Oolichan Moon: Oolichan fish important to the Nisga’a people

Reviewed by Alex Hebert

Oolichan Moon is an educational children’s book written by Samantha Beynon and illustrated by Lucy Trimble. It is a story about two Nisga’a sisters who, while visiting their grandparents, are taught sacred knowledge and traditions of their ancestors. The book dives into the importance of the Oolichan fish, both historically and in the present.

The author, Samantha Beynon, shares her knowledge of the sacredness of traditional foods to the Nisga’a people – specifically the Oolichan fish. The Oolichan fish, called the saak or the saviour fish, was the first large batch of fish to reach the rivers in the early spring. The fish also produced an oil that could be used as medicine or traded for other goods. During the Oolichan moon, the Nisga’a people have a celebration called Hoobiyee.

The language is simple but includes some words from the Nisga’a language; however, the pictures help support any missing information. The font is large and colourful, which helps keep young readers engaged. The illustrations of nature and Oolichan fish are lively and exceptional.

I also found this book to be a warm and touching story.

Samantha Beynon, illustrated by Lucy Trimble, Oolichan Moon. British Columbia: Harbour Publishing, 2022.

ISBN 9781550179927