Annual Book Serves to Honour Day of Sucwentwécw

Every year, the SD73 Aboriginal Education Department pens a children's book that aligns with the theme of the Day of Sucwentwécw (Acknowledging One Another), a district-wide celebration that takes place annually on April 7.

This year’s book, Fox's Journey of Well-Becoming, based on the day’s theme of “Well Becoming Through Emotional, Physical, Intellectual and Spiritual Indigenous Values,” tells the story of a little fox who feels ill and decides to connect with her community for help in finding wellness.

Authored by District Aboriginal Elementary Resource Teacher and member of the Syilx Nation, Trudi Nielsen, and Illustrated by George Ignace, member of the Skeetchestn Indian Band, the book includes illustrations that can be used as colouring pages, Secwepemctsín words (Secwépemc language), as well as traditional plants local to the region along with their uses.

“The team helped me brainstorm the general idea for Fox's adventure by using the animals we already use for the District’s core competency characters,” said Nielsen. “We then decided the fox should learn something from each animal encounter like plant medicine and a daily health practice. I really wanted it to be a rhyming, fun book that would engage even primary students and I wanted students to walk away with some knowledge around everyday traditional health practices that can contribute to a sense of well-being.” 

Special Kukwstsétsemc (thank you) to:

• Jackie Jules, Museum Cultural Educator (Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park)
• Carolyn Anderson, District Coordinator of Aboriginal Education
• Brenda Celesta, District Aboriginal Resource Teacher
• Charmayne Wilson, On the Land Resource Teacher
• Raven Manuel, District Indigenous Language Worker

“Fox’s little adventure was a delight to write because of the input from all of the above-mentioned individuals,” said Nielsen. “The Day of Sucwentwécw means acknowledging one another, and had it not been for all of your insights and perspectives, both Fox and I would not have been able to find our way through this journey of well-becoming.”

“I am so delighted with the final result and I am happy that George was able to perfectly draw what I envisioned into the illustrations,” said Nielsen.

Students and staff throughout the District will spend April 7 recognizing and celebrating the Secwépemc People (Secwepemcúl’ecw) and other Aboriginal people residing within the Secwépemc Territory in various ways through gatherings that include storytelling of this book and others, songs, drum circles, and other activities.

Enjoy a reading of the book by author Trudi Nielsen: