- #OwnVoices - Written by an Indigenous woman of the Heiltsuk Nation, illustrated by an Indigenous woman of Coast Salish descent
- Final book in trilogy
- Author has presented to many groups about Indigenous issues and is available to speak in schools, libraries, conferences, etc.
- Positive and hopeful representation of Indigenous culture in Canada

Teoni Spathelfer is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from coastal BC. Since childhood she has loved immersing herself in her own culture and learning about other cultures around the world. Spathelfer has worked as a publicist; a radio journalist, host, and producer; and an arts and music writer. Her documentary Teoni’s Dream, informed by her mother’s residential school experience, has aired nationwide on CBC Radio. Her photography has been featured across various media and sold privately. She has been blessed with three daughters and four grandchildren.

Natassia Davies is a Victoria-based artist and graphic designer and is of Coast Salish ancestry. For nearly a decade, Natassia has worked traditionally and digitally to create illustrations, develop visual brand identities, and design various other visual communications tools for local businesses, individuals, and non-profits. She also works with other First Nations Peoples and Indigenous groups to create educational tools and public art pieces. Natassia has collaborated on multiple large-scale Indigenous murals that can be found throughout Sooke and Victoria’s harbour.

BISAC Codes
JUV030090 JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Canada / Indigenous
JUV013030 JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
JUV039120 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism

BISAC Regional Themes
4.0.2.0.0.0.0 Canada
4.0.2.0.2.0.0 British Columbia
4.0.2.0.2.1.0 Vancouver
4.0.2.0.2.2.0 Vancouver Island

THEMA Subject Codes
YBC Children's picture books
YBCH Picture books: character books
YBCS Picture storybooks
YBCS1 Picture books: bedtime stories and dreams
YFN Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories
YXM Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: multicultural
YXN Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism
Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Diversity and inclusion
YXF Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Families and family members
YXD Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Self-awareness and self-esteem

THEMA Place Qualifiers
1KBC-CA-B British Columbia
1KBC-CA-BL British Columbia Vancouver Island

THEMA Reading Level Qualifiers
5AD Interest age: from c 4 years

Keywords
dreams;fear;childhood trauma;intergenerational trauma;cultural genocide;racism;bravery;sharing;multiculturalsm;cross-cultural exchange;identity;inclusiveness;cultural heritage;Indigenous cultures;own voices;elders;family;survival;healing;teaching

Key Character Names
Little Wolf/Abalone Woman; White Raven; Creator

For more information contact
[email protected]

“This beautiful book draws from traditional ways of knowing and living with each other, such as dreams and intuition, to help all of us to see through contemporary, real-world challenges such as fear of difference, racism, and self-doubt so that we can step forward and lovingly guide our nations forward.”
—Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, Q.C., Co-author of Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii

“Teoni seamlessly educates and encapsulates the importance of Indigenous history within this book. Abalone Woman is the perfect example of educating people with Canada’s tragic past while ultimately displaying the resilience of Canada’s first people. The dream inside this book is a healing tool for all who wish to [engage in] reconciliat[ion] together.”
—Tchadas Leo, Creator/Host of Our Native Land

“Abalone Woman is a beautiful story of courage and identity, grounded in the values of sharing our culture and heritage. It is a gentle and impactful story, interwoven with resilience, healing and family. Teoni Spathelfer is a gifted modern-day Indigenous storyteller whose voice comes at a crucial time in our history as Indigenous peoples.”
—K?áwázi? Marilyn Slett, Chief Councillor Heiltsuk Tribal Council

“The story of Abalone Woman touched my heart as I experienced racism as a youth. Teoni’s story of how she overcame it through her culture speaks of the power of stories and dreams. Being recognized for not copying the harmful actions of others is inspirational to all nation groups. Respect the diversity.”
—Elroy White, archaeologist of Hai´?zaqv descent and a potlatch historian, Central Coast Archaeology