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New title by Darienne Martin, illustrated by Montana Martin and Cassandra Bomberry, to be released September 30, 2026
Six Nations of the Grand River, ON — Turtle’s Back Publishing, a division of the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, is proud to announce the upcoming release of Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo, a powerful new graphic novel by writer Darienne Martin (Tuscarora, Snipe Clan). Illustrated by Six Nations’ own Montana Martin and Cassandra Bomberry, the publication will be released on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, coinciding with Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo follows Stephanie, a young woman of mixed Cayuga and non-Indigenous heritage, who has spent the past decade living in the city, disconnected from her roots. Growing up, her mother— who was taken from her own home as a child—carried few answers and even fewer stories to pass on. Now older, Stephanie feels the weight of that absence. She wants to learn, but the path forward is unclear: who can teach her, and where does she begin? Her journey shifts unexpectedly during a school trip to a museum, where a mysterious spirit appears—one determined to guide her back to what was lost. Through this encounter, Stephanie is drawn into a powerful exploration of Haudenosaunee history, culture, and identity, experiencing stories shared through generations.
Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo brings foundational teachings to life—from Skywoman and the Creation Story to the contest of the twin brothers, the origins of the clan system, the lessons of the corn husk doll, and the Seven Dancers in the sky. Alongside these stories are more recent histories, addressing the lasting impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, residential schools, and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
Visually striking and emotionally grounded, this graphic novel offers both an accessible entry point and a deeply meaningful experience for community members. At its heart, Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo is a story of reconnection—a return to language, tradition, and identity—and a tribute to the enduring strength and resurgence of Haudenosaunee people.
We are honoured and excited to release this graphic novel, which draws on the foundation of our Haudenosaunee oral histories. Releasing Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation holds special meaning for us. This graphic novel offers an engaging and accessible introduction into our foundational stories, inviting readers to learn, reflect, and consider their place within them. We feel that the book’s themes strongly align with the significance of this day. Recognizing Indigenous strength and resilience while drawing attention to the enduring impacts of colonization.
Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo offers an entry point for those beginning to learn about Haudenosaunee culture and history, while providing a meaningful reflection for community members and families who recognize these teachings as part of their own living traditions.
At its heart, Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo is a story about reconnection: reconnection to language, land, family, teachings, identity, and community. It is also a celebration of stories that have survived, endured, and continued to guide Haudenosaunee people from generation to generation.
We hope for readers to come away with a deeper appreciation for the strength and beauty of Haudenosaunee knowledge. These teachings have been passed down by our people since time immemorial and have been brought to the page through tremendous writing and illustration.
Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo will be available for purchase on release day for $50.00 CAD. Everyone who purchases a copy on September 30 will receive a limited-edition gift while supplies last.
We look forward to celebrating this important release with our community.
About the Author
Darienne Martin grew up in Ohsweken Ontario, commonly known as Six Nations of the Grand River. She is a member of the Tuscarora Nation, Snipe Clan. Following her passion for writing, she attended the University of Western Ontario where she received a Bachelor of Arts for English Literature and Language. She is currently striving to become a writer and publish novels that inspire others to follow their dreams and pay homage to her Indigenous roots.
Release Information
Please join Turtle’s Back Publishing and the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition for a special online release presentation celebrating the launch of Finding Ga’nigǫhi:yo on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Tune in on the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition YouTube channel as we celebrate this powerful new graphic novel by Darienne Martin, with illustrations by Montana Martin and Cassandra Bomberry. For updates, visit www.onlc.ca and follow the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
About Turtle’s Back Publishing
Established in 2019, Turtle’s Back Publishing is a division of the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition and a member of the Association of Canadian Publishers. Turtle’s Back Publishing aims to publish Indigenous works that strengthen and amplify Indigenous knowledge. Its mission is to provide publications developed and created by Indigenous writers that enrich, advocate for, and promote Indigenous literacies through the voices and perspectives of Indigenous peoples across North America.
About the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition
The Ontario Native Literacy Coalition is a non-profit charitable organization and one of four provincial umbrella organizations funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Incorporated in 1988 and operating under the guidance of an elected Board of Directors, the ONLC is a provincial networking and field development organization that supports and serves Native Stream Literacy Service Providers and learners throughout Ontario. For more information about the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition and Turtle’s Back Publishing, including current and upcoming publications, visit www.onlc.ca.
Media Contact: Brennor Jacobs, Turtle’s Back Publishing Manager, TBP_Manager@onlc.ca
Originally published in the Two Row Times, September 30, 2026 (Volume 14, Issue 7), page 7.