David Bouchard's Blog

The Haudenosaunee speak of a man who was born to a virgin, a man whose canoe was made of stone and a man who was known to have changed and saved the world. This man, Peacemaker, created wampum and gifted the Haudenosaunee with the Great Law. 
Peacemaker's story is too obvious not to see the similarities with the Christians' Jesus. 
Another story I find interesting (and another story I retold) is Raven and Whale. It is perhaps not as obvious as Peacemaker's story but you can easily see the similarity with Jonah's being swallowed by a whale (again, in the Hebrew bible).  
If you find these similarities interesting, let me tell of the concept of Holy Trinity from the perspective of the Inuit. 
The Holy Trinity consists of God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit. God, the Father is usually depicted as a bearded older (white) gentleman. God the son looks the way the Bible would have you see Jesus, a handsome 30 yr. old white man. God the Holy Spirit is usually depicted as a white dove. 
Among the Inuit, if a picture of the Holy Trinity existed (and there are large numbers of Christians in the north), God the Father would be a bright ball of light. His/her power is such that humans could not look upon them. God the son would be a being neither male nor female and they would be beautiful, kind and loving. God the Holy Spirit would be Raven. As with the Christian Dove, Raven has the power of God because Raven is one third of the Holy Trinity. Raven is God himself. 
And Raven is often the intermediary between God and humans and thus the thing of legends. 
You can now see why Raven is revered above all others; flyers, four leggeds and swimmers. 
In Inuit mythology, Tulugaak, known as the Raven God, plays a central role in creation and spiritual balance.
Represented as a powerful and benevolent being, Tulugaak embodies wisdom and connection to the spiritual realm.
Inuit traditions revere Tulugaak as a guide and protector, emphasizing respect for nature and spiritual harmony.
Inuit mythology originates from the rich cultural traditions of the indigenous Inuit peoples, blending spiritual beliefs and storytelling passed down through generations. These myths and legends form a vital part of Inuit identity and worldview, shaping their understanding of the natural and supernatural worlds.
Inuit mythology highlights the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, emphasizing respect and harmony with the environment. Gods and spirits in Inuit belief systems personify natural forces and elements, underscoring the intrinsic link between spirituality and the land.

Over the past two decade, David has spoken to parentsaround the world...from India to Britain...from Texas to Colorado...fromNewfoundland to the NWT! His message is one that every parent should hear: Reading is the key to success for yourchildren...in school and once they have left school.

David spells out why reading is that important. He is veryclear in teaching parents how a person becomes a reader. And he offersstrategies that are real and achievable for every family. He calls these his ThreeR’s of becoming a reader.

Maya Angelou was right when she said, “Parents who knowbetter - do better!” All they need is to know. David provides that knowledge.He also provides the inspiration necessary to go along with that knowledge.

Here is letter of invitation from oneparent who witnessed the powerful impact of his parent workshop:

Dear Parents:

You are encouraged to attend a presentation by renownedCanadian author David Bouchard as he addresses our community.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for us all. We oweit to our children to be in attendance.

David Bouchard champions reading and tackles illiteracy! Hismessage focuses on books, reading and specific responsibilities in making ourchildren literate! He reminds us that educators and parents alike are responsiblefor the state of literacy among our youth. He speaks to how, when and why welost focus of our responsibilities in promoting literacy. He offers arealistic, practical solution to the problem.

Bouchard also offers his audiences a sense of how language,rhythms and fine art can come together to inspire, teach and form agelessbeauty.

A teacher’s response after hearingDavid’s keynote speech to a British Columbia School District:

"David Bouchard is, without a doubt, THE most dynamic& inspirational speaker I have ever heard! His memory lives large! He andhis message are unforgettable!!!!!!"

Mr. Bouchard’s wealth of experience comes from 28 years as ateacher and administrator! He knows how to speak to teachers, administratorsand parents.

He has twenty-five award winning books with a uniquecross-over flavour. Many are of a multi-cultural nature, done collaborativelywith First Nation artists and the master artist, Zhong-Yang Huang who hasillustrated his tremendously successful Chinese Trilogy (translated intoseveral languages and is distributed the world over). Voices From the Wild wonthe Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry award as the best volume of poetry for childrenpublished in the U.S. in 1997.

His books are an amalgamation of the arts: poetry, prose,visual art, and music. He appeals to children of all ages as well as toteachers, teacher librarians, administrators and parents.

In response to a presentation at ajoint staff/parent pro-d workshop:

"Words do not describe the inspiration that Davidbrings throughout his presentation. His manner and his message are captivating.The group sat throughout the evening presentation cherishing each anecdote andthe reading of his work was spellbinding."

In response to a keynote address tothe teachers, administrators and support staff of the Powell River SchoolDistrict:

"Mr. Bouchard is a dynamic and inspirational speakerwho captured his audience from the beginning with his entertaining mixture ofpersonal anecdotes, practical suggestions and obvious belief in the importanceof literacy and literature in every life. His keynote address revitalized ourteaching body and sent them back to the classroom fired with enthusiasm andwith workable ideas to rekindle the joy of reading in all their students."

David Bouchard speaks to his books and to reading. He has aplethora of insights and experiences in the ever so crucial topic ofliteracy...he speaks to these with a passion second to few.

Responses to a presentation inMontana:

"Wow! Right between the eyes...right where, we, as lazyparents and smug educators need it. Mr.Bouchard was a terrific realitycheck."

"What a delightful man. It was a great way to begin ouryear - better than any I’d seen in 17 years."

You will not be disappointed in his message, his energy orhis passion for books, children and literacy.

An author visit is worthwhile, inspiration being the most important of the many benefits,
Here are a few of the many responses to my student presentations...
1. I wanted to thank you for the time you spent with our students. It meant so much to them that an author, and a Metis man, would take the time to acknowledge them. They left talking about what gifts they might possess and how the expectation was they needed to share those gifts with others. Our students are rich in many ways but don’t often have a role model in the literacy world. You provided them with that missing piece. You know all the blessings you brought to them and I thank you for taking the time to share them.I also want to thank you for bringing mental health to the forefront. It is a topic we do not talk about enough and your passion about it willencourage us to address it daily.If you are ever looking for something to do when in our city, our doors are open.

2. I would like to thank you deeply for coming to our school and presenting your life story for us. I would love for you to come again.And when you said that reading would help your education and make school a lot easier I went home and the first thing I did was read a book that I already started. Many authors have come to spend some time with us and tell us about reading and how important it is but out of all that came hear I find that you are the most influencing and inspiring out of all. 

3. I can think of nothing but positive things to say about your presentation. As I speak French and German, I was pleased to hear that you do too.I was also delighted to hear a French-Canadian accent; I have never heard one before, and I found it fascinating, not to mention hilarious (in a good way). I would like to thank you for your honesty in all subjects you spoke about, good and bad. I found the tale of Robbie heart-wrenchingly sad and yet full of hope, thank you for sharing it with us. I find your poems, your "rap for old people", very beautiful, and I am elated at having discovered it. I can but express my joy at your coming to ASB, and hope that you will come back one day.

4. Thank you so much for coming to our school and talking to us. From all the different authors that have come to our school I think you have been the best and most inspiring author.I’m not jus saying that; I really feel that way. Your sense of humor is great and I had a lot of fun listening to you. I also really appreciate how you are so honest about yourself and your family. I think you play the flute really well and I love the song you wrote about your grandmother. I even had more fun with your books because of the rap and poems in it; it’s much more interesting to listen to than reading normal books everywhere. I really want to read the book you wrote for your daughter. All of the stories you told us were so inspiring; before you came I wasn’t a reader but now I think I’m definitely going to start reading.

5. Thank you for coming and presenting at my school. You are a very unique writer and a very inspiring person. I am in grade 12. I really enjoyed your talk. I fall under the category of those who don’t like reading.

I hate it when a teacher call on me to read in front of the class, I feel as if everyone is going to mock me because I read slow and get words mixed up easily. I have never approached any of my teachers really because they would always say, well you can read a easier book! Well I think them doing that has caused me to never want to try the harder novels. I have probably only read 2 or 3 full novels and that is probably including ones that I skipped a chapter or at least a few pages.

I have such a great imagination and would love to enjoy reading. My dad used to read to me all of the time when I was younger and I wish he still did. I enjoy short stories and things like that but I get bored easily and need something to really grab my attention....Could you please send me the names of a few books that you would recommend. You are unlike any authors I’ve heard of. It is unique how you go around giving talks about your books and your life. Most authors, if they said write to them, would probably have someone working for them reply to all of their so-called fans! But it is nice how you are so involved with the community and the students who, even if only a few are inspired, makes all the difference in the world. I know I am rambling on but I would really like you help in guiding me down what has been a hard and frustrating road - reading well and enjoying it. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Inspired

You didn’t lecture,
But tried to help.
Still had giggles
The comedy sticks to my brain like kelp!

I’m inspired now,
To pursue my dreams.
I see the light of the future in my hands,
Oh how that light gleams.

You didn’t brag,
You seem down-to-earth.
Truly a brilliant person,
Two glances is way less than you’re worth.

An inspiring author,
Is what you are!
Don’t forget that message,
Because you have got so far!

Michael Lovechild and Allen Sapp are two of Saskatchewan's most popular artists. I am privileged to have collaborated with them both.
In this sweet book, Michael and I share the Haudenosaunee story of the Three Sisters.  

Saint Patrick's Day always brings this project/book to mind. 
This was to be a fundraiser for African children inflicted with AIDS. Sadly, politics got in the way and I am left with ...this...from what would have been a wonderful resource. In spite of the disappointment, I loved the journey that got us this far. 
Robbie Burns (Scottish of course) said that not reading poetry aloud is like playing tennis without a net. So please, in your best Irish accent, give it a read.

Mission Accomplished 

Calgary...Edmonton...and today, home from Vancouver. 
Mine is the most satisfying work you can possibly imagine. If you've yet to witness one of my presentations and are considering inviting me to speak to your students or staff or parents, this post should serve you well. 
My most recent presentation was to the eight hundred angels at Minnekhada Middle School in Port Coquitlam. The feedback I received was nothing less than humbling. Thank you Mustangs (and staff). What I set out to do, I did. I can proudly say "mission accomplished". 

What was my mission?
1. To Entertain – to make our time together enjoyable and fun - for students, staff and parents...by playing fun, uplifting music (Unstoppable by Sia) as we gathered...then a song on my flutes as an introduction to my heritage and my upcoming message.Mission accomplished. 
2. To be meaningful to all students, including those with Special Gifts – To include everyone by focussing on the reality that we all have a special gift. It is unfortunate that we refer to some students as having "special needs". The truth is, some of us have special gifts. I repeatedly spoke in terms of Different Abilities in contrast to Disabilities.  It took me 45 years to realize that my gift is that of a "story teller". It then took the courage of Bear for me to take a huge step away from my safe profession as a school principal to the unknown world of a touring story teller/author. 
I asked students to become involved:...Raise your arm if you can draw/paint. Good. Thank you. Raise your arm if you cannot draw/paint. Good. Thank you. Now raise your arm if you can dance...and then if you are good with numbers...good with animals...athletic...etc... Students know what they love as it is often directly related to what they are good at: their gift.  Mission accomplished. 
3. Poetry – the spoken word - I read from...(rapped from) one of my books. I lightened things up all the while sharing the power of rap - poetry. I shared Voices from the Wild and gave a copy of the book to a student. Mission accomplished.
4. Indigenous learning – Meet your Family - Seven Sacred Teachings - Most schools, if not every school, are making Indigenous studies a school focus. It is past the time that Canadian students understand that we are all one family. We are all related. This reality is but one of many Indigenous teachings that can be shared with our youth. My book Meet Your Family tells that story.
We are  one family. We all share the same Mother, Father, Grandfather... 
And of course the Teachings...a natural way to see the world and how best to live our lives. 
Some First Nations refer to the Teachings as the Grandfather Teachings. Others speak of the Teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman. The Haudenosaunee subscribe to the Great Law in which the Teachings are deeply rooted. 
Nations should never go to war over the belief that one religion is better than another.
The natural way at achieving peace and harmony lies in the teachings.   I shared the Teachings in a manner that is easy to understand and to remember. I gifted two books during this sharing, one to the student who is gifted with a memory that allows them to recall them and another book to a student whose gift is not that memory recall but something else that they can identify. Mission accomplished.
5. Mental HealthStudents heard me say that mental health is as real as a broken arm or the need for glasses. Thos message should not be talked about on one day of the year but as often as possible by those of us in a position of influence. Mission accomplished. 

Teachers 1 - Rednecks 0
The politics of "education" in Alberta is interesting. It is also challenging.
Many families have a "black sheep". Alberta is looking more and more as if it is Canada's.
In a family, there’s often one child that’s quicker or more pleasant or bigger and stronger than it’s siblings. In Canada, Alberta might be that child. Let's face it, Alberta has prairies galore, an abundance of forests and lakes and it has those spectacular mountains. And oh, let's not forget, it has oil.
Add to all this, there exists a passageway between Alberta and the United States, a doorway that doesn’t exist among other provinces. If there are any problems between Alberta and the rest of Canada, these will surely be magnified by the influence of the USA. Canada and the USA are very different as countries and as people. 
In spite of all its many blessings, Alberta has in the past, elected governments that are similar to those of the other two prairie provinces. They have chosen a government that is uniquely socially minded by nature. The most recent of these was ten years ago when the NDP formed a majority government. Today however, much of what's taking place in Alberta seems to be driven by economics and a whole series of programmes and policies promoted by the US.
However, when it comes to my personal experiences in Alberta, all which are in the field of education, things couldn’t be more different.
Over the past thirty years, I have worked extensively with teachers, administrators and trustees, parents and students. 
Alberta teachers are as professional and dedicated as teachers anywhere in the world. They work as hard and harder than most given the restrictions and directives of a government whose primary focus might not be education, health and other socially related fields.
Alberta parents, not unlike parents anywhere in the world, love their children unconditionally and would do anything for them. Parents simply need to be given the facts (told the truth) and given the direction they need to play their role in educating their children. 
Trustees and board members are equally as caring and dedicated. The challenge they face is that they have been elected into an educational system that has taken on a life of its own, one that has been fed and nurtured by the US. This speaks to 
extensive testing at younger and younger ages, labelling kids, believing in levelled readers to teach reading, as opposed good wholesome books. When given the chance, I talk to trustees about the successful, wholesome educational realities that they do not see before them. It wasn’t long ago that I was invited to speak at at their annual conference. My Lois E. Hole keynote detailed the beliefs of Maria Montessori, beliefs that are consistent with those of Lois E. Hole. I was rewarded with a standing ovation. These folks truly do care.
In a world where teachers do not feel appreciated or supported, Alberta educators should stand tall and proud in their fight at providing Alberta’s youth with the very best education possible. I am among their greatest fans. I am among their greatest supporters. 

The ultimate tool is just so easy...and so Canadian

This thing that I speak of, the tool that I speak of is Canadian, for sure (are we Canadians not known the world over for our niceness). 

This thing I speak of is definitely something we prairie kids have in spades; common sense (was Medicare not our common sense brainchild?).

And the thing I speak of is not a strategy, not something that can be taught. 

It is acting as we should act. It is being kind. It is being "nice".

Most don't think of kindness as something we could and should be sharing on a monthly, weekly or even on a daily basis. But it is. 

I can hardly believe it took me so long to realize the power that lay in simple acts of kindness and then to finally practice these in my everyday work; recognizing and celebrating the gifts and strengths in all people. 

Whether or not our individual gifts or contributions are recognized and celebrated, they do exist. 
Everyone  has a gift...something that could and should be celebrated from our childhood until our death.

Whether you are a teacher, a TA, a school administrator or...think on this. 

As a school principal, I decided to write a letter, every day, recognizing and celebrating the gifts of those in my sphere of influence. We recorded the names of those to whom I wrote. We also recorded the names of any who responded (and there were many), though it was not by any means my objective to receive feedback. 

Everyday over the course of a year, I wrote a letter to staff members, students and parents. (In retrospect, the only thing I failed to do was to cc these letters to people who cared. I could have cc'ed letters I wrote to staff to senior office supervisors. I could have cc'ed letters I had sent to parents to their children and vice-versa) 

The results were uncanny. I can't even start to tell you how often I heard something to the effect of, "I have never received this kind of recognition. And I am so grateful - and humbled." 

Can you think of a better way to bring out the best in children and in adults than recognize and celebrate their gifts? 
This is how we should teach our children, by focussing on each child's gift. And this is how we should treat those with whom we work and live. 

And yet, as I look back on my life...as a student or as a teacher or... I can't think of many occasions where this type of feedback was afforded to me. 

And yet, I know I had amazing teachers and colleagues. I guess no one told them to be nice.   

A Comeback Tour

For many reasons, the most obvious being pre and post COVID, I have not been speaking to students or educators or to parents as I have in past years - as I should be.

Meanwhile, I have had several books published, books that I have not addressed as I once did, as I might have.
Add to that, there are many new teachers and teaching assistants, new administrators and parents who might look at my name and imagine a surging old hockey player. 

So to take a step back...

My career is that of a teacher/administrator, first on the prairie, then in British Columbia. Somewhat unintentionally, about 30 years ago, I started writing. I have never been a strong reader but I have always lavished stories. Writing has allowed me to access the world of story telling, of story tellers. 

I lived through my school years struggling with disabilities and expectations that created unforgiving stress. If this reflects your experience, I hope you are fortunate enough to have Raven as your guide, as I do. I learned to adapt. I learned to offset my weaknesses with my gifts. 

I was and remain creative.  

That creativity has allowed me to author several books with my Grandmothers as my guides. My Grandmothers live in my DNA, as yours, dear reader, live in yours. I have authored a significant number of books on Prairie life, on Chinese cultural events, on succeeding in spite of  overwhelming challenges and on animals and on Indigenous traditions and values and the list is long.

My creativity has also allowed me to question educational practices, specifically those attributed to the teaching of reading. My learnings led to my writing the Gift of Reading and For the Love of Reading. 

Promoting literacy should be our collective focus from before our children are born until they leave secondary school. Teaching children to read and to love reading is the shared responsibility of every teacher, administrator and parent. My two books focus on how to turn our homes and our schools into environments rich in literature and how we can model the love of reading for our children and our students.

To complement my writing, I began speaking. I started sharing my learning with students, educators and parents. I spent 28 years speaking the world over to over a million people. Here is a link to some feedback: https://davidbouchard.com/speaking/testimonials

Today, I am speaking. I am writing. I am anxiously awaiting three new books as I travel, inspiring kids and adults as it pertains to reading, to their many unique gifts and to the importance of stories, both hearing and writing them. 

   

Are you old enough to remember the childhood game in which we would say "You're It"? Because if you are, "you're it". 
My spring touring dates are confirmed. 
If you are interested in having me come to your school to speak to your students, staff and/or parents... 


Calgary: I will be in Calgary February 23rd to the 27th. The 26th and the 27th are fully booked. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are currently available.  I will be back in Calgary March 16th to the19th. 
Edmonton:I will be in Edmonton March 2nd to the 6th. 
Vancouver's Lower Mainland: And I'll be touring Vancouver's Lower Mainland from March the 9th to the 13th. 

To book a presentation or if you have questions:
davidbouchard@shaw.ca - phone number 250-888-5993