The Medicine Way

A season of self-discovery, learning, and loss awaits Mwakwa and his family in this historical picture book.

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

A Rocky Cree family in Northern Manitoba travels to hunt, gather medicines, and learn from their relatives during the fall season of tākwākin in this historical picture book for ages 9 to 12.

As the seasons change and the birds head south, a Rocky Cree family makes their yearly journey to see relatives and teachers in the heartland. Each of the family members receives teachings and shares their own knowledge with their mentors in this community. All except for Mwakwa, who hasn’t yet chosen the skill that will define his miskanaw, or the path for his life.

As he helps his relatives prepare for winter, Mwakwa wonders what his gifts might be. His cousin Mikisiw wants to be a hunter and leads his first moose hunt while the family is visiting, but Mwakwa knows he isn’t a hunter. How can he contribute to the community?

When Mwakwa meets his uncle Opimotiho, a stargazer and storyteller, he learns a new way of looking at the night sky. But is Mwakwa brave enough to leave his family to become the stargazer’s apprentice?

Access the free teacher guide at the HighWater Press website.