This month we are so excited to partner with Medicine Wheel Publishing and Indigenous author Willie Poll in the launch of Minnow - The Girl who Became Part Fish. In addition to our monthly beach cleanup, Willie will join us to talk about the book and give volunteers a chance to snag a copy! Surfrider will be giving away a few copies as prizes during the cleanup, so you definitely do not want to miss out!
Who is Medicine Wheel Publishing?
Medicine Wheel Publishing is based in Victoria, BC on the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lekungwen Lekwungen/Songhees Territory.
Medicine Wheel Publishing publishes culturally authentic Indigenous books, resources and tools specialized for moral and cultural education. Each book teaches a positive moral message designed to invite all children, youth and adults to engage and participate in culture with authenticity and respect.
Medicine Wheel Publishing is the publisher of many Indigenous authors as well as being the official publisher of Orange Shirt Day written by the Orange Shirt Society. Medicine Wheel Publishing has books in thousands of locations across Canada and the United States.
Description of Minnow- The Girl who Became Part Fish
Minnow is a young Indigenous water protector who goes on an underwater journey; learning from our ocean-living relatives. When she returns to the surface, she gathers her community to help make a change.
This story is told in lyrical rhyme and helps children gain a better respect for Indigenous water and land protectors, the environment and world around them, and helps show children age appropriate activism at an early age.
Who is Willie Poll (author)?
Willie Poll is a Métis (Métis Nation of Ontario) author from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada) and a proud member of the Metis Nation of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous studies and a Master of Arts in archaeology. She grew up with a close relationship with her Métis grandpa who filled her with stories that connected her to her ancestors and culture.
Willie has worked in Indigenous education across the Nation for over 10 years. Her stories are her feelings, emotions, and her tribute to the youth in her life. Willie currently resides on Prince Edward Island as a guest on the traditional lands of the Wabanaki and Mi'kma'ki people; however, she lives a nomadic lifestyle and has had the opportunity to be a guest in many places across Turtle Island.