SUDBURY—Marty Wilson-Trudeau, whose family is originally from M’Chigeeng First Nation, has had a children’s book co-written by her son Phoenix Wilson selected by the Periodical Marketers of Canada’s (PMC) for an Indigenous Literature Award, an award that encourages family literacy and the promotion of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit voices and experiences.
‘Phoenix Gets Greater’ is the story of Phoenix who loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance—ballet, powwow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes Phoenix gets picked on and he struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their help, Phoenix learns about Two Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture and just how special he is.
Based on the childhood experiences of her son, Phoenix, Marty Wilson-Trudeau demonstrates the difference that a loving and supportive family can make.
“I was so surprised, humbled and honoured when I was told we had won this award,” Ms. Wilson-Trudeau, who resides in Sudbury, told The Expositor. She pointed out her son Phoenix helped her write the book. “Phoenix (who is 17) is a childhood actor in the Disney Plus short film ‘The Roof,’ which some writers are saying is Oscar worthy,” she said.
Ms. Wilson-Trudeau is a post-secondary school drama teacher in Sudbury. She is the mother to two wonderful sons, Brandan and Phoenix Wilson. Phoenix Wilson is an Anishinaabe actor and dancer and is very proud of who he is. He started dancing ballet at age three, grass dancing at age five, and acting at age six. He is now attending post-secondary studies in Toronto. He hopes to pursue a career in fashion.
“The book is designed for primary school age children from Grades 1 to 5,” said Ms. Wilson-Trudeau. “We wanted to write this book, about being a two-spirit person, to explain what that means, how special they are, and things that they have to go through so that other kids will know and understand.”
“It probably took us two hours to write the book,” explained Ms. Wilson-Trudeau. “We knew exactly what we wanted to say, telling Phoenix’s story, and how us as his family, classmates and others reactions to finding out he was Two-spirit, which is part of Indigenous culture.”
When Phoenix told the family he was two-spirit Ms. Wilson-Trudeau said, “we knew already. Our reaction was one of acceptance, love and pride. His older brother and I have always accepted Phoenix and loved him as he is.”
“There is and will always be bullying when someone declares they are two-spirit,” said Ms. Wilson-Trudeau, who pointed out she and her boys have never lived on Manitoulin Island, but her biological family is from the Island.
“Those that understand what being two-spirit means have always been understanding, open and supportive of Phoenix,” said Ms. Wilson-Trudeau.
‘Phoenix Ani’Gichichi-Phoenix Gets Greater’ is a bilingual book, written in both Anishinaabemowin and English, which introduces both Indigenous and non-indigenous readers to the Anishinaabemowin language.
“First Nation Communities READ 2023-2024 announces the selected titles in the Children’s and Young Adult/Adult categories,” a release reads. “Chosen by a jury of librarians from First Nation public libraries across Ontario, these titles represent the very best of Indigenous literature.” The selected titles were recognized online during First Nation Public Library Week on October 5.
“This year, the First Nation Communities READ program celebrates 20 years of showcasing Indigenous literature for the library community and beyond. The Ontario Library Service is delighted to continue to host such an inspiring and successful program in this anniversary year.”
Phoenix Gets Greater, published by Second Story Press won the award for Children’s category while ‘My Indian Summer’ by Joseph Kakwinokanasum, published by Tidewater Press, was the award winner in the young adult/adult category.
“The two selected title authors are the recipients of the PMC Indigenous Literature Award generously sponsored by our partners of 10 years, the Periodical Marketers of Canada.” The selected authors received a $5,000 cash prize.
“Phoenix wants to pursue a career as a writer,” said Ms. Wilson-Trudeau. “He will be going to university. And I intend on writing more books.”
