"Shi-shi-etko" /// Children's Picture Book

"Shi-shi-etko" is a fantastic children's picture book, written by Interior Salish/Metis author Nicola Campbell and illustrated by Kim LaFave. It tells the story of a young girl, Shi-shi-etko, who lives a simple, normal life with her family in her hometown, only to lose everything held dear to her when she leaves for residential school. The story shows Shi-shi-etko doing the things she loves, such as playing in the river, and saying a prayer with her mother in the morning. The illustrations are done in soft watercolour detail, yet with vibrant colours, evoking the sense of importance this child's life has and the significant emotions that are connected to the story.

This book comes highly recommended by numerous Aboriginal sources. Notably, the Indigenous focused website Oyate.org has an entire page dedicated to a review. The reason that this children's story is so strongly recommended is that it deals with the extremely difficult subject of residential schools in a touching and subtle way,while still managing to convey the tragedy of what occurred. A couple of phrases from the review capture this sentiment concisely (2012):

"The brilliance of this book is in the depiction of a life that should have continued, but was cut short"

 and

"Children and adults alike will be able to appreciate the meaning of losing such warmth, stability, and belonging in the world"

Overall, this book is a perfect educational resource, as well as a touching read for any parent and child. 

References:

Campbell, N., & LaFave, K. (Illustrator). (2006). Shi-shi-etko. Toronto: Groundwood Books, Inc.

Garcia, C. (2012). Oyate: Review: Shi-shi-etko. Available online at http://oyate.org/index.php/rss-feed/12-review-shi-shi-etko