| The Aboriginal Alphabet for Children is a slim volume of words whose first letters reflect cultural artifacts from First Nations, Metis, and Inuit traditions. Developed by Evelyn Ballantyne of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and illustrated by J. Marleen Ross and Noah Hood also from Opaskwayak, the book covers each letter of the alphabet (upper and lower case) with a word and includes an illustration and single sentence to illuminate the meaning of the object. While some letters are questionable as in the case of the letter X for Xmas, the majority of the words reflect the Metis and Plains Nations. Some words used are axe, drum, fiddle, jam, and pipe. Some of the sentences require adult assistance for comprehension. This is a valuable resource for First Nations and Metis preschool and kindergarten students. |
