Reviews

Oolichan Moon is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about passing down traditional knowledge from Nisg̱a’a Elders and the sacredness of traditional foods—particularly the oolichan fish. With playful text and vibrant artwork by Lucy Trimble, young readers follow two Nisg̱a’a sisters as they learn from their grandparents in the oral tradition.
“This kind of story is long overdue and badly needed. I had a little tear welling up in my eye thinking how cool it will be for kids to read about part of their culture.”
— Edward Desson, Fisheries Manager, Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government
“Packed with traditional knowledge, family values and deep wisdom, this story instantly transports you to a timeless place! Like visiting with family, you can feel strength and warmth beaming from each page.”
— Lucky Budd, author of Peace Dancer and One Eagle Soaring
“A wonderful story with such simple teachings for all of us... The long winter is over, and Spring is here and so too the oolichans return to feed and provide for the people... This is survival. This is the teaching.”
— Joseph Dandurand, storyteller and author of A Magical Sturgeon
“A heart-warming story featuring a nutritious and iconic little fish... Through the delightful teachings of wise and kind grandparents, we learn history, laughter, and love—and the immense cultural value of the oolichan.”
— Dr. Nancy Turner, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria
Celebrating Potlatches is a heartfelt tribute to the power of community, ceremony, and resilience. Based on the legacy of Samantha’s great-grandfather, historian William Beynon, the book uplifts foundational teachings of potlatching and cultural resurgence.
“This beautiful book shares the importance of community, culture, and identity. As you make your way through the pictures and words, it brings you to an understanding of how important the Potlatch ceremony was and continues to be for Indigenous peoples.”
— Carolyn Roberts, educator, speaker, and author of Re-Storying Education
“This book is also a beautiful tribute to Samantha's great grandfather William Beynon... foundational to our cultural resurgence today.”
— Dr. Mique’l Dangeli, Assistant Professor of Indigenous Arts, UVic

Pronunciation Guide

Please click the words below to hear how Sam's cousin Elijah Willams pronounces these Nisga'a words from Oolichan Moon (media player will open in a new window):

daada (auntie)

hlgutk'ihlgum hanak (little girl)

Hoobiyee (Nisga'a New Year/The moon is out)

hoon (fish)

hlgiikw (a girl's or a woman's sister)

huxwdaak'inim hanak' (granddaughter)

nits'iits' / jiji (grandmother)

niye'e (grandfather)

saak (oolichan)

t'ilx (oolichan grease)

wii (big)

wii hlgiikw (a girl's or a woman's big sister)

Contact

​For media or author appearance requests related to Oolichan Moon, please contact Fleur Matthewson at Harbour Publishing ([email protected])

For media or author appearance requests related to Celebrating Potlatches, please contact Strong Nations at ([email protected]) 
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Or contact Samantha directly at ([email protected]) or using the Contact Us form below.
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Contact Samantha

For author visits, school workshops, read-alouds, community programming, or media inquiries.
Samantha offers culturally grounded sessions for students of all backgrounds, with a focus on Indigenous storytelling, literacy, and education