Indigenous mail carriers celebrated in upcoming children's book Sage and the Snowshoe Express

A new children's picture book highlighting the history and vital contributions of Indigenous mail carriers is set to be released on 1 September 2026. Titled 'Sage and the Snowshoe Express', the story follows a young girl named Sage who joins her father on a treacherous journey across the winter landscape of Northern Canada. According to a preview by CBC Books published on 5 August 2026, the narrative focuses on Sage and her father as they navigate a dogsled pulled by their dog, Nimoosh. When a severe winter storm arrives earlier than anticipated, the pair must rely on their skills and resilience to ensure both themselves and the mail reach a neighbouring village safely. The publication serves to honour the heritage of Indigenous people who historically maintained communication links in harsh environments. The book is a collaboration between author Louise Bradford and illustrator Maya McKibbin. Bradford, who hails from Sault Ste. Marie and is a member of the Batchewana First Nation, has previously authored 'Wade’s Wiggly Antlers'. The visuals are provided by McKibbin, an animator and illustrator who is Irish-settler and Ojibwe with roots in the White Earth Nation and Zacatecas, Mexico. Published by Kids Can Press, the book is aimed at readers aged four to eight. It is featured as part of a seasonal showcase of Canadian literature that emphasises diverse storytelling and Indigenous representation in children’s media. The story of Sage provides a window into the historical reliance on traditional methods of travel, such as the Snowshoe Express, and celebrates the enduring spirit of community service within Indigenous history.