Am’S Sapotawan eBook

A great read and teaching tool for National Indigenous History Month!

Starred selection for CCBC's Best Books for Kids & Teens 2023!

Rocky Cree people understand that all children are born with four gifts or talents. When a child is old enough, they decide which gift, or mthikowisiwin, they will seek to master. With her sapotawan ceremony fast approaching, Am must choose her mthikowisiwin. Her sister, Psim, became a midwife; others gather medicines or harvest fish. But none of those feel quite right.

Am has always loved making things. Her uncle can show her how to make nipisiwata, willow baskets. Her grandmother can teach her how to make kwakwywata, birchbark containers and plates. Her auntie has offered to begin Am’s apprenticeship in making askihkwak, pottery.

What will Am’s mthikowisiwin be? Which skill should she choose? And how will she know what is right for her?