Touring in Northern Ontario

Manitoulin Island and Sudbury:

http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?clipid=2201451351

February and back on tour

It's Feb. 1 and I'm headed back out on the road. I'll be in Alberta this week, then in Ontario for the next two weeks. My calendar gives a feel for my next two months...on the road making new friends and catching up with old ones.

It's been crazy since early December. Our mom died on Dec. 10th. Dad (94) broke his hip on Nov. 22nd...so he was in the hospital at the time. Since then...since then, we've celebrated our Mother's long, happy life. We've sold mom and dad's condo and helped dad move into a new, exciting suite.

This month has been one of honours. The Metis Nation of Canada named me as their first Prime Minister while READ Victoria named me their champion for 2012.

And this is an active time for my writing. Raven's Greatest Creation is a proving to be a hit. Beneath Raven Moon (les Editions des Plaines) is ready to go to press as is Rainbow Crow (Red Deer Press). I'm ready for a long tour and geared up for our annual trip to Paris for the Salon du Livre (in March).

2012 is the Year of the Dragon. I am a Dragon and ready to be carried by the tide of an exciting year.

Gong Hei Fat Choi 2012

Gong Hei Fat Choi 2012 - the Year of the Dragon!

Thanks to my friend, designer Arifin Graham, for sending me this picture. He didn't say where he took it but I suspect it was the public library in Oak Bay.

One of the highlights of my life as a writer was to do five books with Zhong-Yang Huang, the Master Professor at the University of Guangzhou. Yang taught me about his culture. He guided me through our books and at the end of the journey, I was a better writer and a better human being. Yang taught me how lucky I was to be born in the year of the Dragon. He was very clear in telling me that I should marry a Goat (Sheep) and that I did in the person of my Vicki.

To one and all - Gong Hei Fat Choi!

Merry Christmas friends

From my family to our friends and your families...Merry Christmas. May your holiday season be one of good health and much love! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_XTwr7qnl0&list=UUwaT1CSMx_QTZq-En0tZ9iQ&index=32&feature=plcp

The Great White North

It's December and I'm in Northern Ontario.

This week, I spoke to 5000 high school students, thousands of elementary kids and a good number of adults (parents, teachers and administrators)in Thunder Bay.

I continue to promote reading through modeling and common sense practices: reading through accessible and inclusive books: no books - no reading. No books that are inclusive and accessible - no reading.

I'm headed south to Fort Frances where my friend/host Brent Tookenay will take me out into a number of their reserves...to share the same passionate message.

Soon, it will be Christmas. My gift for all the kids I'm privileged to work with is the gift of reading.

Home from my Prairie...

I'm back from Saskatchewan (God Bless Regina Librarians) and Alberta! Raven's Greatest Creation...(in English, French and Ojibway) is printed and shipped. I'll be launching our new book over the next few months...
Rubicon continues to work on our Turtle Island Voices. In that series, my new book, White Deer, is being illustrated (painted) by the incredible Aaron Paquette of Edmonton. This piece that sold at his exhibition at Bear's Paw in Edmonton is a good example of Aaron's work!

October in Alberta and Northern Ontario

Edmonton, Standoff on the Blood Reserve, Owen Sound, Lindsay... I'm on the road making new friends and sharing my message: literacy/song/dance/culture...

My new book, Raven's Greatest Creation, is at the printer. Beneath Raven Moon should be there within the month. In the words of brother Joseph, "it's all good!"

Look closely in this image for Wolf...and Raven appears in the corners of Bear's eyes. Brigitte Lopez is a brilliant artist and Raven's Greatest will be one of my most spectacular cultural books to date!