White Raven tells the story of a grandmother sharing her experiences as a former student of St. Michael's Residential School in Alert Bay with her grandchildren. She discusses its lifelong impact and how she found healing through her culture and family. Written by White Raven’s daughter, Teoni Spathelfer from the Heiltsuk First Nation, this book addresses historical facts about the residential school system in Canada alongside White Raven’s personal accounts of her time at St. Michael’s. With vivid illustrations by artist Natassia Davis, who is from T'Sou-ke Territory, this book provides readers with real-life context about the impacts of residential school, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and it describes how White Raven gradually found peace by connecting with others to share her story. This book is suitable for elementary classrooms exploring Canada’s history with residential schools and as a resource to mark Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Other End Matter: Author & Illustrator pictures and biographies
Images: Colour photographs, Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Teoni Spathelfer (Heiltsuk Nation) Illustrator Natassia Davis (Coast Salish)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools & Indigenous Books for Schools

Teoni Spathelfer is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from coastal BC. Since childhood she has loved immersing herself in her own culture and learning about other cultures around the world. Spathelfer has worked as a publicist; a radio journalist, host, and producer; an arts and music writer; and the author of the Little Wolf Series of picture books. Her documentary Teoni’s Dream, informed by her mother’s residential school experience, has aired nationwide on CBC Radio. Her photography has been featured across various media and sold privately. She has been blessed with three daughters and four grandchildren.

Teoni Spathelfer's profile page

Natassia Davies is a BC-based artist and graphic designer and is of Coast Salish ancestry. For nearly a decade, Natassia has worked traditionally and digitally to create illustrations, develop visual brand identities, and design various other visual communications tools for local businesses, individuals, and non-profits. She is the illustrator of the Little Wolf Series, by Teoni Spathelfer, and she also works with other First Nations Peoples and Indigenous groups to create educational tools and public art pieces. Natassia has collaborated on multiple large-scale Indigenous murals that can be found throughout Sooke and Victoria’s harbour.

Natassia Davies' profile page

• Long-listed, First Nations Communities READ Award
• Short-listed, Victoria Book Prizes
• Short-listed, Indigenous Voices Awards

“Spathelfer tells her mother’s story about her time at residential school with so much grace and care. White Raven is an honest and heartfelt glimpse into the lives of children who went to residential school, as well as the generational impacts the schools had on their families.”
—Jodie Callaghan, author of The Train

"In White Raven, the author’s voice is a clarion call to action of remembrance, truth and reconciliation that has thus far been missing from many of our library book shelves. Highly Recommended"
—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Storytelling is essential for healing! Mixed with historical facts and lovely art, the values of mentorship and courage shine through in this important story.”
—Robert "Lucky" Budd, co-author of the Northwest Coast Legends Series

"The story demonstrates the heartbreaking truth about residential schools in Canada, but also makes evident the perseverance and strength in Indigenous Peoples as they find their way back to culture and the truth. This title is a good introduction to residential schools, and is an important story for all children and all Canadians to learn."
—Canadian Children's Book News, Winter 2021