Over the last few days, I've seen a few references to a new series of graphic novels by a Swampy Cree (First Nations, Manitoba) writer, David Robertson. I read an article about him in the Winnipeg Free Press (posted April 8, 2010, by Trevor Suffield, titled "Graphic novelist feels power of responsibility in latest offering"). In it, Robertson talks about his first graphic novel, titled The Life of Helen Betty Osborne, and that it is being used in some schools in Winnipeg. Below is a book trailer for the novel (link to youtube, if you can't see the video below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqkT3BCXL54&feature=related):
Here's another video about the novel (link from youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5-X2hUTI9s):
I've ordered The Life of Helen Betty Osborne and look forward to reading it. I'll also get a copy of Stone, the first book in the "7 Generations" series Robertson is working on. Here's the book trailer for Stone (here's the link if the video won't play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0m3EFYude0):
Robertson's books are published by Portage & Main Press, who also published In Search of April Raintree.
Established in 2006 by Dr. Debbie Reese of Nambé Pueblo, American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) provides critical analysis of Indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books. Dr. Jean Mendoza joined AICL as a co-editor in 2016.
As I look around more, I'm increasingly intrigued by the novel. It's going to be a tough wait for it!
ReplyDeleteHere's a review published in CANADIAN REVIEW OF MATERIALS, or, CM. It is a review journal.
http://umanitoba.ca/cm/vol16/no4/thelifeofhelenbettyosborne.html
The reviewer has some concerns with the novel. She says there's not enough information about aboriginal culture and history for a reader who lacks that knowledge.
I understand her concern, but don't see it as a concern with the book. Moreso, it points to the LACK of history that is being taught in schools, history about (in this case) the aboriginal peoples of Canada.
There was a movie about Helen Betty Osborne's life and death, called "Conspiracy of Silence," done in the early 1990s, I think. Michele St. John played the part of Helen Betty. I saw it a number of times on TV and it moved me to tears. A young woman with so much promise, raped and murdered by young white men because they saw her as "other" and therefore expendable. And the whole town conspired to keep her killers safe. Thank you for posting this, Debbie. I just ordered a copy of the book.
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