A Powwow Story was created with intention and respect. 

I am part of an Indigenous family, and I am deeply dedicated to using more content with Indigenous perspectives, cultures and histories in my classes. 

I am so proud of the collaboration of voices, experiences and talents that came together to make the story come to life. I was the author, but I feel more like a gatherer of sorts. I asked for help, and so many people said “YES” and contributed!

The relationships built along the writing journey are the best part for me. I am also very proud that this story reflects my family. They feel proud to share it too.

Traditional Knowledge Sharer & Cultural Advisor

Bernice is the Cultural Education Coordinator with the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society and leads cultural presentations and activities for the students in School District 73. She is a powwow dancer, and she has danced at the Kamloopa Powwow for decades. She lives on the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc reserve with her husband and children who also dance powwow. She openly shares her cultural knowledge and is a wonderful storyteller.

Contact Bernice: 1-778-212-2342

You can also connect with Bernice on Facebook:

• All My Relations Creations
• All My Relations First Nations Dance Group

Cover, Illustrations & Cultural Advice

Chloe is from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation of Central Alberta and is a graduate of the Emily Carr University of Art & Design. She is a seamstress, beadworker, illustrator, painter, and sculptor. She was raised on the reserve and was immersed in hunting, gathering, and traditional rituals. She has also lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an area rich in art and urbanity.

This is when I received the GORGEOUS painting for the novel, by Chloe Bluebird Mustooch, of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. 

We talked about a cover design together, and she made it come to life! It is the background for the cover of A Powwow Story.

I love writing, and I had been thinking of creating a novel for English-language learners for about 15 years. I wanted to have some different story choices in my classes, especially for beginner-intermediate level students. It’s very hard to find local content, and many stories are quite negative in nature. I dreamt of something local, positive and inclusive. This story is what I dreamt about, but so much more.

More and more instructors are realizing the importance of having conversations about Indigenous Peoples, histories and cultures with their students, but it can feel so hard to get started when we can’t find material that is appropriate, material that we can trust and feel good about using.

I’m so excited that A Powwow Story is out, so that we as instructors can start using it to begin important conversations in our classrooms.

This project happened through collaboration and relationship buiding. I see this as the way forward as we journey together along the path of Truth and Reconciliation.