it doesn't display correctly
Come Walk in My Moccasins Newsletter
January 2019

 
In this issue:
Books: On Mother's Lap,Thirteen Moons on Turtles Back, Sky Sisters,The Gift of Stars Anangoog Meegiwiewinan
Our Music: Sosà:n Niwákeri:yo (Suzy Snowflake) 
Our Words: Ojibwe Language Lesson
Our Stories: Midwinter Ceremonies
Our Traditions: Haudenosaunee Year (Thirteen Moons)
Recipe: Corn Soup
Did you know?
The First Nation Child and Family Caring Society, https//fncaringsociety.com, stands with First Nations children, youth and families so they have equitable opportunities to grow up safely at home, be healthy, get a good education and be proud of who they are.

Personal Reflection Question…
What are “equitable opportunities” for children, youth and families?

Featured Books
On Mother's Lap

Infant and Toddler

On Mother's Lap is a board book that celebrates an Inuit mother's love. A young boy named Michael enjoys a special quiet time being rocked on his mother's lap in the big rocking chair. As the pair rock back and forth, Michael realizes that some of his special toys also want to be included. One by one, Michael gathers his special Inuk dolly, boat, puppy, and Caribou blanket. Mother's lap has room for all the toys and the pet dog. But when Mother hears baby sister, she says that baby wants to cuddle too. Michael is not so sure and says there is not enough room for his sister on mother's lap. Mother wisely gathers up her daughter and everyone fits nicely on mother's lap. They all snuggle together and Michael feels happy and safe. Mother gently tells him that there is always enough room on her lap. The pastel illustrations capture the gentle warmth of a modern Inuit family. Images of the Arctic winter can be glimpsed though the windows of the home. This gentle story transcends culture and celebrates the universality of a mother's love for her children. (excerpt from GoodMinds.com)
Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back

Preschool and Kindergarten

To many Native Americans, the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. Each moon has its own special name that, while varying among the tribal nations, is consistent with the legend that the 13 scales on Old Turtle's back hold the key to these moons. The authors present 13 poems that take readers through the year, from the "Moon of Popping Trees"--when the "cottonwoods crack with frost"--to the "Big Moon" of the Abenakis. The book's effective design consists of verses in vertical columns at the left of each spread, with the remainder occupied by Locker's lush artwork. This unusual and intelligent book is an exemplary introduction to Native American culture with its emphasis on the importance of nature. (adapted from StrongNations.com)
Sky Sisters

Primary

Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits midnight dance. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. After an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the SkySpirits - the Northern Lights - dancing and shimmering in the night sky. This powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child's wonder. 
In 2005, SkySisters was the award recipient for First Nation Communities Read. (adapted from StrongNations.com)
The Gift of Stars Anangoog Meegiwiewinan

Young Adult

The Gift of the Stars: Anangoog Meegiwaewinan is a recently published collection of Ojibwe stories for children and young adults written by the renowned author and linguist Basil Johnston. This collection, commissioned by Zagamok Wasseyaankaan Anishinaabebiigewin, contains 10 read aloud stories in English. The Ojibwe language version follows each story. These legends and oral traditions are meant to be read aloud resources for elementary students. They are also suitable for adult literacy students and anyone interested in knowing more about Anishinaabe traditional stories. Some of the stories are the Dogs and their Friends; the Drum; and Name Giving. The author provides a valuable introduction for this collection and provides details about traditional Ojibwe stories and legends. (excerpt from GoodMinds.com)
Our Music 
Suzy Snowflake

In keeping with wintertime, children in the Kawennáon:we Primary Immersion program share a song they are leaning called Sosà:n Niwákeri:yo ("Suzy Snowflake") in Mohawk.

Mohawk and English translations are included in this video. (1 minute video)
Our Words

In this language lesson you will hear, repeat, and practice common expressions used to initiate conversations and to respond.  (5 minute video lesson)

This video lesson has been created by the University of Winnipeg and Wii Chii Learning Centre.
Our Stories
Midwinter Ceremonies

Midwinter Ceremonies are observed by those in the Iroquois Confederacy. Each Nation’s ceremonies will be different based on their own Community's understanding and experiences. This is the beginning of the Spiritual Year or what some might call a “New Years Ceremony”. This ceremony acknowledges the beginning of the cycle of Ceremonies, our connections, responsibilities and who we are as Haudenosaunee People. (2 minute video)
Our Traditions
The Haudenosaunee Year

Tracey Gazley, Knowledge Keeper from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, shares an overview of the Haudenosaunee calendar and the ceremonies that are celebrated throughout the 13 lunar cycles each year. Each moon is represented on the back of a turtle's shell. 
(2 minute audio)

Indigenous Fusion Recipe
Corn Soup

This recipe is made with white Indian (hominy) corn which can be found canned in many supermarkets. You may also substitute other types of corn for the hominy.

This recipe was submitted by an attendee at the Aboriginal Nutrition Network’s Revitalizing Connections Gathering in Thunder Bay, May 2014.
Indigenous Language Resources
Online Anishinaabemowin
Free Ojiibwe classes for one hour online every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
First Voices Kids
Interactive online resource for helping children learn words and phrases in 50 different Indigenous languages on Turtle Island!


Mohawk Words and Phrases
Translations in print and audio formats


Michif Language Resource
Translations in audio, video and print formats

Anishnaabemowin - Our Language Our Culture
Ojibwa language booklet

Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na provides Mohawk language and culture programming at the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory (the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte). They run several programs, including Totáhne (At Grandma's House) for preschool children, Kawenna'ón:we Primary Immersion (K-4) and Shatiwennakará:tats, a year long program for Adults.
Morning and Drop-in Programs
Kawenna'on:we Primary Immersion, Tyendinaga
Courses and Resources
NEW! Indigenous Ally Kit
Resource for Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Practitioners
Guide for Evaluating Indigenous Children's Books
Beauty in Movement: An Indigenous Guide to Physical Activity 
Pamphlet about the importance of physical activity and ideas to get children moving
Gathering Communities Making Connections
A list of resources and services for people of Indigenous Ancestry, and for those who work with them
Canoe Kids
A family book for readers of all ages that explores Indigenous cultures through authentic Indigenous voices


Sources for Indigenous books:
Indigenous Book Lending:
Events
Kingston Aboriginal Community Information Network Community Dinner, Kingston
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Beading Symposium, Toronto
Friday, January 25, 2019
View Details
Dreamcatcher Workshop, Tyendinaga, ON
Tuesday, January 30,2019
We All Pull Together First Peoples' Healing Conference, Kitchener, ON
Monday, February 11- Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Land as Our First Teacher, Vaughan, ON
Saturday April 27 - Sunday April, 28, 2019
Previous Issues of Come Walk in My Moccasins
We need YOU!
Help us become more inclusive of the many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples among our readership. Share an Indigenous recipe, song, or traditional art through Come Walk in My Moccasins. Contact aflccanada@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming a guest contributor.

Indigenous Family Literacy Circle Partners:
Come Walk in My Moccasins is created by the Indigenous Family Literacy Circle and sponsored by Journey Together through Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. 
Click here to download or print the Come Walk in My Moccasins pamphlet.
  Copyright 2016 Indigenous Family Literacy Circle 
 465 Advance Avenue, Napanee, Canada
8064 Old Hwy #2, K0K 1X0, Deseronto, Canada
You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.