The Māskīkīy Miskanaw/The Medicine Way

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 begin to head south, Ācapi Okimaw and his family make their annual journey to see relatives and teachers in the heartland. Family members each receive teachings and share their own knowledge with their mentors in this community. All except for the youngest, 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 takes the lead on a moose hunt for the first time while the family is visiting, but Mwakwa knows he isn’t a hunter. He enjoys singing and sharing that with others, but how else can he contribute? 

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

Explore the glossary of terms and pronunciation guide at the back of the book, along with a free teacher’s guide, available on the Portage & Main Press website.

• Publication date: 15 September 2026
• Page count: 60
• Publisher: Portage & Main Press
• Format: Hardback
• ISBN-13: 9781774921746