Le secret de ton nom : fier d'être Métis / Kiimooch ka shinikashooyen: aen kishchitaymook aen li Michif iwik

by David Bouchard, Dennis Weber (Illustrator), John Arcand (Music)

Canada's three most well known and respected M�tis artists collaborate in this heart wrenching telling of what it means to be M�tis. Best selling, award winning M�tis poet David Bouchard, once again makes books and culture available to all ages in The Secret of Your Name. Bouchard's heartfelt story is illustrated by Canada's most prominent M�tis artist Dennis Weber. Included on the accompanying CD, with reading in English/French and Michif, is the Red River Jig performed by acclaimed Master M�tis Fiddler John Arcand. Canada's M�tis are the only mixed blood people in the world recognized by every level of government as being a Nation. The M�tis have their own language, flag, songs and stories. They have exciting traditions and a proud history. Sadly, their journey was one of hardships, denial and often lies. In The Secret of Your Name , these three men open their hearts to all those who care to know what it means when it is said that we are Proud to be M�tis! This spectacular book will appeal to any and all who have an interest in Canada's aboriginal people. It will call out to art collectors, musicians and all who have ever pondered their own past.

Genres: History, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Indigenous, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2010

About the author

Canadian Métis author and literacy advocate David Bouchard has produced more than fifty books for readers of all ages, including two guides on reading for parents and educators.

An erstwhile teacher and school principal, he is particularly concerned with Aboriginal-related issues and is a sought-after speaker for conference keynotes and school presentations and on topics of reading, literacy and aboriginal well-being.

David Bouchard's books have won numerous awards, including a Special Mention for Non-Fiction in the 2010 Bologna Ragazzi Awards for The Drum Calls Softly, a Gold Medal in the 2008 Moonbeam Award for I am Raven, the 2004 Governor General's Award for The Song Within My Heart, the 1999 Red Cedar Award for The Great Race and the 1997 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Voices from the Wild. An Aboriginal Carol was included in the 2008 White Ravens Catalogue.

In April 2009, Bouchard was named as a Member of the Order of Canada "for his contributions as an author of children’s books and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing, and who has shared his pride as a member of the Métis community through his stories."

David lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife Vicki and their daughter Victoria.

-taken from the author's website

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure wether I can even find the words to adequately describe just how much I have always loved and been both emotionally and philosophically moved by The Secret of Your Name, by this in every conceivable manner absolute and true gem of a picture book, how both David Bouchard's intense, poetical (personal) text and Dennis J. Weber's evocative illustrations have directly spoken to me, how they have drawn me in, how I have felt like I was part and parcel to the author's intimate and moving account of what it is, what it feels like to be Métis. Hauntingly, metaphorically beautiful, emotionally powerful (and heartbreaking at times), I consider both the English and the Michif narratives equally compelling. And while I (unfortunately) cannot read or really comprehend Michif (although I have indeed been able to figure out quite a number of the French Canadian words from context), I did listen to both texts on the accompanying audio CD, and even though I was only able to grasp, to fully understand a few words of the Michif text (mostly nouns), I did and do feel that same sense of emotion, of haunting intimacy and poignancy I experienced reading and then listening to the English text; both entered into my heart and soul utterly and completely, and remain there.

The Métis of Canada are the only mixed-blood people on earth recognised by every level of government as being a nation (they have their own language, song and flag). However, the Métis' path to that official recognition has been one of hardship, denial and downright disgusting lies (some of which are unfortunately still being spread and adhered to, especially amongst those bigoted "Canadian" citizens who think that Louis Riel was a traitor and the Metis just a bunch of, sigh, "mongrels"). In the aftermath of the North West Rebellion of 1885 (the Riel Rebellion), the Métis of Canada were manipulated, deceived and robbed of their pride and much of their culture. In David Bouchard's excellent foreword, he describes in evocative detail how many of his and other Métis' grandparents were humiliated and pushed into denying their native ties in favour of their more "acceptable" European bloodlines. Many Métis are now searching for their past, are only now stepping forward to say (to dare to say) that they are proud to be Métis, that they are proud of both their First Nations and European heritages.

Bouchard's text is therefore not only a proud declaration of his Métis heritage, of both his First Nations and European background. It is also (and maybe even primarily) an emotional, heartfelt apology to his First Nations (Native Canadian) grandmothers (Bouchard's Nokums), that no one ever spoke of them, that their traditions, their lives, their very names were considered shameful, less worthy, that their stories, songs and cultural traditions are now quite unknown to him (as they likely are to and for many Métis). I cannot even begin to describe how this apology has tugged at my heart and the multiple emotions it has engendered and continues to generate. Besides the joy of discovery (Bouchard's discovery and embracing of his First Nations roots) there are also feelings of incredible sadness and, of course, righteous and deep anger at the fact that the First Nations traditions of the Nokums were perceived and approached in such a (and often officially) prejudicial and bigoted manner.

The poetic narrative is textually dense, descriptive and really quite sophisticated (the English text, that is, as I cannot really say all that much regarding the accompanying Michif, except that I have found and continue to find it powerful, as well as a compelling and joyful symbol of cultural and linguistic survival). And although the text itself reads easily enough, it does demand both attention and maturity from its readers. I would therefore consider The Secret of Your Name suitable for children above the age of nine or ten; there is no upper limit, as this is also a book for adults (in fact, adults might well appreciate The Secret of Your Name considerably more than many children). That being said, Bouchard's word choices are not overly complicated, and Dennis J. Weber's accompanying artwork does much to assist with comprehension, making The Secret of Your Name perhaps even suitable for slightly younger children (ages six to eight), if the text were being read with or to them.

Métis artist Dennis J. Weber's illustrations are so wonderfully evocative, so descriptively and boldly gorgeous that I can only describe it with one small, yet powerfully effective word, "wow!" His full-page oil paintings reflect the same haunting quality, the same sense of loss, longing, of undeserved repression and imposed "shame" that is shown in Bouchard's narrative. Louis Riel was actually Dennis J. Weber's first cousin five generations removed, and Weber feels that his own mother was made to feel ashamed of her Métis culture and heritage; he has dedicated the illustrations to his mother (who died in 1991, two years after the Métis were officially recognised as a nation).

Now if you decide to read The Secret of Your Name, I do and most strongly recommend that you also listen to the accompanying audio CD. Hearing the texts (David Bouchard himself reads the English text, the Michif text is read by Norman Fleury) is an amazing, emotional and simply wonderful experience, and the fiddle music by Métis musician John Arcand is not only a real musical treat, it pays homage to the fact that music was and is an important part of Métis culture and life.

And if you speak and understand French, you will most probably also be able to figure out at least some of the accompanying Michif text by listening to it on the audio CD. And personally, I actually think you will likely be able to discern more of the French Canadian words by listening to the Michif than by only trying to read it, as the French words used in Michif are not spelled like standard French; they are spelled rather majorly phonetically (which to me indicates the oral, non written origins of Mischif, of language in general, of most creoles). I know that I was able to understand more of the spoken Michif, the written narrative was quite difficult for me (I did manage to figure out some of the French words in the written text of The Secret of Your Name, but I most definitely understood more of the French words used in Michif when I listened to the text on audio CD). Very, very highly recommended for anyone, The Secret of Your Name is one of the most poignant and evocative books I have read in a long time (that I have ever read and will ever read, and that I will also and gladly reread over and over again).

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The secret of your name is out," writes David Bouchard in this poetic bilingual picture-book, addressing himself to his own indigenous grandmother, and, more generally, to the indigenous ancestors of Canada's mixed-blood Métis people. "I don't know where to start / I can only say I'm sorry / That no one ever spoke of you / That I was never told of you" he continues, highlighting the poignant reality that, for many Métis, being part native was once considered something shameful - something to be hidden. Now, in this declaration of pride, this expression of love, Bouchard attempts to atone - in both English and Michif - for the way in which the Anishnaabe, Chippewa, Menominee and Innu grandmothers of the Métis were erased from history, even by their own descendants, and vows to reclaim this lost part of his own heritage.

The Secret of Your Name is the fifth bilingual picture-book I have read from Bouchard - the others include An Aboriginal Carol (English/Inuktitut), Long Powwow Nights (English/Mi'kmaq), The Drum Calls Softly and Nokum Is My Teacher (both English/Cree) - and it is one of the most poignant. It cannot be an accident that it also happens to be the one that tells Bouchard's own story, and addresses his own Métis identity. I was so moved by the reality behind this poem: the denial of Métis ancestry, the way that Bouchard only learned who he truly was later in life, and was reminded of Joseph Bruchac's similar story, of discovering that he was Abenaki (another indigenous group that went into hiding, in their case, to avoid the insanity of the Vermont Eugenics Program).

Bouchard's apology to his grandmother, his obvious yearning for a deeper connection to her, is so very heartbreaking! His compelling narrative, in both English and Michif, is accompanied by the artwork of Métis artist Dennis J. Weber, and the fiddling of Métis fiddler John Arcand (whose work I will be seeking out on CD!). The overall experience of reading this book, looking at its artwork, and listening to its narration and accompanying music, is incredibly powerful. I recommend this to any reader interested in the Métis, their history, language and culture.

Note: I also recommend, for those interested in the Michif language, the recent alphabet book, Lii Yiiboo Nayaapiwak lii Swer: L'alfabet di Michif / Owls See Clearly at Night: A Michif Alphabet .

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a bilingual English and Michif edition, except for the last 2 text pages that, unfortunately, are in English only. Although I personally could read only the English, I wish those pages had also been in both languages. Unfortunately, my library copy came without the accompanying music CD; there is a note that the CD is available, but only at its original San Diego location. Too bad! I’m not usually interested in book companion music CDs, but I’d have definitely listened to this one had it been sent with the book.

Oh, this book touched me deeply and I could identify. The author’s four grandmothers were each Native people, from four different tribes, something of which he was unaware well into his adulthood. He is Métis, the only mixed blood people in the world acknowledged to be a nation. In this book he addresses his ancestors, and the reader, and reclaims his heritage. Many people, not just indigenous people, will identify with name changes and lack of sharing of their ancestry, people of various backgrounds. Many people have surnames that were changed at some point as a way to deny the family’s origins and many people know nothing or little of their ancestors/heritage/backgrounds. I admire and appreciate Bouchard’s efforts to learn details of his families’ history and his work to pass it on and to honor his ancestors, particularly mentioning he knows his grandmothers told stories hoping he’d hear them; that detail really got to me. The entire account is very poetic. The account is just superb.

The additional history given at the end was fascinating, and when I read it I could easily accept the guns that appear in the illustrations, the only thing about the pictures that bothered me as I was reading the book. The illustrations are fabulous and help bring the account to life. My mother was born in Winnipeg but for the first time I learned how the city of Winnipeg first developed.

This is an outstanding book. I learned so much. This fits accurately on my biography, history, and social-culture, etc. shelves. It’s perfect for learning about the Métis people, and for learning and discussion about various peoples who’ve been unfairly or brutally denied their history, culture, language, customs, etc.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, poetic writing about the author’s journey to acknowledge and embrace his Métis heritage. While Canada’s Métis are the only mixed-heritage people on earth to be recognized as a nation the struggle to get there has been long and hard and continues today.

The text is bilingual - English and Michif - as well as the accompanying CD which must be listened to in order to appreciate the beauty of Michif. As well, the wonderful art of Dennis J. Weber and the music of John Arcand, "Master of the Métis Fiddle" make this book an unforgettable experience.

[Ubalstecha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely picture book exploring the Metis culture. Written in both English and Michif, it explores various elements of Metis culture. Comes with an audiobook (in both English and Michif) that has Metis fiddling as part of the soundtrack so you can experience of the blend of Aboriginal and French/Scottish culture. Great for Metis, but also wonderful for students and teachers who are studying the Metis.

[Canadian Children's Book Centre]

Reviewed by Mary Anne Cree

In the forward to this story, David Bouchard speaks of Canada’s Métis, “the only mixed blood people in the world recognized… as being a nation.” He has discovered that his grandmothers were Anishnaabe, Chippewa, Menominee and Innu and is proud to call himself Métis. His story, again told in four-line stanzas, is part memory, part regret, part hope for the future of their traditional stories, songs and ways of living. “The secret of your name is out / I finally know my heritage / It has taken almost fifty years / To come to learn of you.” He vows to remember and honour his Métis heritage. There is also a brief history of the Métis nation and descriptions of the different First Nations people. The text is bilingual again, in English (or French) and Michif, the Métis language.

A talented Métis artist, Dennis Weber’s paintings extend the text by imagining the past — the events and people of the different First Nations groups who are the author’s ancestors. They are done in muted tones, soft and flat and conveying an intimacy among land, people and reader.

The book includes a CD with a reading of the story in English by Bouchard and in Michif by Norman Fleury. Bouchard also plays the flute and there is lively fiddle music by John Arcand.

Canadian Children's Book News (Fall 2010, Vol. 33, No. 4)

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of Your Name combines the ideas of what it means to be Metis personally, the different aspects of Metis culture and history, stories of personal loss, stories of connection, and a great deal of self-love. The illustrations are tender and beautiful. The historical information in the back is helpful, interesting, and especially important to anyone not familiar with Metis culture and history. The included Michif translation is helpful (and I am glad I read a little bit of Michif before, as it helped me follow along much better). The audio translation is very well done and was easy to follow along with. The included music from John Arcand helped tie it together and bring it to life.

Definitely recommended. Especially for anyone interested in Michif, and anyone interested in Metis culture and history.

[Kathryn]

very highly recommended by Gundula

[State · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love David's writing. A gifted story teller and a wonderful person!

[Sandra Acacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read with lots of good knowledge.
I wish I learned this when I was a child. I don't know if it wasn't taught or I just didn't learn it.
Very one should read this and learn.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good discussion starter about the history of indigenous and European people and we loved the illustrations.

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. There is so much meaning behind his words it's as though he is reading it to me. He has had an amazing journey and I hope to do the same.