Brian Koonoowas born and grew up in Pond Inlet. He is married to Samantha Koonoo, originally from Rankin Inlet. They have six daughters at home, Chantal, Janelle, Josephina, Shanelle, Alina and Alaira. Chantal and her partner Curtis have a son named Rogan, who is Brian and Samantha's first grandson and first boy in the family. Brian currently works with Parks Canada as a resource management officer. Brian continues to hunt and provides country food for his family, relatives, and community. Ben Shannonis a Canadian-born, award-winning illustrator, animator, and father of two. An alumni of Sheridan College's Illustration program, Ben has worked for numerous high profile clients including National Geographic, Rolling Stone, The Globe and Mail, The Wall Street Journal, Nike, Universal Music, Marvel, and DC Comics. Winner of the ADCC interactive Design Illustration award in 2008, and the Applied Arts award of excellence in the field of illustration in 1998, his work was also nominated for a Canadian Screen Award in 2014. Ben is currently employed by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation by day and is a contributing artist to the First Nations comic anthologyMoonshotby night.
An unforgettable physical and emotional journey. - Kirkus, STARRED review Koonoo artfully crafts an adventurous read that is equal parts appreciation for nature and Indigenous culture, and thrilling survival story. -Publishers Weekly Koonoo's story of survival will engage children of many ages...The story is well worth the read and can teach a great deal about the incredible knowledge and culture of Koonoo's people and their life-saving traditions. Highly Recommended. -CM: Canadian Review of Materials