The Great Gathering Place

A gorgeous and powerful celebration of finding belonging and community.

This poetic picture book begins with an invitation: “Let’s go to the Great Gathering Place. Come, I’ll take you in my big red canoe.” Readers travel along the river to a special place on the shore, where we’ll meet and visit with people for hours and days, talking about good things and bad, rejoicing in our good fortune and celebrating our achievements. We’ll speak to our ancestors. We’ll build a fire and feast. We’ll give thanks for our lives. And we’ll pledge to always be gentle, generous and kind - and to always love our friends and relatives.

This stirring and lyrical story by Métis author Naomi McIlwraith, based on her poem of the same name, is a moving tribute to Indigenous values and the meeting places that are special to each of us. Luminous illustrations by Cree and Métis artist Onedove evoke a sense of the sacred with each colorful spread. This is a beautiful picture book that honors the importance of gratitude, generosity, kindness and love for both nature and people, and could serve as a gentle discussion starter on these topics. It’s also a reminder that the places where we gather are special and deserve our protection. It provides an excellent introduction to Indigenous concepts and teachings. Cree words and phrases are featured in the text and are supported by a glossary and pronunciation guide.