★“This solemn and serene volume should be considered a first purchase. Essential for most collections, and with its wildlife-centric art, it’s also a perfect read-aloud for Earth Day.”—School Library Journal, starred review

A lullaby of reconciliation and reclamation, celebrating the ancestral relationship between Indigenous children and the land that is forever their home.

Under glowing morning sun and silvery winter moon, from speckled frogs croaking in spring to summer fields painted with fireweed, this meditative lullaby introduces little ones to the plants and animals of the Prairies and the Plains.

Written in both Plains Cree and English and featuring stunning artwork by celebrated artist Carla Joseph, Forever Our Home / kâkikê kîkinaw is a beautiful and gentle song about our spiritual connection to the land.

nêhiyâwiw êkwa Scotiwiw Tonya Simpson, paskwâwiyinînâhk ohtaskânêsiw. kî-masinahikêw mîna kâkikê kîkinaw. mêkwâc ê-wâh-ohpikihât ocawâsimisa mîmîw sâkahikanihk, Westerose, Alberta.

Tonya Simpson is of Scottish and Cree ancestry. She is a member of Pasqua First Nation and was born and raised in central Alberta. Tonya completed the MA program in anthropology at the University of Alberta and now works as a research assistant. Her first picture book Forever Our Home introduces readers to the animals and plants of the Prairies and the Plains. Tonya lives with her family at Pigeon Lake in Westerose, Alberta.

Tonya Simpson's profile page

Carla Joseph is a Cree artist originally from Prince George, British Columbia. In 2016 Carla was the Artist in Residence for the Prince George Community Arts Council, and she has done design work for several organizations, including the Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia, Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority. Carla loves the way she makes people feel with her art. It inspires her to continue with her gift, and she loves to challenge herself by taking on many different types of projects, many of which can be seen around her community. She is also the illustrator of Be a Good Ancestor. Carla lives in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Carla Joseph's profile page

Jean Okimāsis' profile page

• Long-listed, First Nation Communities Read Awards (FNCR) - Children’s
• Short-listed, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) David Booth Children’s and Youth Poetry Award
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“Simple yet profound…This picture book is a celebration of a Native people’s journey and the interconnection we all have with the natural world that surrounds us.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

★“This solemn and serene volume should be considered a first purchase. Essential for most collections, and with its wildlife-centric art, it’s also a perfect read-aloud for Earth Day.”

School Library Journal, starred review

“Extends its essence to all Indigenous children...Depicts expanses of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in all the seasons.”

Booklist

"A tender hymn to the prairie in all seasons...Uplifting and joyous."

Kirkus Reviews