Why a Booktrail?
The Cree title: Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih
My Heart Fills with Happiness
What you need to know before your trail
The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.International speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.
Travel Guide
Canada’s First Nations (c) CBC
Monique Gray Smith is a mixed heritage woman of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish descent.
In 1992, Monique received her traditional name in a Lakota ceremony called Yuweepi.
The name she was gifted is Mistikwaskihkos, which when translated from the Cree language to English means Little Drum. When the Medicine Man gave her this name, she told me that the name goes back nine generations on her father’s side and seven generations on her mother’s side. He also explained that Monique was given the name Little Drum because one of the gifts she’s been blessed with is the ability to remind people of their heartbeats.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: My Heart Fills with Happiness
Destination : Native American Territories (America, Canada) Author/Guide: Monique Gray Smith
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