Available for virtual visits in : British Colombia (Kootenay Region), Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, & Saskatchewan
Craft: Authors
Genre: Early Chapter Books
Grades: Kindergarten-Grade 6
Cost for School and Public Readings Program: $200.00, plus applicable taxes
Virtual Presentation Information
Canadian Book Week Workshop #1: Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance
The following is a proposed framework for a 60 minute online workshop for students. NOTE: Teachers may opt for a full hour session in one sitting or two half hour sessions within the same week. Sessions will be adapted based on the age/grade level of the students (we have presented workshops with our books for grades K-6 with great success and engagement).
Presentation: Participants will be introduced to Siha Tooskin (Paul Wahasaypa), his family and the real life family that they are modelled after. Nakota language learning will shared in a fun and interactive way that gives all participants the opportunity to hear and learn some Nakota terms. Following a reading and sharing of the beautiful illustrations from Love of the Dance the authors will tell the origin stories of some of the dances and participants will even hear the songs and have a chance to get up and dance their style in their own learning space. If the 2 part (30 minutes each) option is selected a connector activity will be proposed at the end of the first session to keep learners engaged between sessions)
Q&A : Wilson and Charlene will respond to the questions that students ask online in the chat OR that have been sent in ahead of time.
Canadian Book Week Workshop #2: Siha Tooskin Knows the Sacred Eagle Feather and the Offering of Tobacco.
The following is a proposed framework for a 60 minute online workshop for students. NOTE: Teachers may opt for a full hour session in one sitting or two half hour sessions within the same week. Sessions will be adapted based on the age/grade level of the students (we have presented workshops with our books for grades K-6 with great success and engagement).
Presentation: Participants will be introduced to Siha Tooskin (Paul Wahasaypa), his family and the real life family that they are modelled after. Nakota language learning will shared in a fun and interactive way that gives all participants the opportunity to hear and learn some Nakota terms. Following a reading and sharing of the beautiful illustrations from The Sacred Eagle Feather and the Offering of Tobacco the authors will offer teachings about what tobacco is really made by the Nakota people and how it can be used in protocol by the participants as they reach out to more Indigenous teachers in the territory where they live and learn. If the 2 part (30 minutes each) option is selected a connector activity will be proposed at the end of the first session to keep learners engaged between sessions)
Q&A : Wilson and Charlene will respond to the questions that students ask online in the chat OR that have been sent in ahead of time.
Book List
Siha Tooskin knows the best medicine. Early Chapter Book. Portage & Main Press, 2020
Siha Tooskin knows the offering of tobacco. Early Chapter Book. Portage & Main Press, 2020
Siha Tooskin knows the sacred eagle feather. Early Chapter Book. Portage & Main Press, 2020
Siha Tooskin knows the strength of his hair. Early Chapter Book. Portage & Main Press, 2020
Siha Tooskin knows the catcher of dreams Early Chapter Book. Portage & Main Press, 2020
Siha Tooskin knows the gifts of his people Early Chapter Book. Portage & Main Press, 2020
Siha Tooskin knows the nature of life Early Chapter Book. Portage & Main Press, 2020
Siha Tooskin knows the love of the dance. Early Chapter Book. Portage & Main Press, 2020
Biography
Charlene Bearhead is a mother, grandmother, educator, Indigenous education advocate and author with over 30 years of regional, national and international experience. Charlene is the co-author of the children’s book series, Siha Tooskin Knows. Previously Charlene was a co-founder of Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School, education coordinator for both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls as well as education advisor for the Canadian Geographic Indigenous People’s Atlas of Canada. Currently she is a Director of Reconciliation at Canadian Geographic, and member of the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle for National Film Board.
Wilson Bearhead is Nakota and a member of the Wabamun Lake First Nation in Treaty 6 territory and the co-author of the children’s book series, Siha Tooskin Knows. Wilson has served as Chief in his own community, Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 as well as the Assembly of First Nations Alberta Regional Chief. Wilson was the first Elder in Residence for Edmonton Public Libraries before moving to the field of education where he served as the Elder for Elk Island Public Schools for 4 years and is now the Elder in Residence at Victoria School for the Arts in Edmonton Public Schools.