Phoenix ani’ Gichichi-i’/Phoenix Gets Greater
A powerful story about the importance of family acceptance now in dual language!
Phoenix loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance—ballet, Pow Wow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes Phoenix gets picked on and he struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their help, Phoenix learns about Two Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture and just how special he is.
Based on the childhood experiences of her son, Phoenix, Marty Wilson-Trudeau demonstrates the difference that a loving and supportive family can make. This dual language edition contains the story in both Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English.
Praise & Recognition
“The tone of this story is gentle and loving, perfectly illustrated by the reaction that Phoenix’s brother and mother had when he came out as Two Spirit. They supported him, they told him they loved him and were proud of him. This ensures a gentle introduction to a serious topic. Phoenix Ani’Gichichi-I/ Phoenix Gets Greater is an inspirational and motivational story. It can help those who are coming out to their family and friends and is a helpful tool in navigating this process. This book is an asset to any library.”
Anishinabek NewsDetails
Publication Date: May 23, 2023
Reading Age: 6 - 8
Genre: Children's Fiction, Picture Book
Product Format: Hardback
Pages: 24
ISBN: 978-1-77260-324-8
About the Author
Marty Wilson-Trudeau
Marty Wilson-Trudeau is an Anishinaabe Kwe writer originally from M'Chigeeng, ON. She is a drama teacher at St. Charles College in Sudbury, ON. She is a mother to two wonderful sons, Brandan and Phoenix Wilson.
About the Illustrator
Megan Kyak-Monteith
Megan Kyak-Monteith, from Pond Inlet, Nunavut, is an Inuk illustrator and painter. Graduating from NSCAD University in 2019, she currently lives and works from Halifax, Nova Scotia. In her illustrative projects, she works most often with Indigenous stories.
About the Translator
Kelvin Morrison
Kelvin Morrison (Kiitaabines) is from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, Wazhashk (muskrat) clan. He works as an Anishinaabemowin translator at Seven Generations Education Institute, translating books, videos, and short stories, as well as Elders’ stories and resource materials for daycares, schools, and communities. He enjoys creating tools so all can learn, understand, and hear how Anishinaabemowin sounds. He also works in the Knowledge Keepers Program offered by the Fort Frances Rainy River School Board, sharing stories, cultural knowledge, residential school experience, and teachings about the Land.
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