Kwulasulwut: Stories from the Coast Salish

Becky Norman is a Kitchener-based freelance writer.

Kwulasulwut, which means “Many Stars” in Salish, is a collection of
just that: each story shines with its own particular brilliance. Ellen
White retells the charming and delightful tales for grade-school
children.

From the opening story of how the sun came to live in the sky to the
final tale of how a father misjudges his son, this collection shows the
warmth, love, and respect the Coast Salish have for their children. The
book teaches children to be generous, modest, unselfish, and
co-operative; it also shows children that they have power and a place
that is highly valued in the community. Some of the stories are a bit
long and may tax the younger reader, but they are all engaging and
meaningful. David Neel’s stark, vibrant illustrations—primitive and
modern at the same time—add to the text.

This book is dedicated to the author’s grandmother, “who never
tired of telling us her stories.” If Kwulasulwut is any indication of
White’s own abilities, let us hope she never tires of telling us
stories, as well.