Book – Seven Sacred Teachings

The Seven Sacred Teachings by author David Bouchard and illustrated by Kristy Cameron.

This book is a message of traditional values and hope for the future. The Teachings are universal to most First Nation peoples. These Teachings are aboriginal communities from coast to coast. They are a link that ties First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities together.

David Bouchard is Canada’s most renowned and awarded Métis author. Dr. Joseph Martin has spent his life coming to understand the Sacred Teachings. Métis Kristy Cameron took a year out of her life to interpret the Teachings through her art. Swampfox has created seven flutes out of seven different kinds of wood, each in the key that is consistent with a particular Teaching. This master flute maker then dreamed seven songs to accompany this telling. Look to the East. Is it not easy to see how insignificant you are when you marvel at the rising sun? Wolf, who epitomizes the Teaching of Humility, howls announcing the arrival of Grandfather Sun. Through Wolf, we learn that the pack is more important than the individual. The Trembling Aspen models Humility and the song you’ll hear is in the key of C – because C exemplifies Humility. Rooted in humility and honesty, the creators have tried to respect the cultures and traditions of all peoples. It is our hope that this telling will unite and thus heal divisions. Prophecies tell that this is the time for One Heart, One Mind, and One Drum. We, readers and authors alike, are the ones we have been waiting for. There is nobody else who can revitalize our culture and values except ourselves. It is our hope that this telling might move readers toward greater courage and wisdom and ultimately toward achieving and understanding what is true in life’s journey. An acclaimed author of children’s books, David Bouchard is also a champion of literacy. This former teacher and school principal have 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 traveled 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.