Release Date: May 1, 2021
Orange Shirt Day Books
Shop nowWELCOME TO MEDICINE WHEEL EDUCATION
Medicine Wheel Education empowers Indigenous Storytellers and Elders to publish authentic cultural stories designed for the classroom. The stories can be found in thousands of schools, bookstores and homes across turtle island. The books published all carry powerful, moral and cultural lessons easy for children to understand and learn from. By building a bridge between cultures through publishing we can achieve greater understanding and reconciliation. There are 20 books available as well as educational curriculum based lesson plans and posters. Books and resources are available in English and French.
Book Packages
Our Books
OUR AUTHORS
Phyllis Webstad
Cultural Connections: Secwepemc and Irish/French
Home Base: Williams Lake, BC
Website: www.orangeshirtbook.com
Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack) is Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwepemc and Irish/French heritage. She was born in Dog Creek and lives in Williams Lake, BC, Canada. In 2018 Phyllis Webstad launched her children’s book called “The Orange Shirt Story” to share her story in her own words. The Orange shirt story tells the story of young Phyllis having her orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school and never to see it again. A simple orange shirt has become a conversation starter for all aspects of residential school across Canada and beyond. Phyllis has inspired thousands and thousands of people to honour residential school survivors and their families and share the call on September 30th of each year that “EVERY CHILD MATTERS.” Phyllis is well respected for her work, her courage and for striving to heal our communities and Nation through speaking her truth.
David Bouchard
Cultural Connections: Métis/Ojibway
Home Base: Victoria, BC
Website: davidbouchard.com
David Bouchard, speaker, author and educator is an award winning writer who has penned over 70 books in both English and French. David is one of Canada’s most sought after public speakers for his gift of storytelling. In 2009 he was named to the Order of Canada for his contribution as an author of children’s books. David is Métis/Ojibway of the Martin Clan, his Ojibway name is Zhiibaayaanakwad. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, David now lives in Victoria, B.C
Theresa “Corky” Larsen-Jonasson
Cultural Connections: Cree/Danish/Metis
Home Base: Red Deer, Alberta
Website: Not Available
Corky is a proud Cree/Danish Metis Elder with roots in Red Deer and Maskwacis First Nations. She lives her life according to the traditional indigenous teachings that saved her life. These teachings flow from her parents, her 93-year-old Kokom, Christine Joseph of Cochrane, aunties, uncles, as well as from the Goodstrikers, Williams and John Crier families, all of whom she loves immensely. Corky serves as a member of the National Collective of the Walking With Our Sisters missing and murdered indigenous women awareness movement and a proud member of Red Deer’s Red Feather Women. She is also a member of the Urban Aboriginal Voices Women’s Council and Red Deer Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network.
Kevin Locke:
Cultural Connections: Lakota and Anishinabe
Home Base: Wakapala, South Dakota
Website: www.kevinlocke.com
Kevin Locke is a world-renowned Hoop Dancer, distinguished indigenous Northern Plains flutist, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist, and educator. Kevin is Lakota (from the Hunkpapa Band of the Lakota Sioux), and Anishinabe. His Lakota name is Tokeya Inajin, meaning “First to Arise.” Kevin Locke presents and performs at hundreds of performing arts centers, festivals, schools, universities, conferences, state and national parks, monuments, historic sites, powwows, and reservations every year. Approximately eighty percent of these are shared with children. Kevin is a dance and musical hero and role model for youth around the world. His special joy is working with children on reservations to ensure the survival and growth of indigenous culture.
Ḵung Jaadee
Cultural Connections: Haida
Home Base: Haida Gwaii
Website: www.sharkhouse.ca
Ḵung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy) is a traditional Haida storyteller, singer and drummer from Haida Gwaii in Northern British Columbia. She teaches Xaad Kil/Haida language and culture five days a week. For more than 24 years, she has delighted audiences across Canada at festivals, schools, museums, aboriginal celebrations and conferences. Ḵung Jaadee loves singing her traditional Haida songs, drumming, laughing, baking and learning her language. Her name was presented to her at her great uncle’s memorial feast by her cousin, Crystal Robinson, and means ‘Moon Woman’.
Trudy Spiller
Cultural Connections: Gitxsan Nation
Home Base: Victoria, Bc
Website: unavailable
Trudy is part of the Gitxsan Nation in British Columbia and belongs to the House of Gwininitxw of the Wolf Clan. Trudy’s traditional name, Lugaganowals, means a frog that is always leaning or giving. Trudy and her siblings were brought up to believe that children are like flowers. Today, she helps families to grow and flourish by sharing her knowledge of First Nation medicine, food, dress, and practices. By sharing her stories, Trudy makes knowledge keepers of us all.
Juliana Armstrong
Juliana Armstrong, a Teacher of Anishnaabemowin Language & Culture first became an artist after growing up watching her Mother and Gokmis crafting. The natural world around her as well as carrying her children during pregnancy have inspired most of her work. With great appreciation for the Ojibway Culture and Language, it is important for her to share her gifts such as art. Raised on Christian Island, she is a member of and resides in Nipissing First Nation, Ontario.
Teddy Anderson
Teddy Anderson is an internationally recognized hoop dancer who has performed in thousands of places around the world. He has brought his motivational message of love and unity to more than 20 countries, inspiring children and youth everywhere to see themselves as members of one human family. Teddy received special permission to learn the hoop dance and share his message with the people of the world. Teddy’s rich cultural experience, combined with his passion for the arts makes him unique in delivering the message of unity and inclusion.
