Missing Nimama

Written by Melanie Florence

Illustrated by Francois Thisdale

Lyndsey Orcherton, Christine Mercado, Emma Uhlenberg

About the Author/Illustrator
Author Melanie Florence

● Melanie Florence is a Canadian award- winning writer

● Based out of Toronto, Melanie is of Cree and Scottish descent
● She is drawn to telling stories about her own culture and she is passionate
about giving a voice to Indigenous peoples.
● She is immersed in the world of the indigenous voice in mainstream media

Illustrator Francois Thisdale

● His work blends traditional drawing and painting with digital imagery using
collage, acrylic, watercolour and computer.
● Thisdale is of non indigenous background and using images to capture the
author's intent
Summary
● Young Kateri being raised by her grandmother in the
absence of her mother.
● The story alludes to her mother being taken by a man in a
violent way.
● The story concludes with confirmation that not only was her
mother missing, but now has become a statistic of the many
murdered indigenous women.
● This is fictional story inspired by a collection of experiences
of individuals who have been affected by the loss of the
missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Critical Analysis
● Recognized by the Indigenous Community
○ TRC
● Cree author
● Culturally appropriate
● Glossary
● Symbolism
○ Trickster
● Single story/fictional story
● Illustrator is not indigenous
Practical Classroom Application 1/2
Social Studies - Suitable for higher grades; grades 5 and up ”

Knowledge and Understanding: “understand the unique nature of Canada and its land, history,
complexities and current issues”

Controversial Issues: “Controversial issues are those topics that are publicly sensitive and upon
which there is no consensus of values or beliefs.”

Current events: ”Social studies fosters the development of citizens who are informed and engaged
in current affairs”

Grade 7 - Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how the political,
demographic, economic and social changes that have occurred since Confederation have presented
challenges and opportunities for individuals and communities.

Example: KWL chart, current events, novel study, inquiry based project
Practical Classroom Application 2/2
ELA - More suitable for higher grades; grades 5 and up

Discover and Explore: Grade 5 use appropriate prior knowledge and experiences to make
sense of new ideas and information

Thinking and Learning through Language: critical and creative thinking and learning
through language occur when students reflect, speculate,create, analyze and synthesize.

Example:

- Author studies
- Different voices
- Poetry
- Writing for a better world project; coined by Melanie Florence
What now?
● What can we do now that we know about this issue facing aboriginal
women?
● Is there any type of reconciliation or healing that the government of
Canada has put forth? (acknowledgment of truth has been highlighted
but what are we doing to reconcile?) (we must recognize truth and put
forth some healing)
● How would you use this in your classroom so students can be an
agent of change for these issues?

“Now is the time to take action not to continue to study the issues” --
Justice Minister Peter MacKay.
Additional Resources
● Amnesty International Canada
https://www.amnesty.ca/our-work/campaigns/no-more-stolen-sisters
● Clockwise Press - Children’s and Young Adult books w/themes of diveristy,
global awareness, and inclusivity
http://www.clockwisepress.com/our-book
● Native women association of Canada
https://www.nwac.ca/home/policy-areas/violence-prevention-and-safety/sister
s-in-spirit/life-stories/
● Canadian churches and religious group
https://www.kairoscanada.org/missing-murdered-indigenous-women-girls/boo
ks
References:
Alberta Education. (2005). Our words, our way: Teaching First Nations, Metis, Inuit learners.
Edmonton, Alberta: First Nations, Metis and Inuit Education Division. Retrieved from https://education.alberta.ca/media/3615876/our-words-our-ways.pdf
Alberta Education. (1985). Social Studies kindergarten to grade 12.Retrieved from https://education.alberta.ca/media/160200/program-of-study-grade-7.pdf
Maclean, T. (N.d.). Pinterest. #NoMore Stolen Sisters photograph. [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://pin.it/ez44ndpxqji7y2
Preston, R.J. (2012). Cree. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cree
Thisdale, F. (2015). Missing Nimama [Digital image]. Retrieved from :
https://www.illustrationquebec.com/media/cache/97/d2/97d26d44b2f8f98c245606254be50a2d.jpg
White, R. (2018). CTV News: Mother makes 150 km walk to Calgary to honour slain daughter, raise awareness for MMIWG. [Digital image]. Retrieved from
https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/mother-makes-150-km-walk-to-calgary-to-honour-slain-daughter-raise-awareness-for-mmiwg-1.4120736T