The Sockeye Mother

by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson, illustrated by Natasha Donovan

tagged: native canadian, fishes, environmental science & ecosystems, seasons

Description

To the Gitxsan people of Northwestern British Columbia, the sockeye salmon is more than just a source of food. Over its life cycle, it nourishes the very land and forests that the Skeena River runs through and where the Gitxsan make their home. The Sockeye Mother explores how the animals, water, soil, and seasons are all intertwined.

About the Authors

Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson

Hetxw'ms Gyetxw, also known as Brett D. Huson (he/him/his), is from the Gitxsan Nation of the Northwest Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in this strong matrilineal society, Brett developed a passion for the culture, land, and politics of his people, and a desire to share their knowledge and stories. Brett has worked in the film and television industry for over 13 years and is a volunteer board member for organizations such as Ka Ni Kanichihk and sākihiwē festival. Brett also works with the Prairie Climate Centre to connect western science and Indigenous Knowledges.

The award-winning Mothers of Xsan series is Brett’s first series of books and part of a larger vision to share the worlds of the Gitxsan Nation. With the support of his wife, Jeri, and their children, Warren and Ruby, Brett endeavours to continue sharing stories with his writing, artwork, and photography.

Natasha Donovan

Natsha Donovan is a self-taught illustrator from Vancouver, British Columbia, with a focus on comics and children’s illustration. Her work has appeared in two anthologies: The Other Side, edited by Melanie Gillman and Kori Handwerker, and This Place. She illustrated the award-winning children’s book The Sockeye Mother by Brett D. Huson and the graphic novel Surviving the City by Tasha Spillett. She has a degree in anthropology from the University of British Columbia and has worked in academic and magazine publishing. She currently lives in Bellingham, Washington. Natasha Donovan is a member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia.

Age:: 9 to 12
Grade:: 4 to 6

Awards

Winner, McNally Robinson Book for Young People Awards, Younger Category
, Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction
Winner, Science Writers and Communicators of Canada book award

Editorial Reviews

A wonderful exploration of science and culture with many ties to curricula. A top selection for nonfiction collections.

— Ontario School Library Journal

Accessible to fluent readers in the late primary and intermediate grades, this book is a rich source of information and fits well with the Social Studies and Science curriculum.

— Canadian Teacher Magazine

An excellent addition to curriculums that tie scientific principles to cultural practices; the work should be embraced by libraries to help educate readers about the Gitxsan.

— Kirkus Reviews

Huson eloquently conveys the fragile interconnectedness of the natural world and the moral imperative to protect it.

— Publishers Weekly

Highly recommended!

— American Indians in Children's Literature

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