Right on the tail of releasing the third in their series of Herman Monster children’s books, Monster House Publishing is publishing Matoqueh’s Journey, a story full of traditional Wolastoqiyik values and teachings from aboriginal author and artist, Braelyn Cyr.
The story follows the adventure of a young rabbit named Mahtoqueh as he journeys to the Gathering, learning and sharing with us lessons and values as he goes. The book also contains a Maliseet glossary so that children and parents can learn a bit of the language and terms as they read.
From the book’s description:
“Mahtoqueh is heading to the Gathering – all on his own! His forest friends try to guide him, but each follow their own path. The salmon swims upstream, the owl flies above the trees, but how does the rabbit get to the Gathering? Mahtoqeh needs the help of the four sacred medicines, so he can perform his special dance for all the creatures of the Gathering!”
“The first time reading the text, I was blown away by Braelyn’s ability to explain the sacred teachings in a simple, easy to learn way,” says Monster House Publishing’s Paul McAllister.
“Through following Mahtoqueh and his journey to the Gathering, the reader learns about sacred medicines, special dances, and all sorts of things! Not to mention, the illustrations are so vibrant you can get lost in each painting.”
This is the first children’s book for Braelyn Cyr, who both wrote and illustrated Matogqueh’s Journey. Cyr is primarily a wampum beader, but has been illustrating for the last six years, and oil painting for two.
The story itself grew out of a school project that that revolves around traditional creation stories.
“I wanted to pass on some of the information I’ve gotten from class to the younger generations of my family,” says Cyr.
Originally from Campbelton, New Brunswick and Mi’gmaq herself, Cyr has been studying aboriginal history since high school but says has only begun personally connecting with the culture since taking the aboriginal visual arts program at New Brunswick College of Craft and Design.
The program has created an opportunity for Cyr to reconnect with a culture and a language that is at risk of disappearing. Mahtoqueh’s Journey is written in Maliseet, while her followup book with be written in Mi’gmaq (of Northern New Brunswick and Quebec, not to be confused with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia).
“I’m Mi’gmaq,” says Cry, “but seeing as I live in Fredericton and was being paid to write and illustrate the first book by the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, I thought it would be nice to thank them by making the first book Maliseet.”
Cyr explains that there are a lot of similarities to the cultures, but the languages are quite different. While not fluent in the language herself, and admits that most people aren’t, she hopes the book is a step in the right direction and is currently working to learn Mi’gmaq.
“[It’s] why I want to write books that give the new generations access to the language at a young age. I work with elders for the language aspect of the book.”
Cry says she has already started writing her second book, and has begun plans for a third.
“I plan on writing a third for an older age group revolving around culture and the place and importance of aboriginal women in their communities.”
Mahtoqueh’s Journey will launch on October 24th, with a reception held at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. For more details or to purchase via pre-order, visit monsterhousepublishing.com.