In, Counting in Mi'kmaw/Mawkiljemk Mi'kmawiktuk by, Loretta Gould, young children can learn how to count from one to ten in both English and Mi'kmaw, the ancestral language of the Mi'kmaq people of Atlantic Canada. The book's vibrant pictures are created by Waycobah First Nation's Loretta Gould, a self-taught Mi'kmaw artist. Through illustrations of significant animals like turtles, bears, and beavers, as well as ideas central to the Mi'kmaw worldview like the Four Directions and the Seven Mi'kmaw teachings, the book also introduces young readers to Mi'kmaw culture and legend. Nimbus Publishing published the book in 2019, and both educators and readers have given it favourable ratings.
It is a simple but substantial book that expands my understanding of every page. I especially liked how the book described the numbers using visuals, which added to the reader's understanding. Each drawing is extremely well done and original. This book will undoubtedly be an important component of my journey to learn about the Mi'kmaw culture. I've already begun to reflect on the significance of each number in my toolbox of Mi'kmaw learnings, whether "Ne'wt" or "Ta'pu."
The bilingualism in this book is an important feature since it allows readers to teach others about what they have learned from the book. The bilingualism portrayed additionally enhances children's comprehension of the book by allowing them to connect with the art represented.
Referring back to my earlier point, every time I returned to the book, I was struck by how a basic concept like numbers might influence a culture's identity. A culture has many identities, yet each part contributes to forming and reflecting the culture's values and beliefs.
Overall, I rate this book 5/5 stars since it serves as a stepping stone in my path of learning about Mi'kmaw culture. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Mi'kmaw culture and laying a solid foundation for their knowledge, as well as to children.
