Description
Nutaui’s Cap with text by Bob Bartel and artwork by Mary Ann Penashue (Innu) is translated by Stella Rich, Sebastian Piwas, and Mani Katinen Nuna with Laurel Anne Hasler, Penash Rich, and Marguerite MacKenzie. This is a book about learning to fish and Innu environmental rights in two Labrador Innu dialects of their language Innu-aimun. The Sheshatshiu dialect is presented first, then English and then Mushuau dialect. Nutaui’s Cap begins with ten-year old Nanass joining Nutaui on a fishing trip, catching one, giving thanks, sitting with others to enjoy the meal and stories of the land, Nitassinan, when suddenly something happens. This is a re-occurring and distressing incident resulting in social action after a meeting with Innu Elders. The social action is to walk to redress the injustice of jet flights across Nitassinan – the young and the old, whole families – and although they meet with some success there are arrests. Nitassinan and the Innu people, their vast area of boreal forests, lakes, rivers, and barrens of Labrador and Eastern Quebec continue to be unrecognized by Canada and advocate for Innu rights. There is a historical afterword and map and an aimuna for talking about the story.
This is a co-publication with Mamu Tshishkutamashutau Innu Education. Audience: Ages 6-12.