It’s Powwow Time!

Inspired by investigative journalist and professor Martha Troian’s (Lac Seul) son, this lyrical and joyful picture book celebrates new experiences and community traditions when a young boy learns to dance at his first powwow. Illustrated by Hawlii Pichette (Mushkego Cree), It’s Powwow Time is for readers of Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Jingle Dancer and Oge Mora’s Thank You, Omu!

Bineshii is looking forward to his first powwow. He wakes up and travels with his family to the community event. He eats bannock and drinks strawberry juice as he watches the dancers perform. And ever so slowly, Bineshii works his way from the edge of the circle watching the dancers to inside the circle itself, dancing and celebrating with everyone else. 

Award-winning journalist Martha Troian’s child-centered text and Hawlii Pichette’s action-packed illustrations build excitement on the page as Bineshii’s curiosity and confidence grows. It’s Powwow Time! explores the rewards of being open to new experiences while also serving as a lively introduction to a First Nations’ powwow. 

Martha Troian is an award-winning independent journalist and writer. Specializing in investigative journalism, she has worked for and contributed to media outlets across Canada for close to twenty years. She is a proud member of Lac Seul First Nation and lives in Manitoba, Canada.

Hawlii Pichette is a Mushkego Cree illustrator who was born and raised in the small community of Cochrane, Canada. Her work is deeply influenced by her culture and upbringing and reflects the beautiful interconnections of the natural world. Hawlii Pichette currently resides in Ontario, Canada.