the stories inside me
A community wellness program for 3Nations youth led by author David A. Robertson and NHL Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier.
David A. Robertson is a two-time Governor General's Literary Award winner and has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. As the author of over 25 books across different genres, he has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba in 2023 for outstanding contributions to the arts and distinguished achievements. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.
Bryan Trottier encourages physical fitness and mental wellness with weekly coaching in his Hockey First Nation coaching program.
“Not everyone can be the best player on the team, but everyone can be the best team-mate.”
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While the focus of the program for First Nations authors and artists to mentor and encourage First Nations students, all students involved will develop their writing skills while those mentors also provide a wonderful bridge for students of all backgrounds to understand the importance of truth and reconciliation.
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We suggest this is best for middle school and high school students. (Although the content will always be appropriate for teachers who want to include grade four and five students.)
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During live zoom sessions each Thursday from October 3 to December 5, 2024, First Nations mentors connect to share skills and expertise to encourage and motivate emerging writers bring to life the stories inside of them and share with the world in an annual published anthology.
As a teacher, you are given access to a virtual classroom with zoom links to the live virtual sessions with mentors that take place each Thursday.
The classroom is also where you will be able to view recordings at your convenience if you miss a session.
You will also find writing resources that go with each session.
If you'd like to look inside the classroom just click here: Classroom Virtual Tour
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Your students will develop their writing skills with help from the mentors, and also learn a broad range of social studies subjects, where you can apply the resources to your current reaching practices.
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The sports program with Bryan Trottier encourages school attendance and physical wellness.
With the mentorship program, as different authors and artists share their perspectives on writing , youth will gain practical academic skills. More importantly, it will encourage and motivate them beyond the classroom.
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Our mentors are notable First Nations writers, musicians, actors and visual artists who will be part of the program. Look for final confirmation of the schedule on November 15, 2024.
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Click here to see our schedule. The fall program has 12 Thursday sessions from January 13-May 1. Look for final confirmation of the schedule on November 15, 2024.
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it takes a thousand voices to tell a single story.
Connect with authors, musicians and visual artists like Liz Buller Page and Mat Cardinal — who bring skills and stories that will inspire your students in the classroom and beyond.
Elizabeth Buller Page is a member of the Mistawasis Nehiyawak, Treaty 6, Saskatchewan. Her artwork is inspired by the artistic traditions and storytelling of the Northern Plains Nehiyawak (Cree). Her images include Cree syllabics.
“We all have different ways to tell our stories. I tell them visually. To me, they are my sacred fire. This is where my imagination, my hopes and dreams and wishes are shown.”
A member of the Big Stone Cree Nation, Mat Cardinal is the lead singer of The Prairie States -- eleven -time Country Music Alberta Award recipients including the 2018 Rising Star, 2020 Songwriters of the Year, and 2023 Group/Duo Of The Year as well as recent nomination for 2022 CCMA Songwriters of The Year.
“I think story matters because it’s a part of who you are and it brings all of us together.”
Students can publish their writing in The Stories Inside Me anthology, available on Amazon.ca on June 15, 2025.