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Dakwäkãda Warriors
As a young person growing up in Haines Junction YT, artist Cole Pauls performed in a traditional song and dance group called the Dakwäkãda Dancers. During that time, Pauls encountered the ancestral language of Southern Tutchone. Driven by a desire to help revitalize the language, he created Dakwäkãda Warriors, a bilingual comic about two earth protectors saving the world from evil pioneers and cyborg sasquatches.
Pauls’ Elders supported him throughout the creation process by offering consultation and translation. The resulting work is a whimsical young adult graphic novel that offers an accessible allegory of colonialism. Dakwäkãda Warriors also includes a behind-the-scenes view into the making of the comic and a full-colour insert featuring character illustrations by guest Indigenous Canadian artists.
Pauls’ Elders supported him throughout the creation process by offering consultation and translation. The resulting work is a whimsical young adult graphic novel that offers an accessible allegory of colonialism. Dakwäkãda Warriors also includes a behind-the-scenes view into the making of the comic and a full-colour insert featuring character illustrations by guest Indigenous Canadian artists.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 7, 2021
A very cool collection of futurists comics written by Pauls, an indigenous comic artist from Yukon Territory. The art is really fantastic in a traditional style which a very simple colour pallet. Pauls also integrates some traditional language into the text with approximately 30-40% of it being non-English with footnotes showing translations. It does make it a bit of a slower read but it's pretty interesting how quickly the words that appear multiple times can be recognized and you won't even need to refer to the translations.
Representation matters and we need more artists bringing their style to comics so this is definitely a worthy read. The story also contains multiple allegories to settler-colonialism as well as the residential schools that have torn apart many indigenous communities in Canada (similar to injustices experienced around the world).
Representation matters and we need more artists bringing their style to comics so this is definitely a worthy read. The story also contains multiple allegories to settler-colonialism as well as the residential schools that have torn apart many indigenous communities in Canada (similar to injustices experienced around the world).
March 8, 2020
In a rich exploration of sci-fi colonialism, white supremacy, and language restoration, Cole Pauls has created an out-of-this-world (literally!) comic book featuring two Southern Tutchone space fighters with revved up traditional fighting instruments. I just loved this--it was half-filled with a language I didn't know (with helpful footnotes on every page), and by the end of the comic, I could recognize the most frequently used words without having to double check that what I was reading was correct. A great idea for Pauls to use language restoration alongside a visual medium--it makes it so much easier to comprehend and remember.
And the art style. It reminded me of home, of the Pacific Northwest, which features a lot of native artists and artwork. But even more interesting was where the similarities lay for the characters. The evil pioneer looks strangely similar to that of the cyborg sasquatches, which makes me want to do a close reading of it...so far, what I can come up with is that it is the white man who is the true "savage", but it could also say that it is the colonization of one's self (is that a thing?) that later creates supremacy. I don't know, I'm just spitballing here. I just thought that the similarities were striking and uncanny, and maybe, perhaps, meant something.
Overall, this was such a fun ride. In the back are original sketches and an essay describing what everything means to the uninformed reader (like me!). Definitely unlike anything I've ever read, and for that alone, it's a fantastic and necessary read.
Review cross-listed here!
And the art style. It reminded me of home, of the Pacific Northwest, which features a lot of native artists and artwork. But even more interesting was where the similarities lay for the characters. The evil pioneer looks strangely similar to that of the cyborg sasquatches, which makes me want to do a close reading of it...so far, what I can come up with is that it is the white man who is the true "savage", but it could also say that it is the colonization of one's self (is that a thing?) that later creates supremacy. I don't know, I'm just spitballing here. I just thought that the similarities were striking and uncanny, and maybe, perhaps, meant something.
Overall, this was such a fun ride. In the back are original sketches and an essay describing what everything means to the uninformed reader (like me!). Definitely unlike anything I've ever read, and for that alone, it's a fantastic and necessary read.
Review cross-listed here!
December 10, 2021
This is a pretty great, quick little trade of a book that plants indigenous roots in future that is very much an allegory to current indigenous struggles, as it relates to the Yukon, specifically. But also issues that encompass all of Canada, such as residential schools.
In it, heroes Crow & Wolf must combat a bombastic colonizer buccaneer. While the comic is pretty straight forward and has a unique visual style I like, I really loved how there are two indigenous dialects unique to the Yukon used throughout the script. Unfortunately, sometimes the translations for each word are very small and, depending on the background, are very difficult to discern.
However, it’s a straight forward story and a visual medium, so typically it’s intuitive what the translation will be regardless. This is fantastic and fun; kids and teenagers should love this. And at the end there is a few pages dedicated to the story and intent of the story and the places and inspirations it comes from. There’s also a glossary at the back. Solid stuff.
In it, heroes Crow & Wolf must combat a bombastic colonizer buccaneer. While the comic is pretty straight forward and has a unique visual style I like, I really loved how there are two indigenous dialects unique to the Yukon used throughout the script. Unfortunately, sometimes the translations for each word are very small and, depending on the background, are very difficult to discern.
However, it’s a straight forward story and a visual medium, so typically it’s intuitive what the translation will be regardless. This is fantastic and fun; kids and teenagers should love this. And at the end there is a few pages dedicated to the story and intent of the story and the places and inspirations it comes from. There’s also a glossary at the back. Solid stuff.
December 12, 2023
Indigenous futurism and language-reclaiming give the rather simple storyline a kick of cool. The Southern Tutchone words peppered in (with translations footnoted in) feel a bit clunky at first, but by the end readers are really catching on to the words and don't need the footnote-translations much at all. I just wish I had an audio reference to make sure I got the pronounciations and emphasis right!
The story is a fairly simple standard sci-fi tale of warrior partners fighting their devious enemy and his cyborg-sasquatch henchman, with clear allusions to colonialism and residential school 'abduction and assimilation', but if you don't know about that, it still stand up as a sci-fi story suitable for a child audience (though adults can read it, too).
The story is a fairly simple standard sci-fi tale of warrior partners fighting their devious enemy and his cyborg-sasquatch henchman, with clear allusions to colonialism and residential school 'abduction and assimilation', but if you don't know about that, it still stand up as a sci-fi story suitable for a child audience (though adults can read it, too).
June 28, 2020
INDIGENOUS FUTURISM GRAPHIC NOVEL Y'ALL!
Really interesting reading experience, with a mix of English and Aishihik words. The stories are pretty simple and mostly action, probably due to the constraints of vocabulary. The 2nd and 3rd chapters are allegories for the violent assimilation efforts of colonialists. Amazing art work in the bold red, black, and white color palette.
I liked how each chapter ended with "tl'áhù" which means "good enough for now". I like that - it means the story has paused, but not ended.
Really interesting reading experience, with a mix of English and Aishihik words. The stories are pretty simple and mostly action, probably due to the constraints of vocabulary. The 2nd and 3rd chapters are allegories for the violent assimilation efforts of colonialists. Amazing art work in the bold red, black, and white color palette.
I liked how each chapter ended with "tl'áhù" which means "good enough for now". I like that - it means the story has paused, but not ended.
November 20, 2024
Such an incredible resource for Indigenous youth and communities. Indigenous people want representation in all media and this graphic novel is an excellent example of how this can be accomplished.
I really like how Paul locates his knowledge; paying homage to the stories and people and culture that have contributed to his creativity. I’d prefer this be a part of every book as knowing this helps the reader understand the process of knowledge transference.
I really like how Paul locates his knowledge; paying homage to the stories and people and culture that have contributed to his creativity. I’d prefer this be a part of every book as knowing this helps the reader understand the process of knowledge transference.
October 31, 2019
A bilingual, language revitalization comic, with native-futurist storylines incorporating mythology and metaphor of the experiences of the First Nations tribes in the Yukon territory. Great ambition, and a fine achievement, with a visual style matching that of traditional artwork from the region. Super pleased to see this get wide distribution, and I'm eager to follow Pauls' work.
December 24, 2021
Vibrant Indigenous futurism that blends traditional stories with super heroics and space opera. The use of indigenous language is vital, but I had a hard time making out some of the translations when printed red on black.
April 12, 2021
Awesome look at how comics can help revitalize language. Amazing art.
January 6, 2024
I imagine another life in which I watch episodes of this growing up, and it's very comforting. I'm very happy my life has led me down a path where I got to read this.
Cute, a little sad, mostly fun. I haven't read much bilingual material, but one thing I enjoyed was that by the end of the book, I could read a good amount of it without having to check every translation. I also appreciate that there's a Language Key at the back, so if anyone struggles to read the subscript, they can still reference the Language Key to ensure a full understanding.
Cute, a little sad, mostly fun. I haven't read much bilingual material, but one thing I enjoyed was that by the end of the book, I could read a good amount of it without having to check every translation. I also appreciate that there's a Language Key at the back, so if anyone struggles to read the subscript, they can still reference the Language Key to ensure a full understanding.
December 20, 2023
3/5
Another graphic novel for uni. Was tricky getting into it because (as I found out in the explanatory section at the end) a dialect of the native Canadian group mentioned in this book was used and due to the color scheme (white/black/red) it was hard to read the respective translation.
Nevertheless a good novel with a very important message.
Another graphic novel for uni. Was tricky getting into it because (as I found out in the explanatory section at the end) a dialect of the native Canadian group mentioned in this book was used and due to the color scheme (white/black/red) it was hard to read the respective translation.
Nevertheless a good novel with a very important message.
June 7, 2025
This gets 5 stars on originality alone; it's something that should exist and needs to exist but I've never seen before. Language preservation and revitalization has to be fun in order to thrive, and this is fun and beautiful. It's done with such thought and care to showcase the ancestral language of Southern Tutchone and the history and futurities of the people.
February 12, 2023
It was really helpful to not only have the language key at the end, but also on the pages as I was reading. The history and at the end was also nice to include.
December 21, 2023
Read this for uni, very interesting way of describing occupation, assimilation and war against natives.
October 6, 2025
I have never read anything like this! Awesome quick read. :)
June 1, 2021
Ts’ürk’i (Raven) and Ägay (Wolf) must take up the call to defend the Earth when Kwädày Dän strikes. Within a series of space battles, and against his assimilated army of Cyber Nàa'į, the Dakwäkãda Warriors, and their friends, fend off their attacks, and even fight to free the enslaved army.
This comic wears its inspirations on its sleeve with pride. It's purpose is to aid in the revitalization of the Southern Tutchone languages, which is achieved through the inclusion of words, and some sayings, incorporated into the English sentences. Each page provides the translation. The art itself also supports this mission by borrowing stylistic qualities from traditional First Nations art. In his author's notes, Pauls describes how the black, white, and red palette, as well as several objects were chosen because they are representative of his people. These notes provide additional information about the culture, and his own experiences that should further educate those less familiar with them. For those more interested in space battles, there is plenty of that to enjoy too.
Pauls has created a cast of heroes that epitomizes the need for more diverse voices within the superhero and sci-fi genres. The types of battles are the same, but the influences of his culture, and his culture's perspective of the world create a thought-provoking landscape, as well as a unique aesthetic.
This comic wears its inspirations on its sleeve with pride. It's purpose is to aid in the revitalization of the Southern Tutchone languages, which is achieved through the inclusion of words, and some sayings, incorporated into the English sentences. Each page provides the translation. The art itself also supports this mission by borrowing stylistic qualities from traditional First Nations art. In his author's notes, Pauls describes how the black, white, and red palette, as well as several objects were chosen because they are representative of his people. These notes provide additional information about the culture, and his own experiences that should further educate those less familiar with them. For those more interested in space battles, there is plenty of that to enjoy too.
Pauls has created a cast of heroes that epitomizes the need for more diverse voices within the superhero and sci-fi genres. The types of battles are the same, but the influences of his culture, and his culture's perspective of the world create a thought-provoking landscape, as well as a unique aesthetic.
February 7, 2025
really well done book, the illustrations are wonderful. I'm particularly a fan of the wood grain space background and the design of the warriors suits.
having to read the translations of the words really slowed down my reading of these comics in a really refreshing way - I usually blast right through comics/graphic novels but I was forced to take my time which make me appreciate the words and art even greater.
I would definitely recommend
having to read the translations of the words really slowed down my reading of these comics in a really refreshing way - I usually blast right through comics/graphic novels but I was forced to take my time which make me appreciate the words and art even greater.
I would definitely recommend
November 27, 2021
I gave this one 3 stars because I struggled to follow the action and the language, and it's an art style I personally don't connect well with. If this book were anything but what it is, I'd probably give it a lower rating...but here's why I chose a middle-of-the-road 3 stars despite my struggles with the book:
1. FUTURISTIC INDIGENOUS SPACE WARRIORS!!!!!! I absolutely LOVE this idea and need to find more Indigenous sci-fi graphic novels! If anyone reading this post has any title recommendations or other authors I can check out, PLEASE comment!!!
2. Major traditional art style influences with a modern twist. Funny, because that's also what my admittedly-colonized brain also objected to. It's not even like it's super unfamiliar to me....I mean, I've never been to the Yukon, but the style in this book has a lot of similarities to Coast Salish art which is something I've grown up around.
3. There was a LOT of effort invested in translating as much of the dialogue and narrative into Southern Tutchone. And I LOVE that the English translations were readily available on the page. I would love to see more of this happen with Indigenous languages, even without English translations, because these languages are important for preserving and continuing culture and deserve to be centered and focused on like Dakwäkãda Warriors does.
So to summarize: The aspects that I personally struggled with as a colonized person are also, I believe, the strengths of this book and something we need more of. And I absolutely recommend this book!
1. FUTURISTIC INDIGENOUS SPACE WARRIORS!!!!!! I absolutely LOVE this idea and need to find more Indigenous sci-fi graphic novels! If anyone reading this post has any title recommendations or other authors I can check out, PLEASE comment!!!
2. Major traditional art style influences with a modern twist. Funny, because that's also what my admittedly-colonized brain also objected to. It's not even like it's super unfamiliar to me....I mean, I've never been to the Yukon, but the style in this book has a lot of similarities to Coast Salish art which is something I've grown up around.
3. There was a LOT of effort invested in translating as much of the dialogue and narrative into Southern Tutchone. And I LOVE that the English translations were readily available on the page. I would love to see more of this happen with Indigenous languages, even without English translations, because these languages are important for preserving and continuing culture and deserve to be centered and focused on like Dakwäkãda Warriors does.
So to summarize: The aspects that I personally struggled with as a colonized person are also, I believe, the strengths of this book and something we need more of. And I absolutely recommend this book!
December 19, 2021
The graphic novel uses is a very stylized book (in Southern Tutchone People colours of red, black and white). Each issue of the graphic novel has an illusion/ allegory to a theme (for example residential schools). The graphic novel is plot-driven. There are Aishihik, Champagne, Tlingit words sprinkled in the narrative (this is a bit hard for me because sometimes there's a lot of words I have to double-check in the footnotes, but other words I easily remembered).
I really liked the art style and the potential for more books like this. While we see the character's motivations, I just wish there was more of an exploration of characters' personalities (though that might be just to mimic a typical hero story or just the graphic novel format since I'm more used to reading character-driven books).
I really liked the art style and the potential for more books like this. While we see the character's motivations, I just wish there was more of an exploration of characters' personalities (though that might be just to mimic a typical hero story or just the graphic novel format since I'm more used to reading character-driven books).
October 13, 2021
There are not many indigenous superhero comics out there, so this is really refreshing. Not only does it make Eagle & Wolf—traditional totem animals of the people of the Pacific Northwest/British Columbia—into galactic superheroes, but it also incorporates the native language in addition to the local visual style.
A team-up comes later, when Orca, Frog, Ram & one more hop in their spaceships to join our heroes in repelling the Space Prospector and his Cyber-Sasquatches. It’s naive & simple but fun.
A team-up comes later, when Orca, Frog, Ram & one more hop in their spaceships to join our heroes in repelling the Space Prospector and his Cyber-Sasquatches. It’s naive & simple but fun.
May 8, 2021
This was such a COOL read. Indigenous sci-fi/futurism is something I haven't encountered much of, and MAN was I missing out. When you add in the language revitalization, it makes it so much more of an impactful read. Because you have an Indigenous sci-fi and space warriors speaking their ancestral languages, its just really cool, because that is the kind of future I would like to see.
ANYWAYS, 5/5, beautiful illustrations, captivating story, and the bilingualism flows so smoothly
ANYWAYS, 5/5, beautiful illustrations, captivating story, and the bilingualism flows so smoothly
December 4, 2023
This was a super cool read! The artwork is beautiful, the use of half tones and patterns are wonderfully done. While I found the translations a little hard to read at times I really appreciated them being there so I could follow along to the story. This is such a neat project, would love to see more like it!
January 8, 2020
This is a really neat work! The artist is steeped in his Southern Tutchone culture, which is reflected in both his art and language - Pauls introduces over 100 Tutchone words to readers while entertaining us with Cyber Sasquatches and Space Pioneers.
Read Harder Challenge #24
Read Harder Challenge #24
July 18, 2024
I loved this, though it was tough to keep jumping back and forth on the page to read the translated word. I finally gave up partway through or I would have never finished it. But everything else about it was amazing!
December 10, 2019
Beautiful illustrations and a great concept for those who love alien, futuristic graphic novels. I loved the use of language revitalization techniques and loved learning the words.
January 4, 2020
This series of indigenous comics is an allegory for colonialism and residential schools, turning Canada’s treatment of indigenous peoples into something kids can better understand.
August 7, 2020
It rules
December 12, 2021
An inventive book, though occasionally hard to follow.
February 28, 2022
A really great book that would fun to look at with a kid. Translating the language was a bit hard sometimes with the red on black text though.
August 30, 2023
Great quick read on a boat trip, incredible illustrations and wonderful use of indigenous language. Gunalchéesh!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews