When Leroy Fontaine was a child in northern Alberta, he felt a lack of superheroes representing his heritage. Fontaine, a firefighter and a contestant on the reality TV show “The Traitors Canada,” hails from the Denesuline community in Chipewyan Prairie First Nation within Treaty 8 Territory. His latest children’s book, “Sekweha the Superkid: And His Superdogs,” aims to guide children through grief using Indigenous wisdom. This book follows his initial work, “Sekweha the Superkid: And His Cultural Cape.”
In a recent interview with CBC Radio’s “Mainstreet,” Fontaine discussed his motivation for addressing childhood grief and how he incorporated Indigenous teachings into the narrative. The book centers on the seven sacred teachings, where Sekweha and his super dogs embark on a spiritual journey, culminating at the fabled Rainbow Bridge, exploring themes of love, loss, and the afterlife for animals.
Fontaine shared that he aimed to make the sensitive topic of grief accessible to young readers, designing the illustrations to resonate with children aged four and under. He wanted the book to evolve with the child, presenting profound concepts in a simple and understandable manner.
The inspiration behind the book stemmed from personal experiences of losing two beloved pets, which prompted Fontaine to create a resource for parents, educators, and students to discuss grief through an Indigenous lens. The narrative intertwines the teachings of the seven sacred animals, such as the bear, beaver, and eagle, guiding Sekweha and his super dogs on a transformative journey.
Fontaine’s choice to depict a superhero in his storytelling is rooted in his desire to provide representation for Indigenous culture, a component he felt was lacking in his childhood reading materials. Drawing from his own life experiences and cultural heritage, Fontaine crafted a narrative that reflects his upbringing and values.
The book also draws parallels to Fontaine’s personal journey, such as a naming ceremony inspired by his participation in a reality TV show that led to him being named “Two Bears.” This narrative element mirrors Sekweha’s evolution into a protector named Two Bears, symbolizing the connection to Indigenous traditions and the land.
Feedback on the book from Fontaine’s children has been positive, with them recognizing the characters based on their family dogs. Fontaine credits the talented illustrator, Gi Pellerin, for bringing his vision to life and enhancing the impact of the story. He hopes that children will find themselves reflected in the narrative and engage in meaningful discussions about grief and Indigenous teachings.