Canada in the spring....

What a perfect time to work in our massive country. I flew to Saskatoon and drove to Duck Lake. In Duck Lake's spectacular new community school, I worked with parents, staff and students. We spoke about past and future...pain and dreams for a better tomorrow. For those who have not driven into town off the highway, the historical town features several spectacular murals reminding us of the rich

history of the Cree and Metis people. I then drove to Kamsack. I stayed at Madge Lake in the beautiful Saulteaux Lodge and I worked with the entire community out at Gabriel Cote Reserve. There is no question that my message was heard. There is a crack in the door. Aboriginal people stand to read and to succeed. My drive through Yorkton to Regina was highlighted by a hundred thousand bugs splattered all across my windshield. I had forgotten the bugs and I had completely forgotten the wind. If You're not from the Prairie, you don't know the wind. From Regina...Montreal - To be able to present "dans ma langue" was nothing less than a thrill. And my audience... A conference on literature!?! My listeners were clapping and smiling and down with my every word. THAT is the kind of work every conference presenter relishes. I arrived home from Montreal last night and leave for Toronto tomorrow for wo magical weeks in south western Ontario.

Diversity in Grande Prairie

Equity, diversity and human rights in Grande Prairie... I see exciting things happening around me...almost daily. Most are from our youth. Kids have never been as smart and able as is this generation. They are living the things I grew up writing essays about: environmental well being, human

rights, acceptance not mere tolerance. My daughter calls me on running more water than I should be. She would never dream of doing some of the things I did as a youth to our environment. That being said, adults are cashing in on some creative and innovative actions. Barack Obama is President of the U.S.A. The Berlin wall is no more. Alberta has elected a woman premier. In B.C., teachers came out opposing standardized test. Shortly thereafter, educational administrators joined them in their condemnations. This year, the B.C. Trustees have joined rank. This past week, I worked with staff in Grande Prairie in gearing up for a new programme that will focus on Equity, Diversity and Human Rights. Amazing initiatve. Amazing people. Another reason to celebrate education. I spoke right after this young lady who had no issue with capturing the attention and then the hearts of our audience. ...oh, I should mention that the good sport's name is Darren.

...a magical week in Wild Rose

Thank you to friend/colleague Brian Celli for allowing me to work with students, staff and parents in beautiful NW Alberta's Wild Rose School Division.

I have just returned from a week of working with the best of Canadians, Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal, newly arrived from all over the world...and of course our very best and our future: our children/students. I've shared Metis/Aboriginal culture. I've shared my flutes and our music. I've told stories...heard stories and most of all, I've imparted what I wanted to leave them with: I don't want to make choices for anyone, including my own daughter Victoria. I would only like to share my life's learnings that will help individuals make qualitative decisions. Reading is so very important in a person's life. It opens doors. It allows us the freedom of information and travel. It enriches our lives on so many fronts. And the best thing is that reading is accessible to every person...it's as simple as finding one book...the right book...and allowing yourself to get hooked. Thank you Brian. Thank you Skychild. Thank you O'Chiese. Thank you Drayton Valley, Rocky, Condor and Breton... Miigwetch Wild Rose.

A close up look at Chris Patrick - agent/friend

Chris Patrick has been my agent and close friend for almost as long as I've been married.

An accountant by trade, Chris has run countless public events and has been responsible for raising millions of dollars for charities and needy people; victims of cancer, aides, abuse... Chris has also been the key figure in allowing me to reach over a million people over the past 13 years. Nothing I have done would have been possible without Chris: being named to the Order of Canada, tours around the globe and to every remote corner of Canada,having more than 60 books published...

A few years ago, Chris became directly involved in my work as a writer. Through More Than Words Book Publishers, he helped publish I am Raven and the Seven Sacred Teachings. Both books quickly became Canadian Best Sellers. Since that time, MTW Books has published several other books, all works of art in a league of their own within the Canadian Publishing Industry.

Chris sometimes joins me at a conferences where he sells a few books and meets my public. His time in the field always pays huge dividends. Last weekend in Regina was such an occasion. Chris flew in to attend the 13th annual Treaty Four Educational Conference. He sold books, made new contacts and rose to the occasion when asked if he would introduce me.

I'm proud to introduce Chris to any and all who only know him as a warm, compassionate, friendly voice at the end of a long telephone line. Here is my partner, agent and extremely good friend Chris Patrick...doing what God meant him to do...doing what he does best...talking!

Paris book festival...le Salon du Livre 2012

Five years ago, Vicki, Victoria and I were blown away by an offer to spend a week in Paris at the Salon du Livre...the largest French book fair in the world. We were incredibly well received and invited back the following year.

2012 marks the fifth year in a row that our family celebrates books, literacy and family in Paris...and every year gets better - better contacts, persentations, etc...

Merci beaucoup Les Editions des Plaines, our French publisher and wonderful friends. Huguette, Joanne and the Plaines team in Winnipeg shine their light all across western Canada as well as in the heart of la belle ville de Paris.

Literacy and Learning Day

Day 10 of registration is almost over and already at 45% Capacity :) Yay!!! I cannot wait to hear David Bouchard again! AND Let's not forget Barbara Coloroso :) Both amazing speakers coming back to help us celebrate 10 years!!

http://www.facebook.com/LiteracyDay

Aboriginal Focus on the Prairie

Early March found me on the Blood and Peigan Reserves in Alberta working with the Blackfoot people. From there I traveled to Saskatchewan where I spoke to the SUNTEP programme (picture attached) SUNTEP: Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Programme at the University of Regina and onto the First Nations University of Canada. My focus is clear: reading is the one weapon needed to succeed in education. Aboriginal people do not read because they have not been included in books and because the books that are age appropriate are not accessible to them. That is changing and now, reading has to become a focus in our Aboriginal communities.