Legacy of teenage activist

Canadian Author shares legacy of teenage activist

By Kimberly

Powell-McConaghy

 Canadian Author and Illustrator inspired the young hearts and minds of Hillside School when she introduced her First Nation Communities Read winning title, ‘Shannen and the Dream for a School’.

 On Thursday, March 21 the Kettle & Stony Point Public Library, in conjunction with Kettle & Stony Point Hillside School welcomed Canadian Artist and Author of children’s books and inspirational speaker Janet Wilson. Wilson has published more than 50 books that are recognized internationally and her presentations inspire people of all ages. As well as making art that interprets the written word, she also paints fine art from life, landscapes and studio still life in all media.

 ‘Shannen and the Dream for a School’ is the true story of a teenage girl and the people of Attawapiskat First Nation, a Cree community in Northern Ontario who has been fighting for a new school since 1979 when a fuel oil spill contaminated their original school building. In 2008, Shannen Koostachin and her grade eight classmates launched a protest against the Ministry of Indian Affairs to have their temporary, run-down portables replaced by a real school. Their Students-Helping-Students campaign inspired people across the country to help and became the largest child rights movement in Canadian history.

 Wilson learned about Shannen while researching stories of young child-rights activists. “I was shocked that such systemic injustice was happening in my own country,” she recalls. “Although I had never published a novel before, I was inspired by the actions of the children of Attawapiskat to tell this story and help raise awareness for other Canadians.”

 Patty Lawlor, for the Southern Ontario Library Service and First Nation Communities Read Co-ordinator, joined Wilson at Hillside School to promote Aboriginal literature. First Nation Communities Read is an annual reading program launched in 2003 by the First Nations public library community in Ontario. The program encourages family literacy and intergenerational storytelling. ‘Shannen and the Dream for a School’ is one of many titles chosen by First Nation Communities Read and specifically teaches children that young people can make a difference. “Children can have a voice and can make a change,” says Lawlor.

 The popular Author says that with all that’s happening in the world today and the challenges facing the future, she believes students have a growing desire and an important role to play in finding solutions. “Many young people, who are increasingly aware of global issues are no longer content to sit on the sidelines and wait until they are ‘grown-up’," WIlson adds. "Students are receiving a better education in environmental issues, peace and conflict resolution, character development and are encouraged to become active participants in their community.” Students have responded to Wilson’s presentations with remarkable insight and understanding that leaves her with a feeling of empowerment and hopefulness.

  The young activist, Shannen Koostachin, died in a car accident in 2010 at age 15. She left the legacy of a fighter for the rights of native children and at age 13 she wrote: "I would tell the children not to be afraid, to follow their dreams. I would tell them to never give up hope.”