Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher: Sita MacMillan Shares Stories in the Classroom

Students at Nuiyak Elementary School in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, recently enjoyed an exciting literary treat through a Connected North Premium session with special guest Sita MacMillan. Sita is a member of Zagime Anishinabek First Nation, and a mixed of Cree and Scottish descent, and the author of the Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher mini-series.

The first book in the series was published in August 2024, followed by the second in March 2025, with the third set for release in April 2026. During the session, Sita read from Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw’s Forest Powwow, and shared a bit about her life in Prince Edward Island.

The story begins with a letter between friends and explores themes of bullying, moving away, urban Indigenous life, friendship, and emotions. It also reflects relatable modern experiences, such as having a parent working from home and video calling with grandparents.

Sita read three chapters, leaving time for a fun, interactive activity at the end. Students participated in a letter-writing exercise, reflecting on their experience of the story. They chose who to write to, what feelings to share, who they would go on an adventure with, and how to sign off their letters. Afterward, they proudly held their letters up to the camera to share with Sita before adding drawings as decorations.

The session was highly interactive, with students sharing stories about their stuffed animals, local wildlife — such as geese and bears — the names they use for their grandmothers, and even the weather that day. They also reflected on their previous experiences with letter writing.

Each participating class will receive a copy of her book, allowing students to continue the story together. Bringing role models like Sita into classrooms is one of the ways Connected North enriches educational experiences. Hearing stories by Indigenous authors not only inspires students to imagine their own storytelling journeys but also reinforces that their voices and words truly matter.