The Rainy River District School Board, in partnership with area First Nation communities and the Seven Generations Education Institute, is bringing in First Nation author and presenter David Bouchard to speak to local parents and students.
“He talks about the importance of reading and how it’s important to read with your child,” noted Brent Tookenay. “And also how it helps you later on in life.
“It’s a pretty simple message, but he delivers it in a really meaningful way.”
Tookenay explained Bouchard had offered up a presentation to community education counsellors, teachers, and staff of the Rainy River District School Board.
“They said they need to get him to come and talk to the parents in their communities, so that’s how this kind of came about,” Tookenay added, noting Bouchard’s presentations will be provided in conjunction with the Aboriginal Parent Outreach Initiatives.
In addition, the sessions have been linked with Family Literacy Day.
Although it was celebrated nationally back on Jan. 27, Tookenay noted having Bouchard speak in Rainy River District ties in with the literacy theme.
Bouchard is both a speaker and a writer. He is the author of several books, including “If You’re Not from the Prairie,” “The Song Within My Heart,” and “The Elders are Watching.”
Hailing from British Columbia, Bouchard is Métis, although he grew up knowing nothing of his Métis roots. Now he is president of the Métis Nation Greater Victoria.
He also is a strong advocate for literacy.
“The greatest gift we can give our children is the gift of reading,” Bouchard states on his website. “There is no magic in giving it. There is no toy or program that will do the job for us.
“It takes time, commitment, and most of all, fire.
“We cannot hope to light a fire in the hearts of others without a fire burning in our own,” he adds. “Light and stoke yours, then spread the flame fast and furious.
“Let literacy be your legacy.”
Bouchard offers insight into the roles and responsibilities of educators and parents in providing children with the gift of reading.
His message is presented in his best-selling book, “The Gift of Reading,” and expanded on in the sequel, “For the Love of Reading.”
Next Wednesday (March 26), Bouchard will present at Donald Young School in Emo in the morning, then participate in a dinner, as well as offer up a presentation at Manitou Rapids, from 5-7 p.m.
The following day (March 27), Bouchard will attend Robert Moore, J.W. Walker, and F.H. Huffman schools here in Fort Frances, with a dinner and presentation at Couchiching First Nation from 5-7 p.m.
Bouchard then will return to Rainy River District for the week of April 7-10.
He is set to speak to students at Atikokan High School and North Star elementary school there on April 7, then will make a presentation to parents from 4-7 p.m.
The next day, he will attend Crossroads School in Devlin in the morning, with a dinner and presentation at Naicatchewenin First Nation from 5-7 p.m.
Bouchard will speak at Fort Frances High School on April 9, followed by a presentation for parents from 6-8 p.m. at the Townshend Theatre.
Then on April 10, Bouchard will address students and parents in Rainy River, with a dinner and presentation at Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation from 5-7 p.m.
“Everyone is welcome to come out and listen to David,” Tookenay remarked, especially referring to the evening sessions. “He’s going to have books available and there will be draw prizes. . . .
“I know everyone from the custodians to the teachers and principals just absolutely loved his [previous] presentation,” Tookenay added. “So we’re expecting to have some worthwhile sessions—it’ll be a great time.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
