ATHABASCA — Students in Northland School Division (NSD) have written a third book containing stories from elders, knowledge keepers, and residents in their northern Alberta communities.
According to an Oct. 3 press release, the book, entitled Weaving Hearts Together: Reconnecting with our Past to Strengthen Cultural Roots, and described as “a labour of love and connection,” is available for purchase on Amazon.
“This project is an example of how Northland School Division is achieving excellence in learning and weaving Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture in the curriculum,” said superintendent of schools and CEO Shelley Willier.
Cathy Wanyandie, board chair for NSD, said: “Publishing these stories is an excellent way for students to learn and celebrate their language, culture, and identity.
“The board would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of students, staff, elders, and community members involved with this project.”
Other books written by students in the division — which encompasses 17 schools and one online school, and spans from Paddle Prairie 69 kilometres south of High Level to Fishing Lake Metis settlement east of Elk Point — are also community and cultural curations.
Finding Fire Within: By Reconnecting with the Land was published in Aug. 2022, and features a collection of stories similar to Weaving Hearts Together. Kayas Ayamikamik Acimowina: Old Stories of the Mission was made available for purchase on Amazon in December 2022, but was written and released in 2017.
For more information and updates on the story, be sure to check back the Town and Country website and print edition.
