by Dorothy Haegert

This book is really interesting. It has personal stories from ten Native Elders from British Columbia. Three of the stories are written by women.

One story we liked was about Helen Alphonse. She tells how she is continuing with her art of knitting beautiful Cowichan Indian sweaters and is passing her skills on to the next generation. In another story, the writer tells how they taught the children to be quiet and disciplined during the dances. She also talks about how she raises the children.

Some of the Elders in this book have passed on. We are glad that they got to tell their stories, because when all the Elders are gone there won't be anybody around to teach the next generation. Some of the Native people don't know very much about their culture but now they can pick up this book and read it. Other people will enjoy the book, because they can learn about this great culture.

The print is clear and not too small. The words are simple. The photographs are very expressive and revealing.

A review by Esther Johnny and Amarjit Paige, Duncan, B.C.