Voices 2022: An Indigenous Reading & Learning Circle

In this Reading and Learning Circle, we hear from prominent children's authors about the importance of culture & language in their work. This conversation will focus on the power of narratives and how the resurgence of alternative narratives can allow us to think differently about ourselves and others.

Elder Tina Fox - a respected Îethka Nakoda Elder and proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is the author of Îyâ Sa Wîyâ Wahogû kiyabi Cha (Red Mountain Woman Receives a Teaching), a book she wrote to contribute to preserving her language. A former LPN, she is the first woman to be elected to the Stoney Tribal Council. She retired in 2000 to pursue her ultimate goal - to earn her degree - and is has worked as a counsellor and now Elder for Nakoda Elementary School. This is a role she cherishes.

Crystal Manyfingers - the daughter of Dr. Helen and Wallace Manyfingers and the mother to Patricia and Alexander Soop. Her tri-pod family have lived in the City of Calgary (Mohkintsis) for over 25 years. Crystal and her family are all members of the Kainai Nation of the great Blackfoot Confederacy who signed Treaty Seven in 1877. Crystal holds a B.A., B.Ed., and a Master’s degree in Education (Adult and Workplace Learning) from the University of Calgary. She has been involved in the field of Indigenous and Adult education for many years.

Trent Fox - a scholar, author, and columnist. He is the author of Nakota Community (Saunders Publications) and Watâga Wîyâ (Grizzley Bear Woman Teaches the As,Âs, Bs). He is currently working on his dissertation at the University of Calgary and is working on a online dictionary with the University of Alberta. Trent is a passionate advocate of the Îethka dialect of the Nakoda (Sioux) language and proud father of Rocky Mocky, his terrier mix.