We Dream Medicine Dreams
What’s inside...
A heartfelt exploration of indigenous healing practices, 'We Dream Medicine Dreams' delves into the power of storytelling and traditional knowledge. Through a series of interconnected stories, the author illustrates the significance of dreams and visions in the journey towards healing, both individually and collectively within indigenous communities. From Dene artist and bioethicist Lisa Boivin, this healing story of hope, dreams, and the special bond between grandfather and granddaughter emerges. When a little girl dreams about a bear, her grandfather explains how we connect with the knowledge of our ancestors through dreams. Bear, Hawk, Caribou, and Wolf all have teachings to share to help us live a good life. But when Grampa gets sick and falls into a coma, the little girl must lean on his teachings as she learns to say goodbye. Masterful prose and stunning collage weave a gentle story about animal teachings, the power of dreams, and the death of a loved one.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they were learning from their elders?
What dreams do you have for your future, and what steps do you think you can take to achieve them?
In the book, how do characters handle challenges or setbacks? Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you handled it?
What are some ways you can learn from your family's stories or traditions, like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, affirming their feelings and providing insights where appropriate.
Relate the themes of the book to your child's own experiences to make the content more relatable and impactful.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss and explore the story's themes and messages with your child.
After reading, spend some time sharing your own family stories and traditions, helping your child connect with their heritage and see the value in it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'We Dream Medicine Dreams,' the story portrays a nurturing relationship between a child and their Dene grandparent, emphasizing understanding and empathy towards others' experiences and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and be compassionate towards their friends and family members, recognizing and respecting their feelings and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book face challenges but use the power of dreams and storytelling to cope and find strength.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they can overcome obstacles and difficult situations by finding inner strength and seeking support through sharing their stories and experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of Cultural Heritage
Explanation: The narrative is infused with elements of Dene culture, illustrating the importance of preserving and understanding one’s cultural roots.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own heritage and learn about different cultures, fostering a sense of identity and community.
Example Lesson: Healing through storytelling
Explanation: The book shows how sharing stories can be a form of healing, helping characters deal with pain and loss while passing on important lessons and memories.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing their own experiences with others as a way to heal and connect, understanding that their personal stories have power and meaning.