Rocky Cree people understand that all children are born with four gifts
or talents. When a child is old enough, they decide which gift, or
mīthikowisiwin, they will seek to master. With her sapotawan ceremony
fast approaching, Amō must choose her mīthikowisiwin. Her sister, Pīsim,
became a midwife; others gather medicines or harvest fish. But none of
those feel quite right.
Amō has always loved making things. Her uncle can show her how to make
nipisiwata, willow baskets. Her grandmother can teach her how to make
kwakwāywata, birchbark containers and plates. Her auntie has offered to
begin Amō's apprenticeship in making askihkwak, pottery.
What will Amō's mīthikowisiwin be? Which skill should she choose? And
how will she know what is right for her?