The Caribou Feed Our Soul

Gr 4—6—This informative first-person narrative cleanly captures the Dénésôliné (Chipewyan) culture's dependence on and reverence for the caribou, the predominant symbol of the tribe's existence. The caribou is not only the centerpiece of this culture's "table," it is also an anchor to a past rich in tradition and storytelling. Enzoe, a Native spokesperson, teacher, and hunter, explains aspects of his tribe's daily life in the Northwest Territories. He speaks of the mysticism of the caribou and illustrates its importance in feeding and clothing the tribe. He talks about the necessity of preserving the land so that his family's descendants can continue to know the bounty of the animals. The book goes into the process of skinning and tanning their hides and even describes some of the games the tribe has invented, using caribou bones. Enzoe works with scientists, government agencies, and environmentalists to monitor the animals' habits and to maintain his tribe's right to the caribou harvest. The book is thoughtfully illustrated with a variety of engaging photographs of the area and its people, immersed in the daily goings-on of their lives. The aerial photography gives readers a grand view of the stunning geography. Detailed captions accompany most of the photographs, and a map shows the location of the community. Pages are "fringed" with caribou hide. There is a good balance of text and photos. A detailed glossary offers related facts and information.—Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada