Kokum's Gift: Teachings from Ojibway and Cree Spirituality, Culture, and Traditions is a unique publication that is part art exhibition catalogue, part historical photograph archive, part quotable quote and part poetry collection. All this content was developed into a cohesive whole by Cree and Ojibwe artist and writer Gordon Miller. Born in Gogama, Ontario, a small town in Northern Ontario, Miller is a member of the Mattagami First Nation. The artist has created 20 art paintings that correspond to a specific poem and theme such as creation, caribou, the storyteller, powwow dancer, the windigo, three sisters, Crowfoot's words, the guardian, going home, seven clans of the Anishinawbe, and Kokum's gift. The second section of the this 99-page book is a selection of quotable quotes from historical figures such as Tecumseh, Red Cloud, Chief Seattle, Chief Dan George, and Black Elk. The next section includes twelve pieces of original paintings such as the moving piece, Treaty 9 Mattagami Post 1909. The final selection includes family archival black and white photographs called my photographs of a proud and self-reliant people. These images show family in front of their log home, a couple picking blueberries, children posing in front of a one-room schoolhouse, and a family summer camp. The overall impact of this book is one that clearly speaks to a First Nation man's worldview and spiritual teachings. Students in grade 9 art courses, high school literature courses or Native Studies courses will find this an accessible First Nation resource. Highly recommended.
