Indigenous Author Visits Grades 6, 7 and 8 Students

On March 21, 22 and 25, author Christy Jordan-Fenton visited Grades 6, 7 and 8 classes from St. John Paul II Catholic School, St. John Bosco Catholic School and St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School. Christy discussed the books that she co-wrote with her mother-in-law, Margaret Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton.

Christy told the students that one of the main reasons she wrote about Margaret's life was because she wanted her children to see their Inuvialuit culture in a positive way and have heroes and role models like themselves. She also wanted to give a voice to share what had happened at residential schools, something that was rarely, if ever, talked about before they wrote the book “Fatty Legs”. 

After the presentation, students and staff reflected on Christy’s words. A student said: “I learned that as long as we spread the word, history never dies.” Another student added: “I learned that Olemaun was an extremely brave person who overcame any problems that came her way.” In addition, a teacher said: “I learned more about residential schools and the unfair treatment of Indigenous peoples. I also learned how much invaluable learning is passed down from the elders and the importance of learning from the elders.”