Learning to Carve Argillite

Learning to Carve Argillite
Author: Sara Florence Davidson
Publisher: Portage & Main Press
Total Pages: 32
Release: 2021-11-15
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1553799852

Based on Haida artist Robert Davidson's own childhood experiences, this beautiful story highlights learning through observation, as well as the role of Elders in sharing knowledge and mentorship. Learning to carve is a lifelong journey. With the help of his father and grandfather, a boy on Haida Gwaii practises to become a skillful carver. As he carefully works on a new piece, he remembers a trip to Slatechuck Mountain to gather the argillite, as well as his father’s words about the importance of looking back to help us find our way. Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.

Argillite, Art of the Haida

Argillite, Art of the Haida
Author: Leslie Drew
Publisher: North Vancouver, B.C. : Hancock House
Total Pages: 322
Release: 1980
Genre: Art
ISBN:

Outlines the history of the Haida Indians in relation to argillite carving.

Jigging for Halibut With Tsinii

Jigging for Halibut With Tsinii
Author: Sara Florence Davidson
Publisher: Portage & Main Press
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2021-11-15
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1553799836

Based on Haida artist Robert Davidson's own experiences with Tsinii (his grandfather), this tender story highlights intergenerational knowledge and authentic learning experiences. Off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii, a boy goes fishing with Tsinii, his grandfather. As they watch the weather, jig for halibut, and row with the tides, the boy realizes there’s more to learn from Tsinii than how to catch a fish. Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.

Potlatch as Pedagogy

Potlatch as Pedagogy
Author: Sara Florence Davidson
Publisher: Portage & Main Press
Total Pages: 98
Release: 2018-10-19
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1553797752

In 1884, the Canadian government enacted a ban on the potlatch, the foundational ceremony of the Haida people. The tradition, which determined social structure, transmitted cultural knowledge, and redistributed wealth, was seen as a cultural impediment to the government’s aim of assimilation. The tradition did not die, however; the knowledge of the ceremony was kept alive by the Elders through other events until the ban was lifted. In 1969, a potlatch was held. The occasion: the raising of a totem pole carved by Robert Davidson, the first the community had seen in close to 80 years. From then on, the community publicly reclaimed, from the Elders who remained to share it, the knowledge that has almost been lost. Sara Florence Davidson, Robert’s daughter, would become an educator. Over the course of her own education, she came to see how the traditions of the Haida practiced by her father—holistic, built on relationships, practical, and continuous—could be integrated into contemporary educational practices. From this realization came the roots for this book.

Learning by Designing

Learning by Designing
Author: Jim Gilbert
Publisher: Raven Pub
Total Pages: 200
Release: 2001-10
Genre: Art
ISBN: 9780969297932

This reference and instructional manual contains a detailed thoroughly analysed, well-supported comparisons of the four Pacific Northwest First Nations art styles. There are 800 clear, detailed illustrations accompanied by straightforward copy. Topics include design formalise, ovoids, U shapes, S shapes, heads, body parts, and design formation, as well as a step-by-step "How to Draw" section. This reference and instructional manual contains a detailed, thoroughly analyzed, well-supported comparison of the four Pacific Northwest First Nations art styles. There are 800 clear, detailed illustrations accompanied by straightforward copy. Topics include design formline, ovoids, U shapes, S shapes, heads, body parts, and design formation, as well as a step-by-step "How to Draw" section.

Breathing Stone

Breathing Stone
Author: Carol Sheehan
Publisher: Frontenac House
Total Pages: 191
Release: 2008
Genre: Argillite
ISBN: 9781897181225

Returning to the Yakoun River

Returning to the Yakoun River
Author: Sara Florence Davidson
Publisher: Portage & Main Press
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2022-10-06
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1774920220

Based on author Sara Florence Davidson’s childhood memories, this illustrated story captures the joy and adventure of a Haida fish camp. Every summer, a Haida girl and her family travel up the Yakoun River on Haida Gwaii, following the salmon. While their father fishes, the girl and her brother spend their time on the land playing and learning from Tsinii (Grandfather).

Dancing With Our Ancestors

Dancing With Our Ancestors
Author: Sara Florence Davidson
Publisher: Portage & Main Press
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2022-10-06
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1774920255

In this tender picture book, Sara Florence Davidson transports readers to the excitement of a potlatch in Hydaburg, Alaska—her last memory of dancing with her late brother. It feels like my brother and I have always known how to sing the songs and dance the dances of our Haida ancestors. Unlike our father, we were born after the laws that banned our cultural practices were changed. The potlatch ban did not exist during our time, so we grew up dancing and singing side by side. The invitations have been sent. The food has been prepared. The decorations have been hung. And now the day of the potlatch has finally arrived! Guests from all over come to witness this bittersweet but joyful celebration of Haida culture and community. Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.

Thunder and the Noise Storms

Thunder and the Noise Storms
Author: Jeffrey Ansloos
Publisher: Annick Press
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2021-10-12
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1773215604

When the world gets too loud and chaotic, a young boy’s grandfather helps him listen with wonder instead. Kids laughing, sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing—for Thunder, the sounds of the school day often brew into overwhelming noise storms. But when Thunder’s mosom asks him what he hears on an urban nature walk, Thunder starts to understand how sounds like bird wings flapping and rushing water can help him feel calm and connected. Gentle, inviting illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley emphasize Mosom’s lessons about the healing power of the world around us.

Stand Like a Cedar

Stand Like a Cedar
Author: Nicola I. Campbell
Publisher: Portage & Main Press
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2021-03-23
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1553799224

When you go for a walk in nature, who do you see? What do you hear? Award-winning storyteller Nicola I. Campbell shows what it means to “stand like a cedar” on this beautiful journey of discovery through the wilderness. Learn the names of animals in the Nłeʔkepmxcín or Halq’emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us. Experience a celebration of sustainability and connection to the land through lyrical storytelling and Carrielynn Victor’s breathtaking art in this children’s illustrated book. Discover new sights and sounds with every read. A glossary and pronunciation guide can be found at the back of the book.