My Beaver Basics 1

My Beaver Basics 1 follows First Beaver Story as a primary-level illustrated book to encourage Blueberry River First Nations community members to learn and teach their endangered Dane–Zaa (Beaver) Language. Each two-page spread features a Dane–Zaa word with pronunciation guide and English meaning, along with a photo and Dane–Zaa sentence, with the sentence in English following. In addition, each spread includes photos showing the featured word in Dane–Zaa sign language and a description about how to do the signing.

My Beaver Basics 1 started as a school project Sydney Davis undertook to obtain her Adult Graduation Diploma—the Adult Dogwood. Sydney selected the words that were to be included and provided many of the photos. She was assisted by family, friends and schoolmates, and especially Adult Education Teacher Tristan Cox, supported by Keri Taylor, Blueberry River’s Education Manager. Madeline Oker, of neighbouring Doig River First Nation, kindly supplied the sentences written in Dane–Zaa/Dane–Za–Zaage.

Statement on the book’s back cover:

Blueberry River First Nations is located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada and is a member of the Treaty 8 First Nations. We are a proud and unified people who work together as a self-governing nation to ensure an enhanced quality of life for current and future generations. We focus on developing a sustainable, self-reliant and vibrant community that is built on our traditions and forward-thinking values. blueberryfn.com

ISBN: 978-0-9937877-3-7

86 pages; colour throughout

9.25 x 7.5 inches