SPRINGTIME IN KITKATLA

An Indigenous child spends cherished time with family.

It’s spring, and Wałaas is excited about a trip with Dzi’i (Sm’algyax for Grandmother) to Kitkatla, the reserve to which the family belongs (located on Dolphin Island, British Columbia). The pair travel five hours by fishing boat, and Wałaas’ mother flies there to meet them. Once they arrive, they stay with Dzi’i’s sister-in-law. Wałaas savors traditional Indigenous foods like ts’ak’we’ats (sea urchin), ’yaanst (chiton), and homemade anaay (bread). The youngster explores the shoreline, looks for rocks and treasures, and enjoys the feeling of time standing still. Spencer, who’s from the Gitxaala Nation, creates a strong sense of atmosphere with rich descriptions of the smells and sounds on the fishing boat, the feeling of water lapping the shore, and the warm and cozy sensations of family snuggled up as a well-fed fire roars. Emphasizing characters’ beaming faces, Harvey’s (Tŝilhqot’in/Syilx) illustrations capture brown-skinned, dark-haired Wałaas full of joy, helping out with chores (like chopping kindling) and bonding with family members. Grown-up readers of various backgrounds will warm at their own connections to childhood memories, while youngsters will relate to Wałaas’ excitement and observations of the adult world. Spencer and Harvey expertly showcase a place and experience that is in many ways unique to Wałaas and Kitkatla but that will be universally appreciated.

Warmly evocative.