If Instead of a Person

If Instead of a Person is a debut picture book written by a Coast Salish author Ti’yuqtunat (Courtney Defriend). The text is presented in verse and asks the reader to imagine a tree as a living sentient being and, in this context, to consider its relationships with other inhabitants of the world.

Instead of a person, I were a tree,

I know what my job would be.

As Turtle Island’s oldest creature,

I’d remain a sacred teacher.

Tall and proud, a solid cedar,

I’d stand up, I’d be a leader.

I’d honor those who came before,

By showing young ones something more.

Serving purpose with my day,

Until upon the ground I’d lay.

My body gone, my soul would stay

To feed the earth another way.

The illustrations by Canadian artist Ashley Marcynuk (who illustrates under the name Terra Mar) beautifully support the poem, offering visuals to depict the interconnectedness of a tree in our world, how it supports life, taking only what it needs as nutrients from the earth, and gives back even with its death. Using a natural palette of primarily green and brown colours, Mar’s drawings are presented in a mixture of styles. Although not an Indigenous illustrator, she uses a digital platform to incorporate the traditional ovoid and split U features of West Coast design within child-friendly drawings of trees and other creatures. She also relies heavily on white negative space to showcase each illustration. Mar has also self-published Umi’s Quills (2015). All Creation Represented: A Child’s Guide to the Medicine Wheel (2018) is her second offering with Peppermint Toast Publishing.
If Instead of a Person could be used with students to support an environmental call to action or to present an Indigenous perspective towards stewardship of the natural world. It would be an authentic voice to introduce several of The First Nations Education Steering Committee’s (FNESC) First Nations Principles of Learning, such as “learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions” and “learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.” (Note: The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) is a policy and advocacy organization that represents and works on behalf of First Nations in British Columbia. The First Nations Principles of Learning are embedded in the BC Education curriculum recommendations.)

Given the current COVID-19 global pandemic, perhaps an even more a powerful use of this picture book would be as a timely avenue into discussions with younger children about aspects of mental wellness. Just as trees contribute to the well-being of the world around them in so many different ways, this picture book teaches that even the smallest decision we make in our daily lives may affect others around us. Sometimes these decisions help to nurture others and keep them safe, and our kind and caring actions can go a long way to support those who are facing tough challenges – some of which we may not be aware.

It would appear that mental wellness is an intended theme for this resource as the author has a strong background in mental health, as described in her online biography:

Courtney Defriend was born and raised in Nanaimo. Her mother is from Stz’uminus First Nation and her father originally comes from Scotland. Courtney is the Regional Manager for Vancouver Island in Mental Health and Wellness with First Nation’s Health Authority. Courtney has worked with interdisciplinary teams, specifically on social issues such as child and youth mental health, addictions, and homelessness. Courtney practices with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care and a Master of Arts in Leadership. She also holds a certificate in Family Mediation as she has much passion working with the child welfare system and the complexities within family systems.

If Instead of a Person also presents a remote learning option through the chance to meet the author. Educators can share a very short YouTube video (5:15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_v5ni3_gmA with their students as Defriend reads her entire short picture book aloud. The author’s manner is gentle and welcoming, and, as she reads the poem aloud, she shares the illustrations with the audience. At the end of this online reading, Defriend briefly talks about the teachings she wishes to share through this book. She explains that there is a special relationship that exists between all earth’s inhabitants. She encourages the importance of continuing to build and nurture the essential connections of family and community with one another, even though at this time we might not be able to visit in person.

This small book would offer a suitable choice for teacher-librarians seeking authentic works by Aboriginal authors to enhance their library collections and assist teachers in incorporating aboriginal approaches to knowledge in their instruction. If Instead of a Person is part of the recommended Aboriginal catalogue by the British Columbia retail book company, Strong Nations, which specializes in Indigenous literature and art. Contact Peppermint Toast Publishing for further information regarding supportive teaching materials to accompany this picture book which are currently being developed for use. Note that 10% of the sales of If Instead of a Person are donated to the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Nanaimo, which supports all people in its community.