The Bead Pot

David M. Kelly teaches religious studies at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

The Bead Pot expresses author Thelma Poirier’s concern for her Native
heritage. Basically, it centres around a Native girl named Toniya
Wakanwin who inherits a magical bead pot from her great-grandmother and,
in turn, leaves it to her great-granddaughter.

The book, written for young children, is somewhat disappointing. On the
positive side, it follows Native life from teepees to old-age homes,
thereby offering an introduction to Native people. On the other hand, it
is dull and lacklustre. The narrative—what little there is—is
boring. While of doubtless interest to Poirier, it is unlikely to hold
the attention of today’s children. Sharing the text’s lack of
vibrancy are Nona Foster’s illustrations, which are mediocre at best.
The Bead Pot will introduce children to Native Canadians, but it won’t
keep them interested for very long. Not a first-choice purchase.