Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock

Summary of Book

When Awâsis, meaning "child" in Cree, is sent to deliver some of her Kôhkum's (grandmother's) world-famous bannock to a relative, the excited young girl ends up losing it over the side of a bridge. Dismayed at this turns of events, she appeals to a series of woodland animals for help, being given most of the ingredients necessary for bannock in return. Making her way home again, Awâsis and her Kôhkum makes another batch of pahkwesikan (bannock) together. A sweet story about a young girl, her grandmother, and her many animal friends, Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock is meant, according to the dust-jacket blurb about author Dallas Hunt, to introduce and familiarize readers with some basic Cree vocabulary. Hunt, who is a member of the Wapisewsipi/Swan River First Nation in Alberta, is an educator and a "proponent of language revitalization." The Cree words uses in the story are glossed at the rear, with English definitions and pronunciations.

Author Biography

Dallas Hunt (he/him/his) is a teacher, writer, and member of Wapisewsipi (Swan River First Nation) in Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta, Canada. As a proponent of language revitalization, his debut book for children, Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock, includes words in Cree. Dallas teaches at the University of British Columbia and writes poetry. His debut collection, CREELAND, is available March 2021.

Illustrator Biography

Amanda Strong is a Michif, Indigenous filmmaker, media artist, and stop motion director currently based out of the unceded Coast Salish territory also known as Vancouver, British Columbia. She has exhibited work and screened films worldwide, including at the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and the Ottawa International Animation Festival.