Nicole Lodge was the recipient of the University of Prince Edward Island 2022 Straight Arrow Truth and Reconciliation Award for her bilingual Indigenous children’s book.
Created with the help of Métis Elder in Residence, Stella Erasmus Johnson, from Vancouver Island University, the book will include a full Cree Michif translation to promotes equity, inclusion, and identity concepts (Michif is one of the national languages of the Métis).
“I feel like there’s a need for Michif books,” said Lodge, “And I just want to be able to give back and provide that opportunity for any younger Indigenous children who may be struggling with their identity or culture, to have a resource to jumpstart that, or just initiate that spark, that wanting to learn more,” said Lodge. “Métis, for me, is the celebration of being attached to different cultures. I want to celebrate everyone’s visible and invisible differences.”
Sapo Miskîsik,wa Ohci Atim: Through the Eyes of a Dog is told from the perspective of the main character, Atim. Atim is a Michif word that translates to “dog.” The story takes place on Atim’s way home from a walk. During this journey, Atim encounters many different people who have different hairstyles, body types, and relationship dynamics as well as varying races, ages, and genders. When Atim meets each of these characters, he treats them all with a kind regard and does not judge their differences. This book is meant to portray the world through the eyes of a dog thus teaching the reader to view everyone equally.
Nicole Lodge, BSW B.Ed. M.Ed.
Nicole Lodge is a Métis author and animal enthusiast from the beautiful community of Fort St. James, British Columbia. Nicole holds two Bachelor Degrees with specializations in Indigenous education. To support her aspirations in leadership, Nicole obtained a Master of Education in Multidisciplinary Leadership Degree where she graduated with Honours. She has written a story based on her passion for learning and sharing, a message of equity, inclusion, and identity. As a strong independent Indigenous woman, Nicole is a social worker and future educational leader.
Stella Erasmus Johnson, BSW
Stella Erasmus Johnson was raised in McLennan, Alberta by her grandmother Marguerite Erasmus who ignited her desire to learn more about her Indigenous language. Stella now resides in Nanaimo, British Columbia and works as a Métis Elder for Vancouver Island University since 2012.
Chad Thompson, Illustrator
Chad Thompson has a degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design. Upon graduation, he was hired by the Walt Disney Feature Animation studio in Florida where he worked on animated movies such as Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear.