"It's an important book." More feedback on Goodbye Buffalo Bay by Larry Loyie

From: Joanne Schwartz, children’s librarian, Lillian H. Smith Library, Toronto

“I want to tell you how much I love Goodbye Buffalo Bay. I was so moved by the book. The writing is superb -- simple and compelling with such a strong, dignified voice. Larry's character and experiences build to a rich ending that resonates long after the book is closed. To write about such a difficult topic for a young audience can be tricky and you found the perfect tenor. It's an important book. I'm just so impressed and will recommend it to many teachers and kids.”


From: Eleanor Kelly, retired, former head librarian, Carnegie Community Centre, Vancouver, BC

“Am browsing through your book. Love the detail of the boy’s lives and the occasional bits of humour. It’s a wonderful document for kids and I hope it’s one day made into a movie. Really took me right into the school, and though I have known many former residents, I really had no idea of the petty cruelty and how the children were so afraid of the big, black cloaked nuns and priests. Another winner!”

From: Brian Isaac, author, South Okanagan Indian Band, Kelowna, BC

“My wife and I have just finished your book ‘Goodbye Buffalo Bay.’ We didn’t know what to expect from a book written for school age children, but we both really enjoyed it, especially the way you captured the feelings of the young people, which to some writers, isn’t that easy to do. Your descriptions of nature and a life lived outdoors reminded me of my youth. There was a certain peacefulness about the book, despite the harsh treatment in the residential school. Nicely wrapped up with Lawrence’s first kiss and his dreams of traveling.”

From: Taeko who lives in Japan
“Thank you!! for the book, and I was very happy when I found your hand-writing message in the book. It's not a big picture book, so I can carry it in my bag. I read it on train to/from my working place and at lunch time. I finished up to Chapter 6. There's some words I don't know but I read it through and enjoy it. I can pick dictionary after I finish reading. I was thinking it could be some harsh scenes in the book but it doesn't appear so far. Each time I turn the page, I'm a little scared as it could be shown on new page. I don't like to read harsh scene, but you have to face it when it's a reality.”

Info on our Presentations

Presentations: Larry Loyie and Constance Brissenden

Below is information on our presentations, K-seniors.

Please email us with questions on tours, talks and fees at: livingtradition@telus.net

In general, our presentations are 45 minutes to one hour (including a Q&A)

For more on these books, see our website: www.firstnationswriter.com

Background:
Award winning Cree author Larry Loyie and co-author Constance Brissenden have given more than 700 presentations together. These include keynotes, writers festivals, school visits, readings, talks on writing (libraries, learning centre, etc) and writing workshops, to all ages, educational levels and interest groups.

“Larry and Constance have a wonderful way of connecting to audiences of all ages.” – Yvonne Mury, Head Librarian, Valleyview Municipal Library, Valleyview, AB

KEYNOTES AND OTHER TALKS: We have given talks on these and other topics

Aboriginal Writing and Publishing: From an author’s perspective.

The Literacy Journey – Never Give Up! Award-winning author Larry Loyie went back to school at 55 years of age to fulfill his dream of becoming a writer. A sharing, encouraging presentation for learners.

Residential school and its aftermath: How the Prime Minister’s apology (June 11, 2008) has changed the approach to aboriginal history. Based on Larry Loyie’s personal experience at residential school, and moving on.

PRESENTATIONS:

School and public presentations: K-8, high school, learning centres, post-secondary, seniors, general audiences

Please note: Larry and Constance do not have “set” presentations. They follow the topics outlined below but innovate in their presentation techniques in response to their audience

1. Younger children – K-grades 1 and 2
Topics: animals, learning about animals, sharing animal adventures, how Larry grew up learning about nature, emotions and how they feel, learning about First Nations culture. Books referenced:

 As Long as the Rivers Flow
 When the Spirits Dance

2. Grades 3-4
A First Nations child’s life, affect of war on a child’s life, aboriginal culture and traditions, importance of grandparents, grizzly bear adventure, enjoying the outdoors, touches on residential school history, feeling emotions, writing and illustrating. Books referenced:

 As Long as the Rivers Flow
 When the Spirits Dance
 The Gathering Tree (illustrator’s role)


3. Grades 5-6-7-8
A variety of topics can be addresses, such as:

Writing about your life
An overview presentation that touches on “writing about your life” with reference to Larry Loyie’s books, writing about your culture and traditions, life adventures, writing difficult subjects, adding emotion, writing tips, the illustrator’s role. Books referenced:

 Goodbye Buffalo Bay
 As Long as the Rivers Flow
 When the Spirits Dance
 The Gathering Tree (illustrator’s role)

Remembering “children’s history”
The importance of culture and history, remembering “children’s history,” residential school and the Prime Minister’s apology on June 11, 2008. The author’s experience of residential school and moving on, readings dramatic, humorous and encouraging.

 Goodbye Buffalo Bay, with reference to:
 As Long as the Rivers Flow
 When the Spirits Dance

4. High School level

More in-depth versions of grades 5-8 presentations. Books referenced:

 Goodbye Buffalo Bay
 As Long as the Rivers Flow
 When the Spirits Dance
 The Gathering Tree

5. Post-secondary schools, learning centres, libraries (general audiences), seniors centres, etc

Presentations are directed to the interests of the audience.

Among the topics are:

The Writing Life
Focus on becoming and being a writer, making personal dreams come true, writing about your life, tackling difficult subjects, residential school and how it influenced the author’s desire to become a writer, adding humour, writing tips.

Our History, Through Our Eyes
Larry Loyie went back to school at 55 years of age to become a writer. His goals: to write honestly about Aboriginal culture and history and to encourage other Aboriginal people to tell their stories.

Remembering Residential School
How the author’s experience inspired his life and writing.

Books referenced:

 Goodbye Buffalo Bay
 As Long as the Rivers Flow
 When the Spirits Dance
 The Gathering Tree

Goodbye Buffalo Bay "A wonderful read..." CanLit for Kids

“A wonderful read…” CanLit for Kids Books

CanLit for Kids “Books for Middle Grades” – Grades 6-8, Winter 2008-2009

http://www.canlitforkids.com/WinterMid08_09/Winter_Mid08_09.html

Goodbye Buffalo Bay by Larry Loyie

This book draws on personal experience from a man (Larry Loyie) who found the courage and strength of character to find hope and fulfillment in life after residential school. Themes include friendship, self-esteem, humour, the joy of reading, overcoming anger, endurance, hope, and self-discovery. A wonderful read that is gently and succinctly told.