By: Wendy Stephenson, Cecilia Judas, Madeline Judas & Joan Sherman
ISBN: 978-0-88839-762-1 [Trade Paperback]
ISBN: 978088839-763-8 [eBook]
Binding: Trade Paper
Size: 8.5" X 11"
Pages: 48
Illustrations/Photos: 48
Publication Date: Dec 05 2022

The Missing Caribou Hide is a story that passes through the years in Tłı̨chǫ history. It tells of times when people lived a simpler life built around the fur trade, hard work and helping one another. It tells of times when relationships with animals and our environment were stronger than they are today.

In this story, a young girl who lives with her grandmother, wishes to own a sled so that she can go sliding like the other children in her community. However, her grandmother needs her to help with chores around the home.
The young girl has developed a friendship with Tatsǫ̀ (Raven), Į̀hk'aa (Canada Jay), Nǫ̀mba (Weasel) and Nǫge (Fox). Because of her kindness, the four animal friends decide to help her out.

Included in this book is the use of Tłı̨chǫ language as well as Tłı̨chǫ legends told about these animals from the traditional stories of community elders. It has been edited and translated by the community members themselves.

Wendy Stephensen

Wendy has traveled on the land and lived in various Tłı̨chǫ communities over the past forty years. She is very honoured to share a friendship with members of the Judas family who helped to write this story. Wendy has written several other children's books. She lives in Yellowknife.

Cecilia Judas

Cecilia (Ceci) is a Tłı̨chǫ woman (daughter of Madeline and Joseph) who was raised in Wekweètı̀. Currently, Cecilia is a teacher at the Alexis Arrowmaker school in Wekweètı̀. Cecilia is proud of and committed to passing on skills in her language and culture to her students. Cecilia and her spouse Clarence have three children. Cecilia was key in ensuring that Tłı̨chǫ language and stories be included in this book.

Madeline Judas

Madeline is a Tłı̨chǫ woman born in Behchokǫ̀, NT and is the daughter of Alexis and Elizabeth Arrowmaker. From the age of seven, Madeline and her family traveled the trails between Behchokǫ̀ and Wekweètı̀. She has lived in Wekweètı̀ since 1963. Madeline and her husband Joseph have raised a family of nine children. They are very proud of their Tłı̨chǫ culture and way of life and have passed on their language, skills and stories to Cecilia and the other members of her family.

Joan Sherman

Joan Sherman lives in the boreal forest region of Alberta where she paints and writes about the natural world. She studied at California College of the Arts and has held drawing workshops for children and adults. Joan’s paintings are in private and institutional collections. The Missing Caribou Hide is the fifth children’s story she has illustrated.

“It is wonderful to see a story such as ‘The Missing Caribou Hide’ that reflects the people, histories, and culture of the Tłı̨chǫ region. The combination of English and Tłı̨chǫ language as well as the inclusion of Tłı̨chǫ legends supports a critical part of our education system. Tłı̨chǫ language and culture are highly valued by our Elders and this story illustrates another way in which these can be shared and passed on to their children. Our families and schools are grateful to see themselves represented in cherished books such as these.

Mársı | Kinanāskomitin | Thank you | Merci | Hąį’ | Quana | Qujannamiik | Quyanainni | Máhsı | Máhsı | Mahsı̀"

— Linsey Hope, M.Ed., B. Ed, B. Sc., Director of Education

“This book is a reminder of Tlicho and their relationship and connections to their environment and the animals they share their lands with. These stories are important teachings to the cultural history of the Dene Peoples. Not only should the book be in every classroom, but every Canadian should also read these stories to help understand Indigenous peoples and their culture. "The Missing Caribou Hide" can help bridge the gap between not only Tlicho parent and child, but also help connect Indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians alike."

— Paul Andrew, Order of the Northwest Territories