Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii (Sk'ad'a Stories)

Written by Sara Florence Davidson and Robert Davidson

Illustrated by Janine Gibbons

HighWater Press

978-1-55379-981-8

40 pp.

Ages 6-9

September 2021

 

Jigging is a type of fishing in which a lure called a jig is used to attract and catch fish. Of course, successful jigging requires skill. Co-authoring with his daughter Sara Florence Davidson, Robert Davidson honours the knowledge that his tsinii (grandfather) shared with him about jigging as well as about life principles in this first picture book of the Sk'ad'a Stories series from HighWater Press.

From Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii by Sara Florence Davidson and Robert Davidson, illus. by Janine Gibbons

When his tsinii knows that the weather is right for jigging, the boy and his grandfather head out in his dinghy. From the onset, they do things as is best. From how they sit in the boat and work with the tide, to following Tsinii's instincts and nominal talk, the measures of their excursion are sacrosanct.

From Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii by Sara Florence Davidson and Robert Davidson, illus. by Janine Gibbons

From their waiting for hours to their lunches and most importantly to their catching of the fish, there is ritual here. Tsinii shows respect for the halibut by speaking to it, even as the fish is flung onto the boat. When his grandson catches one, he shows that same respect, though he does so as his knowledge permits.

Eventually, the halibut breaks through the surface of the ocean. I need to club it before bringing it onto the boat, but I do not know the words that my tsinii says. Instead, I think about how grateful I am to have caught this halibut to share with my family, and I pull the halibut onto the boat with the gaff.

Following the old ways, they return to shore and clean their fish in silence–There is no need to talk–anticipating the halibut stew that the boy's naanii (grandmother) will undoubtedly be preparing that night.

From Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii by Sara Florence Davidson and Robert Davidson, illus. by Janine Gibbons

I was so taken by the solemnity of Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii. The note appended to the story describes it as based on Robert Davidson's own experiences with his tsinii and the story's merit is undoubtedly a reflection of the co-author's respect and admiration for his grandfather. With his daughter, Sara Florence Davidson, Robert Davidson has made us observers of a significant relationship and the knowledge that is passed on through it. The boy of the story has learned much, from how to be with his tsinii, when to speak, how to jig, and what is important. The traditions of the Haida are honoured both by child and grandfather and story.

Art that is rich in textures, whether through multi-media or skilled application of medium, always draws me in, and Janine Gibbons's artwork does this easily. From the textured wood on the beach to the cool waves of water and the strength of Tsinii's hands, Janine Gibbons, a Haida Raven of the Double-Fin Killer Whale Clan, Brown Bear House, took me to the West Coast and onto Tsinii's hand-crafted dinghy. I could sense the coolness of the air, feel the wind that laps waves across the hull, and smell the freshness of the fish. And still there is always a softness to Janine Gibbons's art that matches the heart of Sara Florence Davidson and Robert Davidson's text. Strength and softness together defines the story and permeates the illustrations, reflecting the solemn relationship between child and his tsinii. 

Educator Sara Florence Davidson and artists Robert Davidson and Janine Gibbons have given young readers a story about a special relationship but, by basing it in the Haida traditions and the distinction of the West Coast, Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii becomes more than a lovely story. It becomes an important one that honours the people and the teachings that prevail.

•  •  •  •  •  •  •

Though I won't be able to review it, a second book in the Sk'ad'a Stories releases tomorrow as well. Learning to Carve Argillite, written and illustrated by the same team that created Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii, is another picture book that brings together a traditional skill with a significant relationship with an elder. I encourage young readers and their teachers to invest in both to discover more about sk'ad'a, the nine teaching principles of the Haida.

Learning to Carve Argillite

Written by Sara Florence Davidson and Robert Davidson

Illustrated by Janine Gibbons

HighWater Press

978-1-55379-984-9

40 pp.

Ages 6-9

September 2021