Written by: Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson)

Illustrated by: Natasha Donovan

For ages: 7/8 years and up

Language: English & Gitxsan

Topics Covered: First Nations, Natural World, Global Community, Animals, Traditions, Gitxsan Culture.

Summary: 

Folx, it’s here!  You might remember how much we loved The Grizzly Mother this past winter, and were excited for the next volume to come out.  And it’s here! And it’s out today!

This book follows the life of Nox Xsgyaak (Eagle Mother) for a year, sitting on her eggs and raising them to be independent eagles themselves after hatching.  While very educational and full of great vocabulary for readers, it is the way traditional Gitxsan images and words are woven into the story that makes it spectacular.  Readers learn the Gitxsan names for animals, times of the year, and why maintaining a respectful balance between humans and animals is essential.

Having this Own Voices book series underscores the need to revere Indigenous, First Nations, and Metis knowledge and land rights.  We love how the eagles are portrayed, caring for their young and existing alongside humans.

This ARC was kindly sent to us by Highwater Press, but all opinions are our own! This book is out today!

About the Author & the Illustrator:

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, and has volunteered for such organizations as Ka Ni Kanichihk and Indigenous Music Manitoba. The Sockeye Mother (winner of The Science Writers and Communicators Book Award) is Brett’s first book for children.
www.bretthuson.ca is his personal website.  Go check it out!

NATASHA DONOVAN (she/her/hers) is a freelance artist and illustrator from Vancouver, British Columbia. Her sequential work has been published in The Other Side and This Place: 150 Years Retold anthologies. She is the illustrator of the award-winning graphic novel Surviving the City, as well as the award-winning children’s book, The Sockeye Mother (shortlisted for the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction), the first book in the Mothers of Xsan series. Natasha is a member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia.