From the Roots Up

Surviving the City #2

by Tasha Spillett, Natasha Donovan (Illustrator), Donovan Yaciuk (Illustrator)

Dez and Miikwan’s stories continue in this sequel to Surviving the City. 

Dez’s grandmother has passed away. Grieving, and with nowhere else to go, she’s living in a group home. On top of everything else, Dez is navigating a new relationship and coming into her identity as a Two-Spirit person. 

Miikwan is crushing on the school’s new kid Riel, but doesn’t really understand what Dez is going through. Will she learn how to be a supportive ally to her best friend?

Elder Linda is doing her best to be supportive, but she doesn’t know how to respond when the gendered protocols she’s grown up with that are being thrown into question.

Will Dez be comfortable expressing her full identity? And will her community relearn the teachings and overcome prejudice to celebrate her for who she is?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Indigenous, LGBT, Queer, Contemporary, Canada

64 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2020

About the author

TASHA SPILLETT-SUMNER (she/her/hers) draws her strength from both her Nehiyaw and Trinidadian bloodlines. She is a celebrated educator, poet, and emerging scholar. Tasha is most heart-tied to contributing to community-led work that centres on land and water defence, and the protection of Indigenous women and girls. Tasha is currently working on her PhD in Education through the University of Saskatchewan, where she holds a Vanier Canada Award.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi’miigwech to @tasha.spillett (Cree/Trinidadian) & @natashadonovanillustration (Métis) for writing/illustrating much needed works of medicine.

Chi’miigwech to @highwaterpress for providing e-arcs of Surviving the City, Vol 1 & Surviving the City From the Roots Up, Vol 2.

Both graphic novels follow best friends Dez (Ininew) and Miikwan (Anishinaabe) as they navigate growing up in an urban city (Winnipeg) as Indigenous teens. The first volume delves into many important colonial issues that affect Indigenous people today but really draws attention to the epidemic of #MMIWG2S (if unaware, of what this stands for, please research & educate yourself.)

We witness the challenges of urban Indigenous life but we also witness resiliency, Indigenous kinship/decolonized love & the strength that is found through sacred traditions, ceremony & unbreakable ancestral bonds. These ancestral connections were so beautifully and poignantly illustrated and are an aspect of the graphic novels that will stick with me forever.

All of these elements are also present in From the Roots Up and in the second volume the struggles that Two-Spirit folks face is focused on, as well as the importance of understanding & embracing decolonized gender roles.

I myself have witnessed a lot of circumstances where Indigenous Elders have been quick to defend more strictly gendered ceremonial protocols while leaving almost no room for discussion. I’ve seen how this has affected my LGBTQ2S friends & I’ve pondered the role that colonialism plays in situations such as this.

So, I was just immensely grateful that all of this was given space in From the Roots Up. Every single thing about these volumes is important. They are beautifully written, fantastically illustrated, at times heartbreaking, humourous, and rooted in Indigenous strength.

I grew up as quite a troubled teen in Winnipeg and to read these at 27, in a much better place in my life, I am just so grateful. I think Indigenous folks will feel immensely at home in these works. I think that non-Indigenous folks will learn a lot from these works. They’re both 10/10 recs from me.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series continues with the same indigenous teens from the first volume dealing with grief, LGBTQ+ issues, and police brutality. The message is a bit idealized at times as the characters model dialogue between the generations to help bridge the gulf between rules and traditions and the need for inclusivity, but it is right and needs to be shared.

As in the first volume, I was warmed by the notion that no matter the challenges faced, the characters are surrounded and supported by the spirits of their ancestors.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this book.

I was very excited to get a chance to read this YA graphic novel sequel to Surviving The City. The series is set in Winnipeg, and it's an important book for readers not only for its insightful and honest depiction of what many Indigenous youth face, but for greater empathy and understanding about the Two-Spirit person experience.

In this story, Dez is living in a group home after the death of her kokum. She and Miikwan are still best friends, but they're both exploring relationships with other people. Dez is discovering that she is a Two-Spirit person, but she isn't sure how to tell Miikwan. Miikwan is attracted to a new boy at school named Riel, and invites him to take part in an after school program for Neechi students. When Dez wants to take part in the drumming that is traditionally a male-only activity, the Elders are faced with addressing change and expanding their understanding of the gender roles with which they were raised. Riel's Auntie Alex, who is a Two-Spirit person, attends one of the group's meetings and talks about their experience, and the fact that many nations have had individuals who have different genders or sexualities, but that it's a part of their cultures that were also taken from them. As Dez begins to connect to a new identity, each person in the story is affected by it.

I think this story is so important because I have never read a story for young people that addresses Two Spirit people, and how they can feel like they belong just as they are. Not only does the author teach the reader, but she does so in a way that's relatable and respectful of teens and their relationships. I loved the older and supportive female characters such as the group mom, Karen, and Elder Linda, who help Dez and accepted her period of self exploration. The illustrations in this book are gorgeous, and add so much depth to the story.

This book is an essential addition to classroom and libraries not only in Manitoba, but also across Canada and the US.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short sequel to Surviving the City which was a powerful graphic novel about two young First Nations women in Canada that face the perils of being Indigenous in the city together. We are reunited with Miikwan and Dez, after the death of Dez's grandmother. Dez is struggling with their foster home placement and acts out, although a bright spot is that they and an Indigenous girl have begun a tentative new relationship. Dez is also coming to grips with being a Two-Spirit person and letting Miikwan and others in the community know. As everyone prepares for an upcoming pow-wow, Dez let the elders know that they don't wish to follow the strict gender rules that are in place.

This was another well-done story that showcases the modern Indigenous experience, yet I did find it heavy-handed. In the last book, the author and illustrator effectively showcase dead Native women as spirits surrounding their loved ones and dark alien-type creatures besides men that wish these women harm, and they did so again, but too much so. Although I thought this was too much a message book, I believe a YA audience will find it appealing, informative and inspiring. (Actual review 3.5/5)

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this short and sweet follow up to Surviving the City. The art and pacing were both spot on. The main conflict in the book was really interesting: how can you respect your indigenous elders and simultaneously challenge them about their views on what they believe are traditional gender roles? The conflict is resolved with listening and learning, in a beautiful way. The characters are all so generous and loving to each other and it really warms the heart.

[My_Strange_Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love literature circle season at school, I get to read so many new books!

This series is so beautiful. This volume is such an incredible story of grief, love, healing and acceptance.

I hope there are more to come!

[ikram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasha Spillet never disappointed me. I like the first installment better but this one is also a powerful story about Two-Spirit people in Indigenous Nations.

[Colette Denali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I just finished this book after buying it release day- and I am glad I waited, because I badly needed it on today of all days.

Like the protagonist of the book, Dez, I am also Indigenous and queer. I badly wish I could have read this as a teen. I went through a period where I could not easily reconcile my intersecting identities; this book was so healing to read.

Seeing the supportive, loving community that surrounds Dez, even though others are not as on board, was amazing. I have the urge to send this book to so many friends! It's not often that it feels that a book has spoken to me, just me, in particular. This book did that.

[Michelle Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one, especially for the two-spirit representation! Thanks to highwater press for sending this to me! I really enjoyed it because we do need to have more discussions about including more tw0-spirit into dances and traditional teachings. Colonization and boarding schools have made some of our elders forget the old ways, and this was beautiful!

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Misgendering
Police brutality discussed

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I need to start off with some personal acknowledgements. I am a cis-gender, white woman who identifies as she/her/hers. I live on Treaty One Territory and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Ininewak, and Dakota peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

I have lived my life with an immense amount of privilege's, which have been bestowed upon me due to the crimes of colonialism. It is important that I acknowledge this, because even though I can emotionally sympathize, empathize and try to understand the lives of those who have been oppressed, I will never truly understand their first hand experience. I will forever be a life long learner in the ways of decolonization.

To some, that might seem like a lot of information just to get a review of a book. However, I feel like it was important. While I have not lived the lives of those who face oppression, I want to believe that in their eyes, I am an ally. This books is a reminder that even though we may think we are ally's, there are ways in which we could be hurting those we want to support.

That is why it is important that books such as From The Roots Up, (as well as Vol. 1, Surviving the City) should be read by a person such as myself. While I feel like I am an ally, books like this remind that being an ally is more than words. It is action, and I feel it is up to those who feel oppressed to decide if what you are doing is being an ally or not. I can only hope that the choices I make in life show others that I am the ally that I hope I am.

This books is a powerful look at unlearning behaviours that have been deemed the "correct way" by colonial evil. The love, respect and courage shown in this book are ever present. The way the characters speak of Creator, fills me with hope and love. As someone who is not religious or particularly spiritual, those pages still were deeply meaningful.

This book is so important and should be available in all school/public libraries.

[adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much !! This series has helped me learn a bit more about Indigenous peoples, and it's also just an amazing series to read. I love the art style and the characters are wonderful, especially in this volume. Even though each volume is quite short, the characters have managed to touch my heart (which says a lot).

[Lisa Pineo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short graphic novella about Indigenous high school kids forming bonds over past trauma, gender and sexual identity, and their similar ancestry. This is the second volume in the 'Surviving the City' series but I didn't read the first volume. This still works as a stand alone comic. The first one would have set up the relationships and backstories of the characters but it was easy to figure out by context. Dez, who's grandma just passed away is staying at a group home they don't want to be at. They're pigeonholed as a girl at school which they don't feel comfortable with. Their relationship with a fellow group home member, Kacey, is growing stronger and both know themselves to be two-spirit. A good friend at school, Miikwan, whose mother was murdered, and new boy Riel, whose brother was recently murdered by the RCMP, along with Dez and Kacey, all go the Indigenous group meeting to learn about their ancestors and participate in Indigenous culture. The artwork for this comic is beautiful and moving and a lot of story happens in so few pages. I enjoyed learning about two-spirit people and the different cultural experiences the group participate in, as well as seeing elder Geraldine learn and change her viewpoint on gender roles in her culture. 3.5 stars.

[Teonna Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this read for so many reasons and expanded my knowledge and yearning to read and learn more about Indigenous peoples. The main lessons and parts of the story that stood out to me are:
1. Indigenous peoples place strong emphasis in their belief in and importance of all Indigenous peoples belonging together as relatives regardless of their blood relation.
2. Indigenous Nations "have always had relatives of many genders and sexualities" or who we presently identify as LGBTQ, have always existed and are identified as two-spirit people. The following lines accurately sum up how Indigenous Nations belief and acceptance of two-spirit people changed:
"Colonization and residential schools are examples of how the oppression and hatred of our own relatives, including women, two-spirit people, and transgender people were forced on our people."

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

More about Indigenous kids in a Canadian high school figuring themselves out as people and as tribe members. There’s an interesting bit where they drive an Elder out of the community because she wasn’t comfortable with the swift change from all-women and all-men activities to ones open to all because of the many different genders and identities. The leader was persuaded by the idea that the strict segregation was enforced on them by Christian colonizers, but I had some sympathy with the woman who was suddenly informed that she had been doing it wrong all her life and they were gonna change. I also had sympathy with the kids excluded because they didn’t fit in the strict binary, but the text had their back.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Roots Up is an important look at two-spirit peoples, Indigenous culture and gender roles. While this is the second book in a fantastic graphic novel series, it can also be read as a stand alone. Dez is living with a caring foster mother following the death of her grandmother and she is struggling to find her place because traditional gender roles and traditions don't feel right to her. The compassion, empathy, and open attitudes in From the Roots Up is noteworthy.

From the Roots Up is a 2022 MYRCA Northern Lights nominee.

[Ashley (Tiny Navajo Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second volume of Surviving the City we see that Dez has grown just a bit from the last time we saw them. Her grandmother has died and she is now living in a group home, but she has made connections and still seeking out how to embrace her identity as a Two-Spirited person. I think what I love most about this is we see how welcoming some elders are to the ideas that there are teachings that are missing and how close-minded some elders are to the same teachings. In order to continue to grow and become a better nation where all are included, we need to be willing and able to respond to teachings about different peoples. Even if it goes against all that we've learned.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with volume 1, I wished this were much longer. There is so much more to learn about Dez, Miikwan, and now Riel and Kacey. The info about Indigenous practices and beliefs is wound into the story naturally so you learn while also enjoying the story. I’m giving it 5 stars because I was emotionally moved by the characters though there could be much more added to the story to really understand Dez’s two spirit journey, and Miikwan and Riel’s journey to deal with their murdered family members.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful. Surviving the City should be in every library, in every school, in every board of education. It should be mandatory reading for educators in Canada. Themes of grief, identity, queerness, race, ancestry, hope and love are so earnestly explored in this volume. It is astounding how much is communicated to the reader through its pages.

I hope there is more Surviving the City to come. These are the superheroes I would like to go on more adventures with.

Inspiring.
4.5/5

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice young adult comic about native high-school age kids, with strong themes of injustice, LGBT issues, community/friendship, and tradition versus change. I picked this up before volume 1, and it stands alone pretty well. I will read the volume 1 soon.

[Jaclyn Hillis]

Another truly beautiful graphic novel. A year maybe has passed since volume 1, but essentially pick up where it leaves off. We learn what it means to be Two-Spirit and have characters stand up for equality. I loved the evolution of the teachings and seeing the powwow regalia.

[Dasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book, perhaps more so than the first book in the series. They communicate "new" and important issues to young adults or older children in very accessible ways. The coloring of the final few pages was beautiful. I wish these books were longer.

[Kailyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. I hope they publish more volumes.

[andrea]

so good 🥺😭

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting lesson on indigenous culture in Canada.

[Cristi Smith-Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was not *quite* as emotionally impactful as its predecessor Surviving the City, for me personally, but still delves into important themes, and I'm glad to have read it. And, as with Surviving the City, the art is fantastic!

[Vanna Book-Mage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. I also might've cried like a baby.

[taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

also read this for that same essay! i’m a big fan of tasha spillett now, and again, i really enjoy these depictions of indigenous lives in comic form

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent second instalment of the series. As good as, or possibly better, than Vol 1.

[HadiDee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with Vol 1, I liked the art work and the story, but I wanted more of everything!