Auntie always greets Cree in Nehiyaw when she comes for a visit. When Auntie arrives with a surprise gift hidden in her bag, Cree can't wait to discover what it is. The first clue? It's from the rez. As Cree tries to figure out what it might be, the bag starts to move. Cree is thrilled when the bag opens and out jumps a rez puppy!

Cree asks Auntie how to take care of the new puppy. Auntie talks to Cree about the importance of dogs in their culture. They are our relatives, she explains, and need to be well taken care of. Cree decides she will name her new puppy "Atim", the Nehiyaw word for dog. (From Second Story Press)

Heather O'Watch is a Nakota and Nehiyaw writer from Okanese First Nation, located in Treaty 4 Territory. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan, pursuing a Masters in Public Policy.

Ellie Arscott is a Toronto-based illustrator. Her first picture book that she illustrated was Night Walk by Sara O'Leary, which received an SCBWI Canada East Crystal Kite award.