Written by Ron Janvier and illustrated by Terresa Dersch. Ron Janvier is a Chipewyan Prairie Déné First Nation Elder from the Treaty 8 Territory. Ron has published two children's stories based on the oral stories and teachings that he heard while growing up in a small community especially the Sakisak stories. The books he wrote supported a project for the Headstart programs for 24 Nations in the Treaty 8 Territory and are Déné oral stories. Raised in his community, Ron grew up immersed in the stories and experiences of his childhood, learning from the wisdom of his Elders and the Land around him. His original path led him to the Oil Industry of Alberta, where he worked while raising his sons in the growing city of Fort McMurray, not far from his ancestral homelands. Now retired, Ron has found joy in sharing his culture, language, and stories with his grandkids. Through his books, he hopes to pass on those same stories from his childhood to both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous children, preserving and celebrating the rich traditions and experiences he grew up with. Ron Janvier shares stories with his grandson Sequoia. Story telling teaches history, gives lessons, and creates a way for culture to live on. The connection to all of creation comes from understanding and living a way of life. The Land is ours to share. Artist Terresa Dersch was raised on a farm in Knee Hill Valley located in Central Alberta. In Déné oral history as it was told a long time ago, there was character that refers all the animals as his brothers and sisters. He could communicate with them. The Déné called him Sakísak.This is the story of Sakisak and the Squirrel who fell asleep with his back to the fire. He fell asleep right away and he dreamt of the dam that had created a great wall holding back the water… Contains a list of words and characters at the front of the book in English and Déné.
