Spirit Bear and Children Make History: Based on a True Story

Publisher's Description (Strong Nations): "Hello! My name is Sus Zul in the Carrier language. In English, people call me Spirit Bear. I am a proud member of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council. I am on my way to Ottawa, Ontario, to witness a very important human rights case. Would you join me on this journey?" When Spirit Bear's mom tells him about an important human rights case happening in Ottawa, Ontario, he makes the LONG trip (by train, his favourite way to travel) to go and watch, and to stand up for First Nations kids. And he isn't the only one! Lots of children come too — to listen, and to show they care. Spirit Bear knows that children can change the world because he's there to see it happen. This is the story of how kids — kids just like you — made a difference ... with a bit of help from some bears and other animals along the way!

Author Biography (Strong Nations):
Cindy Blackstock A member of the Gitksan First Nation, Cindy has been working for First Nations children for over 25 years, first as child welfare worker and now as the Executive Director of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society and Professor of Social Work at McGill University.

Eddy Robinson is Anishinaabe/Mushkegowuk Cree and was born and raised in Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Eddy did not enjoy a childhood of privilege. This narrative is not unique and is shared in similar ways by many other Indigenous people throughout North America. It was not until his adult years that he really begun to understand the legacy of his father’s experience at the Chapleau Indian Residential School and Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Mr. Robinson has worked and advocated for many Indigenous communities locally, provincially and nationally for the past 25 years. The Dewegun (Dee-Way-Gun which means Drum) first set Robinson on a good path in life leading to many other important sources that contributed to the rediscovery of his identity; Anishinaabe ceremonies, Indigenous literature & film, leaders, Traditional Teachers and Elders. Since then Robinson has traveled throughout North America as a noted Anishinaabe artist, teacher, musician, educator, facilitator, trainer, writer and now speaker. He has presented to numerous First Nations, Indigenous communities, local district school boards, colleges, universities, corporate institutions as well as several Indigenous and non-Indigenous not for profit organizations.

With the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada putting forth the 94 Calls to Action Mr. Robinson engages Truth and Reconciliation through a personal narrative of his journey not only growing up as an urban Indigenous person, but also reflecting on his professional experience and the learning he has received from several Indigenous organizations over the years. He discusses the utter importance of engaging Indigenous people in a respectful and reciprocal way. Mr. Robinson will also address the much needed alliance of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people throughout North America in order to begin the process of creating social change before even stepping on the path of Reconciliation. Reconciliation is not only a personal journey of forgiveness of self and others in support of past generations but is very much about being mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually part of a legacy of resurgence.

Amanda Strong is a Michif filmmaker, media artist, and stop motion artist currently based out of the unceded Coast Salish territory also known as Vancouver. Amanda's work explores ideas of blood memory and Indigenous ideology. Her films have screened internationally, most notably at Cannes, the Toronto International Film Festival, the Vancouver International Film Festival, and the Ottawa International Animation Festival. Amanda has received numerous awards for her work, including the K.M. Hunter Artist Award for Film and Video, the Vancouver Mayors Arts Awards for Emerging Film and Media Artist, and the Clyde Gilmour Technicolor Award, selected by Alanis Obomsawin.

Resource type: Picturebook

Age recommendation: Grades 4-6

Keywords: Underfunding child welfare, Realities of Indigenous children, Social justice, reconciliation, reclaimation, leadership, Indigenous futurity, histories, children, healing, growth, government, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council,

Year of publication: 2017

Publisher information: First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada