Willie Sellars was seven-years-old the first time he went dipnetting with his dad and uncles. A member of the Williams Lake Indian Band (T'exelc), Sellers is well acquainted with the history and lore of one of B.C.'s oldest cultures. Set in the Cariboo Chilcotin region of the province, Dipnetting with Dad (Caitlin $16.95), teaches a son lessons in the Secwepemc method of fishing known as dipnetting. The stepping stones of preparation for the long-awaited moment - a visit to the sweat lodge, learning how to mend nets, finding the perfect fishing spot, and catching and packing the fish back to the lodge - pale in comparison to the real lessons learned - family values, the importance of storytelling and the meaning of community living. Coming of age is at the heart of this first book. Dipnetting with Dad won a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and was shortlisted for the Chocolate Lily, Shining Willow and Ontario Library Association awards.

In the follow-up, Hockey with Dad (Caitlin $19.95) Little Brother’s adventures continue as he grows and learns about the importance of hockey to his Secwépemc community. In one particularly important hockey match, the team goalie gets sick and Little Brother and Big Sister must rely on the wisdom of Grandpa, Dad and Secwépemc cultural values to overcome big challenges.

Willie Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake and is the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation. Married with two children, he keeps busy practicing his culture and playing sports.

BOOKS:

Dipnetting with Dad (Caitlin, 2014) $16.95 978-1-927575-53-6. Illustrations by Kevin Easthope.

Hockey with Dad (Caitlin, 2021) $19.95 978-1-98791-580-8. Illustrations by Kevin Easthope.

[BCBW 2021]