The Holy Trinity

The Haudenosaunee speak of a man who was born to a virgin, a man whose canoe was made of stone and a man who was known to have changed and saved the world. This man, Peacemaker, created wampum and gifted the Haudenosaunee with the Great Law. 

Peacemaker's story is too obvious not to see the similarities with the Christians' Jesus. 

Another story I find interesting (and another story I retold) is Raven and Whale. It is perhaps not as obvious as Peacemaker's story but you can easily see the similarity with Jonah's being swallowed by a whale (again, in the Hebrew bible).  

If you find these similarities interesting, let me tell of the concept of Holy Trinity from the perspective of the Inuit. 

The Holy Trinity consists of God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit. God, the Father is usually depicted as a bearded older (white) gentleman. God the son looks the way the Bible would have you see Jesus, a handsome 30 yr. old white man. God the Holy Spirit is usually depicted as a white dove. 

Among the Inuit, if a picture of the Holy Trinity existed (and there are large numbers of Christians in the north), God the Father would be a bright ball of light. His/her power is such that humans could not look upon them. God the son would be a being neither male nor female and they would be beautiful, kind and loving. 

God the Holy Spirit would be Raven. As with the Christian Dove, Raven has the power of God because Raven is one third of the Holy Trinity. Raven is God himself. 

And Raven is often the intermediary between God and humans and thus the thing of legends. 

You can now see why Raven is revered above all others; flyers, four leggeds and swimmers. 

In Inuit mythology, Tulugaak, known as the Raven God, plays a central role in creation and spiritual balance.

Represented as a powerful and benevolent being, Tulugaak embodies wisdom and connection to the spiritual realm.

Inuit traditions revere Tulugaak as a guide and protector, emphasizing respect for nature and spiritual harmony.

Inuit mythology originates from the rich cultural traditions of the indigenous Inuit peoples, blending spiritual beliefs and storytelling passed down through generations. These myths and legends form a vital part of Inuit identity and worldview, shaping their understanding of the natural and supernatural worlds.

Inuit mythology highlights the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, emphasizing respect and harmony with the environment. Gods and spirits in Inuit belief systems personify natural forces and elements, underscoring the intrinsic link between spirituality and the land.

He speaks to students. He also speak to parents and to teachers:

Over the past two decade, David has spoken to parents around the world...from India to Britain...from Texas to Colorado...from Newfoundland to the NWT! His message is one that every parent should hear: Reading is the key to success for your children...in school and once they have left school.

David spells out why reading is that important. He is very clear in teaching parents how a person becomes a reader. And he offers strategies that are real and achievable for every family. He calls these his Three R’s of becoming a reader.

Maya Angelou was right when she said, “Parents who know better - do better!” All they need is to know. David provides that knowledge. He also provides the inspiration necessary to go along with that knowledge.

Here is letter of invitation from one parent who witnessed the powerful impact of his parent workshop:

Dear Parents:

You are encouraged to attend a presentation by renowned Canadian author David Bouchard as he addresses our community.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for us all. We owe it to our children to be in attendance.

David Bouchard champions reading and tackles illiteracy! His message focuses on books, reading and specific responsibilities in making our children literate! He reminds us that educators and parents alike are responsible for the state of literacy among our youth. He speaks to how, when and why we lost focus of our responsibilities in promoting literacy. He offers a realistic, practical solution to the problem.

Bouchard also offers his audiences a sense of how language, rhythms and fine art can come together to inspire, teach and form ageless beauty.

A teacher’s response after hearing David’s keynote speech to a British Columbia School District:

"David Bouchard is, without a doubt, THE most dynamic & inspirational speaker I have ever heard! His memory lives large! He and his message are unforgettable!!!!!!"

Mr. Bouchard’s wealth of experience comes from 28 years as a teacher and administrator! He knows how to speak to teachers, administrators and parents.

He has twenty-five award winning books with a unique cross-over flavour. Many are of a multi-cultural nature, done collaboratively with First Nation artists and the master artist, Zhong-Yang Huang who has illustrated his tremendously successful Chinese Trilogy (translated into several languages and is distributed the world over). Voices From the Wild won the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry award as the best volume of poetry for children published in the U.S. in 1997.

His books are an amalgamation of the arts: poetry, prose, visual art, and music. He appeals to children of all ages as well as to teachers, teacher librarians, administrators and parents.

In response to a presentation at a joint staff/parent pro-d workshop:

"Words do not describe the inspiration that David brings throughout his presentation. His manner and his message are captivating. The group sat throughout the evening presentation cherishing each anecdote and the reading of his work was spellbinding."

In response to a keynote address to the teachers, administrators and support staff of the Powell River School District:

"Mr. Bouchard is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who captured his audience from the beginning with his entertaining mixture of personal anecdotes, practical suggestions and obvious belief in the importance of literacy and literature in every life. His keynote address revitalized our teaching body and sent them back to the classroom fired with enthusiasm and with workable ideas to rekindle the joy of reading in all their students."

David Bouchard speaks to his books and to reading. He has a plethora of insights and experiences in the ever so crucial topic of literacy...he speaks to these with a passion second to few.

Responses to a presentation in Montana:

"Wow! Right between the eyes...right where, we, as lazy parents and smug educators need it. Mr.Bouchard was a terrific reality check."

"What a delightful man. It was a great way to begin our year - better than any I’d seen in 17 years."

You will not be disappointed in his message, his energy or his passion for books, children and literacy.