Description
Kung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy) is a professional Indigenous storyteller, educator (BA and BEd) and published author who has been telling stories for 30-plus years. She belongs to the X̱aayda (Haida), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Tlingit, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and is also part Hawaiian. She was born and raised on Haida Gwaii and is from the Yaguu'laanaas Raven Clan. Her Haida name, Ḵung Jaadee, was presented to her at her great uncle's memorial feast by her cousin, Crystal Robinson, and means "Moon Woman." Her Aunt Leialoha gave her the name, Hi'ilawe, in reference to the most famous Hawaiian waterfall on the Big Island. She now resides with her family in East Vancouver on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations.
Carla Joseph is a Métis/Cree artist born in Prince George, BC. Carla received her key to become an artist in residence at the Prince George Community Arts Council in 2016. She went on to win Art Battle in 2016 and 2018. Carla has her own very unique style which many people connect with. She loves the way she makes people feel with her art and it inspires her to continue with her gift. Carla loves to challenge herself by taking on many different projects that can be seen around her home community. Carla has illustrated at least five wonderful children's books including Be a Good Ancestor. She now resides in the lower mainland.
Read the bestselling children's book I am Connected in the Haida language. Approved by the author, Ḵung Jaadee, and translated by Dr. Jasḵwaan Bedard, with the assistance of a Haida Elder to ensure cultural safety and authenticity. With the intention to assist in language preservation while making cultural stories more accessible to Indigenous Peoples, this series of translated books promote the learning of Indigenous languages for all ages with the help of popular and familiar stories. A beautifully illustrated story about the spiritual connection we have with one another and the natural world around us. Along the backdrop of Haida Gwaii's breathtaking landscapes, Indigenous storyteller Ḵung Jaadee invites you to witness the many threads of relationship that connect us across time and space. With a gentle introduction to self-soothing practices, this book engages children through questions to reflect on their connection to the world around them.
Audience: Ages 6+.