kisēwātisi—Be Kind (FNCR 2026)

Written by Elizabeth Merasty and illustrated by Brie Phillips. 

Elizabeth Merasty is a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and a descendant of Rock Cree and Scottish ancestry. She enjoys the adventure of learning and revitalizing Cree language and culture, and holds a Certificate in Indigenous Languages (ILC), a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.). A northerner at heart, Liz has called the Saskatchewan prairie home for the past decade. She lives on a grain farm with her husband, three children, and a herd of bison. 

Brie Phillips is a Métis woman who grew up near the Saskatchewan and Manitoba border. Having had a childhood of frequent nature exploration, she often finds inspiration from the land. Brie enjoys working with mixed media and strives to create art that encompasses spirit and tells a story. the Indigenous Perspectives Learning Consultant for the Sun West School Division. She is the author of a children's book called Roots.

A true story of kindness and hope…

Traditional Indigenous values remain the lifelong foundation of young Catherine's life, despite the hardships of a northern Residential School. Audience: Ages 3-8..