THUNDER BAY — Hunting for moose and partridge, gathering Labrador tea and fishing for white fish are a focus of Tyna Legault Taylor’s new book.
Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint?, had its launch earlier in May.
Inspired by her son, Joshua, the book also includes Joshua and his dad gathering mint from the shores of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon First Nation).
Originally born in Moose Factory, Legault Taylor is a member of Attawapiskat First Nation and grew up in Geraldton.
“It's a celebration, a gathering, and a time to share food, knowledge and just a time to celebrate with family, friends and community, so I'm excited to share the first book,” she said.
The book comes from Joshua’s lived experiences on the land along with intergenerational knowledge from his Anishinaabe and Anishininiimowin family.
“This particular book celebrates his relationship with his father and learning about the different animals (and) plants throughout the seasons which are all celebrated, but this focus is more in summer, which is exciting because summer will be soon upon us,” Legault Taylor said.
The book is a part of a four-series collection, with the next one coming out on October 7.
“This story, this series is about the importance of cultural continuity, holistic and cultural well-being, also celebrates language. There is Anishinabemoen and Okegomoen throughout the story, which is swampy Cree and Ojibwe language.”
Legault Taylor thanked her aunt, former chief of Attawapiskat, who attended her book launch and shared the importance of Indigenous languages and preserving them for future generations.
