David Bouchard, Metis. An acclaimed author of children’s books, David Bouchard is also a champion of literacy. This former teacher and school principal has written more than 50 books in English and in French. Many of them combine poetry, prose and visual arts, and explore topics such as the environment, history and the traditions and cultures of Canada’s Aboriginal communities. Also a storyteller and sought after public speaker, he has travelled across the country to promote the importance and joy of reading and writing. In his presentations to children, parents and teachers, he addresses his own struggles with dyslexia. Proud of his Métis heritage, he is a former president of the Métis Nation of Greater Victoria and continues to serve as a community leader.”
Canadian Métis author and literacy advocate David Bouchard has produced more than fifty books for readers of all ages, including two guides on reading for parents and educators. An erstwhile teacher and school principal, he is particularly concerned with Aboriginal-related issues and is a sought-after speaker for conference keynotes and school presentations and on topics of reading, literacy and aboriginal well-being. David Bouchard’s books have won numerous awards, including a Special Mention for Non-Fiction in the 2010 Bologna Ragazzi Awards for The Drum Calls Softly, a Gold Medal in the 2008 Moonbeam Award for I am Raven, the 2004 Governor General’s Award for The Song Within My Heart, the 1999 Red Cedar Award for The Great Race and the 1997 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Voices from the Wild. An Aboriginal Carol was included in the 2008 White Ravens Catalogue. In April 2009, Bouchard was named as a Member of the Order of Canada “for his contributions as an author of children’s books and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing, and who has shared his pride as a member of the Métis community through his stories.” David lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife Vicki and their daughter Victoria.