Children’s book teaches Mi’kma’ki names of animals [Video]

Mel Beaulieu is known for their blend of traditional beadwork and augmented reality.

Beaulieu’s contemporary art caught the eye of Halifax-based Formac Publishing Company in 2023.

“I had done a beaded chickadee wearing a traditional beaded hat, and I called them Peaked Capped Chickadee. Those are really cute,” explains Beaulieu from their new studio, The Collective, in Fredericton. “So that kind of gave me the idea of animals and clothing, animals doing activities. I think it gives them a lot of life. People like to look at an animal and put human characteristics on them. I think that’s really fun.”

A member of Metepenagiag First Nation, the Mi’kmaw artist thrives on doing collections of work. When presented the opportunity to create a children’s illustrated board book one year ago, they welcomed the opportunity.

“To be able to do a collection that’s put into a book that way… was really cool,” they say.