Publisher's Synopsis
Key Selling Points As her brother energetically shares news of the impending arrival of traders in their village, a young girl with cerebral palsy reflects on identity and differences between individuals and communities. Supported by her kind grandmother, she begins to find her own identity while overcoming the fear that she might not be accepted for who she is. Author Leon Erickson was inspired to write this story while imagining what life would have been like for his twin children 200 years ago, when mobility and travel were so important for survival in remote First Nations communities. His daughter has cerebral palsy and uses assistive technology, while his son is very physically active. This story thoughtfully explores the universal childhood experiences of finding identity and overcoming self-doubt and worry about what others think. Although the story is fictional, it is based on the traditional Nak'azdli way of life and the historic grease trails used for trading with coastal First Nations for eulachon grease. Nak'azdli Whut'en and Nuxalk Nation were consulted to ensure that the depictions of their communities in the story are respectful and welcomed. The author learned Nak'azdli history, stories of the fur trade and traditional practices like moose-hide preparation from Elders while working as a historical interpreter at Fort St. James National Historic Site.
