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Description: 

My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior. This heartwarming and empowering story is a celebration of Indigenous love and the powerful legacy that it creates.

The word Ogichidaa itself means Warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to Indigenous families everywhere who are proudly raising their children to carry forward their culture, language, and love with resilience, strength, and kindness. 

Willie Poll (Métis): 

Willie Poll is a Métis author from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada) and a proud member of the Metis 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 with 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.

Illustrator: 

Hawlii Pichette of Urban Iskwew is a Mushkego Cree (Fort Albany FN, Treaty 9 ) urban mixed-blood artist and illustrator who currently resides in London ON. Born and raised in the small community of Cochrane, located in northeastern Ontario, her work is deeply influenced by her culture, upbringing, and reflects the beautiful interconnections of the natural world.

Her practice includes illustrations, digital artwork, paintings and murals. She graduated from Fanshawe College’s advanced Fine Art program with Honours in 2017, receiving the Satellite Award exhibition. She is also known for a series of Indigenous colouring pages that she illustrates and shares on her website.

Age Range: Suggested for ages 6-10

Author: Willie Poll (Métis)
Illustrator: Hawlii Pichette (Cree)
Size: 8.5" x 11"
Pages: 36 pages
Cover: Hardcover
Language: English
ISBN: 9781778540301

School Library Journal Review:

“The empowering narrative and stunning artwork combine for a lovely tribute to a future child.”

Feb 1, 2024

Booklife by Publishers Weekly Review:

“[Willie] Poll’s heartfelt picture book for young children serves as a testament to the enduring power of indigenous families and culture.”

Apr 1, 2024

Willie Poll’s My Little Ogichidaa is a celebration of matriarchs past, present, and future

"Willie Poll’s My Little Ogichidaa is a celebration of matriarchs past, present, and future"

April 10, 2024

Intergenerational Power: Reclaiming Indigenous parenting

In this episode of Getting Lit With Linda, Willie Poll (Metis Nation of Ontario) discusses with Linda why she wrote this children’s book, titled My Little Ogichidaa, and the source of inspiration for its creation – in large part, the Moose Hide Campaign

June 1, 2024

These Indigenous women are decolonizing parenting to help raise empowered children

"Métis author and educator Willie Poll notes that parenthood "was robbed of Indigenous people for generations." "They weren't allowed to be parents and kids weren't allowed to have parents. And so those things weren't passed on. And so they're being reclaimed," she said. She points to a poignant moment last year when a pregnant Raven Lacert, co-founder of the Moosehide Campaign, a non-profit organization that aims to end gender-based violence, took to the stage with her toddler in tow. "I just remember watching her speak and feeling just so incredibly empowered that that is what a decolonized space looks like." "It looks like bringing your baby up on stage. It looks like that little girl looking up to her mom and seeing this badass matriarch up there, changing the world. And I think we need to see more of that," said Poll, whose children's book My Little Ogichidaa — which means My Little Warrior in Anishinaabe — is inspired by the encounter."

May 12, 2024

FROM CELESTIAL EVENTS TO GROUNDED INSIGHTS: EXPLORING SUSTAINABILITY, SATIRE, AND SELF-COMPASSION

"Wrapping up, Willie Poll, a proud Metis author and advocate for Indigenous education, returns to our show. Willie’s latest children’s book, “My Little Ogichidaa,” is an Indigenous lullaby that beautifully captures the deep love and hopes Indigenous parents have for their children."

May 14, 2024

Willie Poll on the Richard Crouse Show

"On the Saturday June 1, 2024 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we’ll meet Sharon Lewis. She is an award winning director for her documentary and feature work, and if you’ve been watching "Law and Order Toronto: Criminal Intent," “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” or the Netflix series “Ginny & Georgia,” you’ve seen her name in the credits as director. Then we’ll meet English author Sam Lloyd, the bestselling author of "The Memory Wood" and "The Rising Tide." Today we talk about his latest novel, a tense, mystery thriller called "The People Watcher." Today we’ll talk about the unusual visitation that inspired the book. We’ll also get to know New York City-based stand-up comedian Tina Friml. She has performed at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, is a regular at the Comedy Cellar in New York City and has a large following on line for her unique take on her own physical disability, and fearless honesty about the social assumptions that come with living with cerebral palsy. Then, we’ll meet Willie Poll. She is the director of education for the Moose Hide Campaign, an organization focused on ending violence against women and children. But today we’re here to talk about her new book for children, “My Little Ogichidaa: An Indigenous Lullaby.”

June 1, 2024

P.E.I. author celebrates Indigenous motherhood

"Award-winning author Willie Poll, based in Prince Edward Island, recently released a new book on Indigenous motherhood."

June 4, 2024