Two-time Governor General Award-winning Cree author, David A. Robertson, returned to SJS to visit with students in both the Junior and Senior School, as well as our friends from χpey̓ Elementary.
He shared his latest picture book, The Song That Called Them Home, with the Grade 1–4 students. They learned about the Memekwesewak (Little People) and the star stories that inspired the titles in his popular fantasy series, The Misewa Saga. The students were thrilled to ask questions and get their books signed by David.
The Grade 11s and 12s also enjoyed their own personalized talks with David. Aside from his written work, David is a sought-after public speaker who has discussed a wide array of topics from representation, mental health, community connections and blood memory. In his session with the Grade 11s, he inspired them with ideas about how to pair art with activism. With the Grade 12 Business students, he spoke candidly about his income streams, the commercialization of his work and the commitment it takes to build a career in a creative industry. Both groups were incredibly engaged with an abundance of thoughtful and pragmatic questions, and David said he found it refreshing to address two subject areas that he is not typically expected to speak about.
In the afternoon, we invited students from the Grade 4/5 class from χpey̓ Elementary to spend time with David in an intimate conversation about the importance of Indigenous stories. They also had a chance to get to know Ms. Dillistone’s Grade 4 class with some play time on the rooftop. We look forward to growing this community connection.
We are very appreciative for the opportunity to host such a prolific author once again and to extend his authenticity and storytelling to such a wide audience this year.