Blackfoot picture books

A’pistotooki kii Ihkitsik Kaawa’pomaahkaa (Creator and the Seven Animals, why

are we here?) by Crystal Many Fingers, illustrated by Alex Soop Translation in the language of the Blackfoot Confederacy

A’pistotooki kii Ihkitsik Kaawa’pomaahkaa is a delightful modern story about animals, their gifts, and why they were put on earth.

Crystal is a Blackfoot member of the Kainai First Nation of Treaty 7. She grew up on the Blood Reserve and as a child roamed the halls of the University of Lethbridge where her mother was studying to earn her Bachelor of Education degree. This inspired Crystal to enroll at the University of Calgary, where she majored in English Literature. After completing her B.A., Crystal pursued a career in teaching. She completed her Master of Education degree with a specialty in Adult and Workplace Environmental Learning, and now works as the Indigenous Consultant to Curriculum at Bow Valley College.

Aakomimmihtanii (Love) by Mai’stoistowaakii (Crow Pretty Woman), Sheena Potts, illustrated by Kristy North Peigan

A beautiful illustration of the many ways love is alive in Blackfoot traditions and culture. A soft, gentle, and pure reflection of Siksikaitsitapi values. Mai’stoistowaakii (Crow Pretty Woman) Sheena Potts. Niitsi Piikaniaakii. I am a Piikani woman. Nitsikohtatsiika’si nokosiksi kii nisotana. I am proud mother and grandmother. Niitsikoyikitomai’takapinaan Siksitaitapisini. We practise the ways of Siksikaitsitapi. Niitsininamsskaapinaan. We belong to the Thunder Pipe Society. Iyipposstoyiitsi nitaanist ksinima’tstohoki’p. I have been an educator for 30 years.

Napi kii Imitaa (Napi and the

Dogs) by Natoyi’sokasiim, Tim Fox. illustrated by Keegan Starlight and Amanda Fox-Starlight Translation in the language of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

In this well-known and humorous Blackfoot story, mice are having a celebration that Napi and the dogs want to join. To participate, each dog must be respectful and remove their tail. Thunder and rain create chaos and the dogs scramble, accidentally grabbing the wrong tail. How will the dogs ever find their correct tails?

Natoyi’sokasiim is a member of the Kainai Blood Tribe within Siksikaitsitapi, the Blackfoot Confederacy. His family comes from the Ahkaipohkaaks, Many Children’s Clan.

Tim currently lives and works in Mohkinstsis, Calgary. He is the Vice President of Indigenous Relations for the Calgary Foundation. He is blessed and grateful to be raising his daughter, Charm, alongside her mom Dawn Fox. Omahkitapiksi Okakinikiiwa

(Teachings from our Elders) by Iikiinayookaa, Marlene Yellow Horn, illustrated by Smith Wright. Translation by Shirlee Crowshoe in the language of the Blackfoot Confederacy

Author Marlene Yellow Horn shares her personal story of the teachings she learned as a child from her Elders. These fundamental lessons speak to the traditional and sacred knowledge and visions of Omahkitapiksi (Old People). Iikiinayookaa is a Blackfoot author and educator from the Mamoyiksi Fish Eater Clan of the Kainai First Nation. She is a mother to Saapaata Wacey Rabbit, a professional hockey player, and has been married for 30 years to I’tsaapoyi Marvin Yellow Horn. She received her Master of Education, Bachelor of Education, and Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge, and is the current principal at Piitoayis Family School, Calgary Board of Education.

Natasha Fox is Facilitator of Indigenous Services at the Lethbridge Public Library