books

The Land Is Our Storybook

The Land Is Our Storybook is a series of children’s books about the diverse lands and cultures of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Mindy Willett (author) and Tessa Macintosh (photographer) work with storytellers – Elders and cultural leaders – from ten regions in the territory to capture real stories of everyday life as it exists today. The series celebrates the seasons, ages, genders, traditional activities and values of indigenous peoples in NWT communities.

The photos depict the similarities in lifestyle between children of the North and South, as well as the marked cultural differences, and highlight the special relationship these First Nations people have with the land and how they are adapting to rapid change while remaining connected to the land. Images of the landscape and animals within it, of trapping, hunting, fishing, and bannock baking sit alongside pictures of children at school, swimming at recreation centres, and reading in libraries. Here is modern northern culture painted beautifully: a complex mix of the new and the old that make up life today. These stories are offered up to encouraged greater understanding and thereby a hope of reconciliation.

Other books and booklets

Tessa Macintosh has worked with several other publishers and (local) governments on short stories and information booklets. Some highlights.