And onward they went
with a message chant,
‘Respect Mother Earth,
her waters and land!’
– Minnow: The Girl Who Became Part Fish
Willie Poll
Cultural Connections: Métis (Métis Nation of Ontario)
Home Base: Prince Edward Island
Willie Poll is a Métis author from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada) and a proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous studies and a Master of Arts in archaeology. She grew up with a close relationship to her Métis grandpa who filled her with stories that connected her to her ancestors and culture. Willie has worked in Indigenous education across the Nation for over 10 years. Her stories are her feelings, emotions, and her tribute to the youth in her life. Willie currently resides on Prince Edward Island as a guest on the traditional lands of the Wabanaki and Mi’kma’ki people; however, she lives a nomadic lifestyle and has had the opportunity to be a guest in many places across Turtle Island.
Books by Willie Poll
Interviews & Articles
Métis author and illustrator work together to tell a tale of food security in new children’s book
“Children are kind of our little Elders and they have so much knowledge and openness and curiosity and are able to see the world in ways that kind of get taken out of us as we get older.” — illustrator bailey macabre
July 31, 2023
5 Books For Kids & Teens Written By 2SLGBTQI+ Writers To Read In 2023
"A young and carefree Anishnaabe girl sets off into the forest to seek adventure. As she peers into the river, she sees not only her reflection but also the reflection of her ancestors clothed in red dresses..."
May 3, 2023
Videos Featuring Phyllis Webstad
A young Indigenous water protector named Minnow goes on an underwater journey; learning from our ocean-living relatives. When she returns to the surface, she gathers her community to help make a change.
This story is told in lyrical rhyme and helps children gain a better respect for Indigenous water and land protectors, the environment and world around them, and helps show children activism at an early age.