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