- Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw’s Forest Powwow
Written by Sita MacMillan
Illustrated by Azby Whitecalf
Published by Annick Press
Virtual Author Visit – January 17th release (Video)
Hooked on Books Interview from Teachers on Call – Sita MacMillan (released Apr. 7, 20225)
FROM THE PUBLISHER
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Sarah Ponakey has moved to the city from her home community with her mom and it’s the pits! She misses her Kôhkom, her best friend Eden, and the forests around her community. She’s had a hard time making new friends at school but at least she keeps in touch with Eden through meticulously written letters with very big words. After a particularly tough day where she nearly loses her favorite stuffed animal, Âhâsiw, and is brushed off by her mom, Sarah finds herself transported to a magical forest powwow . . .
Accompanied by a life-sized Âhâsiw in his beautiful regalia, Sarah watches in excitement as a chipmunk emcees, and bears play the host drum at her first ever powwow. The more she sees, the more her confidence grows. As she joins in the celebration, Sarah discovers that she can connect to her Cree culture no matter where she is. Her Kôhkom’s going to love this story! Âhâsiw’s Forest Powwow, the first book from debut children’s author Sita MacMillan, features Cree words throughout the story and a note to the reader. Azby Whitecalf’s dynamic illustrations bring life to this warm, charming, and funny introduction to Sarah Ponakey, the storycatcher.


SITA MACMILLAN
SITA MACMILLAN is a registered member of Zagime Anishinabek and is of a mixed Cree and Scottish background. As a mother to three daughters, Sita was struggling to find children’s books based on urban Indigenous living. This became the inspiration for her debut children’s book series, Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher. She lives with her family in Prince Edward Island.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Social Media: @sita.macmillan
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Modern Day Indian, The Grain Magazine, Summer 2019 under Sita Rani.
in/out/side, Self-Published, Spring 2022, under Sita MacMillan.

AZBY WHITECALF
AZBY WHITECALF is a Plains Cree illustrator and character designer. Whitecalf is a graduate of AUArts, majoring in illustration with a bachelor’s degree in design and is the illustrator of Buffalo Wild! They have a fondness for fantasy stories, whimsical tales, and vibrant characters. They live in Saskatchewan.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Social Media: @wapimostosis
BIBLIOGRAPHY
“Buffalo Wild” Annick Press, 2021
“We Belong to the Drum” Orca Book, 2022