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Book review: Phoenix Ani’ Gichichi-I’/Phoenix Gets Greater

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Reviewed by Carrie MacKenzie

Phoenix Ani’ Gichichi-I’/Phoenix Gets Greater is a children’s book written by Marty Wilson-Trudeau and her son Phoenix Wilson. Wilson-Trudeau is an Anishinaabekwe originally from M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. Her son Phoenix is an Anishinaabe dancer and actor whose home territory is M’Chigeeng First Nation. Kevin Morrison (Kiitaabines) translates the English to Anishinaabemowin. He is from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Wazhashk clan. Megan Kyak-Monteith provides the illustrations, she is an Inuk Illustrator and painter from Pond Inlet, Nunavut. This is a heartwarming and inspirational story about Phoenix coming out, telling his mom and his brother that he is gay or Two Spirit. This story is geared towards Children six to eight years of age.

The tone of this story is gentle and loving, perfectly illustrated by the reaction that Phoenix’s brother and mother had when he came out as Two Spirit. They supported him, they told him they loved him and were proud of him. This ensures a gentle introduction to a serious topic. It also prevents the reader from becoming overwhelmed or confused, missing the teachings of the story.

The illustrations by Megan Kyak-Monteith are beautiful. They are full of colour, bright and bold, adding to the loving and gentle tone of the story. They also mirror Phoenix’s personality when he is with those, he feels safe with. This keeps the audience interested and engaged. The illustrations are also incredibly detailed, further enriching this story.

This story is relatable and believable because it is a true story. This allows the reader to take in the message of the story, love, acceptance, and being who you truly are, reinforcing the gentle and loving tone of the book.

The fact that this story was written by Phoenix and his mother strengthens the impact of this story and can give the reader hope that their family can have a similar reaction to them coming out. This can also serve as a guide for family members when a loved one comes out to them.

This story also highlights the ridicule and rejection Two Spirit people experience. Phoenix was bullied and rejected by his peers because they see him as different due to his interests. As a result, Phoenix felt unhappy and no longer did the things that made him happy and showed his authentic shelf; however, in keeping with the tone of the book, this is done in a gentle and age-appropriate manner. This allows the reader to relate to and understand what Phoenix is going through.

Phoenix Ani’Gichichi-I’/Phoenix Gets Greater is a bilingual book, written in both Anishinaabemowin and English, which introduces both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers to the Anishinaabemowin language. This can also help reconnect people to their language, encouraging Elders to learn their languages and bond with the younger generation as they pass on their language.

The language used in this story is used by and easily understood by the reader. This opens them up to take in the teaching of the story and learn from it. The reader is also able to relate to and connect with Phoenix and his family.

Phoenix Ani’Gichichi-I/Phoenix Gets Greater is an inspirational and motivational story. It can help those who are coming out to their family and friends and is a helpful tool in navigating this process. This book is an asset to any library.

Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson, Phoenix Ani’Gichichi-I/Phoenix Gets Greater. Second Story Press: Toronto, 2022.
ISBN: 9781772603248

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Executive Assistant to the Vice-President Academic and Research (VPAR)

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Mikinakoos Children’s Fund launches $15,000 fundraiser for GivingTuesday

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Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation on GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023. – Photo supplied

THUNDER BAY (November 22, 2023) — Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, an Indigenous children’s charity providing essentials to youth in remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario, is announcing the launch of a special fundraiser in recognition of GivingTuesday.

In alignment with the global GivingTuesday movement, Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation. The initiative seeks to purchase over 1,500 coats for children in these regions, ensuring they are equipped to brave the harsh winter months.

“The winter season can be particularly challenging in the remote areas we serve, where many children lack access to proper winter gear,” said Mikinakoos Executive Director Emily Shandruk. “Mikinakoos Children’s Fund believes that every child deserves the warmth of hope during the colder months. With this in mind, we’re launching this crucial campaign to make a positive impact.”

Recent support from TD Canada Trust’s Ready Commitment Funding, a $50,000 grant over two years, is boosting Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s Warm Clothing initiatives, of which this initiative is a part. With growing requests from various communities and organizations, Mikinakoos’ GivingTuesday funding alone wouldn’t have sufficed. Thanks to the extra support, the charity can now ensure that no child is left without essential resources.

GivingTuesday, which falls on November 28, marks the opening day of the giving season—a global movement encouraging people to come together for a day of generosity and positive change. Mikinakoos invites individuals and organizations alike to join in the effort to make a difference.

Here’s how you can contribute:

Donate: Your contribution, regardless of size, will bring Mikinakoos Children’s Fund closer to its $15,000 goal. Every dollar counts. GivingTuesday falls on November 28; however, this fundraiser will run until December 31.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media, with friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can make a wider impact.

“The remoteness of the communities we serve presents challenges in shipping and distributing necessities, such as food, sporting equipment, and winter gear, especially with the absence of permanent roads,” said Shandruk. “Climate change has further exacerbated the inconsistency of ice road conditions, making the delivery of essential items even more difficult.”

Please consider contributing to Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s GivingTuesday campaign through this link or by texting “WARMCOATS” to 807-500-1522. Interviews with spokespeople from Mikinakoos Children’s Fund are available upon request.

About Mikinakoos Children’s Fund

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is a charity created to address poverty by providing basic amenities, such as food, clothing, and shelter to First Nations children residing in remote communities. Join us on this journey to create positive change and secure the safety and wellbeing First Nations children. Engage with Mikinakoos Children’s Fund on social through #FirstNationKidsFirst.

Contact:

Victoria Belton
Senior Consultant
Media Profile
Tel: 416-992-5179

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