Valerie G. Barnes Connell Jordan
Northern Advocate
The old and the more recent come together in a new book, Myths and Legends of the Woodland Cree, launched at the Stanley Mission Community Gathering Tuesday, July 16.
Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, a Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), introduced the book in Cree and his words were translated by Dr. Rose Roberts of Stanley Mission, co-author of the book. Cree, an indigenous language, was an oral language prior to contact with the more recent settlers.
The book brings together oral Cree with written English with modern technology there for support.
The stories in the book are ones Roberts mother, Elizabeth Roberts, told her family growing up in their Cree language. Roberts translated the stories in English.
The stories are written in English in the book, and each story is accompanied by a QR Code. With the use of a device, such as a cellphone, one can listen to the story in Cree.
The book is beautifully illustrated.
Myths and Legends of the Woodland Cree is a lovely book, which can be used, by families at bedtime story time and as a tool for the celebration, preservation and retention of the Cree language in homes, schools and libraries and much more.
Elder Elizabeth Roberts was honoured with a traditional Star Blanket at the Stanley Mission Cultural Gathering during the Opening Ceremonies along with the launch of the book, Myths and Legends of the Woodland Cree, she inspired was launched.
