Children’s Book Launch as a part of Haida Language Revitalization Efforts
Official publication of a bilingual book written by mother-daughter duo, Lynn Hughan and Carsen Gray
SKIDEGATE, BC — TakingITGlobal is excited to support Twelve Months of Fun on Haida Gwaii with Mattie and Jojo. This timeless children’s book and Haida language resource was written by the mother-daughter duo Lynn Hughan and Carsen Gray in an effort to bring stories of family, childhood and history to the community.
The book takes readers on a journey across Haida Gwaii over the course of one year as two young children explore and interact with the abundance of life around them. Filled with original artwork by Lynn Hughan and translated with the efforts of the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program (SHIP), Twelve Months of Fun is a community project that represents much more than just a story.
“Haida Gwaii is such a magical place, I grew up here and my memories of my adventures are still so vivid in my mind. Raising my own children here gave them that opportunity and freedom to experience that as well. Now years later, I can watch my grandchildren, Mattie and Jojo, living the same carefree way — enjoying the beauty of Haida Gwaii. With the book, we can capture forever and share with the audience how blessed we are to be here on these islands with incredible spaces and people.” Lynn Hughan, Illustrator and Co-author of Twelve Months of Fun on Haida Gwaii with Mattie and Jojo
“Haida Gwaii has always been a very special place which I cherish deeply. The people, the beauty, the connectedness, the peace, and how easy it is to connect with our Creator here is like nowhere I’ve ever been before. I’m proud of these islands and I wanted to create something that my children can have for the rest of their lives. They can look back and see all the different activities we did together, as well as looking back to what our most precious years together were like. I think that it’s important we offer Haida language resources for our children as well. Something that’s relatable to them, with familiar places and faces. My hopes are that it can be read regularly to students in school throughout the years, as well as by families. I’m hopeful that it will also be a valuable resource at Haida Language classes for our youth or in an early education setting. I also see it being used in other Indigenous communities throughout Canada to give children a glimpse of our life here on Haida Gwaii and an introduction to our language”. Carsen Gray, Co-author of Twelve Months of Fun on Haida Gwaii with Mattie and Jojo
“The invitation to support this project and learning resource for children and families has been such an important undertaking for our work with the Connected North program at TakingITGlobal. The opportunity to engage with Haida language keepers, Elders, artists and members of the community as part of the upcoming launch is an important milestone in celebrating a children’s book to cherish for generations to come.”Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director, TakingITGlobal
Special thanks and recognition to all of those involved in the project: Kevin Bosario & Denver Cross at the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program, Nika Collison of The Haida Gwaii Museum, The Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay Llnagaay, Beng Favreau of Literacy Haida Gwaii and Leighann Rodger, staff and students of Sk’aadgaa Naay Elementary School.
Along with the publication of this book, there was an online launch event on Thursday, July 23rd that included an opening drum, welcoming remarks from community Elders, a read aloud, and a Q&A. Watch the recording here:
Contact
Jayson Moore
Educator Engagement & School Support Coordinator
TakingITGlobal
(416) 977–9363 ext 323
