Indigenous children’s author visits west central schools

By Joan Janzen

“I’ll be reading my book, Kiscwatisi: Be Kind, and having a discussion about how the book came to be,” explained Indigenous author Elizabeth Merasty.

Elizabeth will be in several schools throughout the area from April 13 to 15, beginning at Dinsmore School on Monday, Luseland and Kerrobert on Tuesday, and Eatonia and Rosetown schools on Wednesday.

Indigenous author Elizabeth Merasty shares her first illustrated children’s book, Kiscwatisi: Be Kind, at schools in Dinsmore, Luseland, Kerrobert, Eatonia and Rosetown from April 13 to 15. Curtis Cameron Photography

Elizabeth Zdunich uses the pen name Elizabeth Merasty as the author of her first illustrated children’s book. She describes her book as a “true story of kindness and hope.”

She is a member of the Peter Ballantine Cree Nation, a descendant of Rock Cree and Scottish ancestry, and a certified teacher. She comes from a long line of storytellers. Her grandmother, uncle and cousin are also published authors.

Luseland librarian Dawna Nienaber said she was contacted by Bobbi Hebron, informing her that Rivers West District for Sport, Culture & Recreation was joining the West Central Literacy Committee to provide funding for libraries in the region to host a First Nations and Métis engagement author event.

“We of course said yes instantly!” Dawna said.

The Luseland Library chose to host the author at Luseland School in order to make the most of the opportunity and reach the largest number of attendees.

“Pat Aylward from WCLC will be joining Elizabeth and doing a tobacco offering ahead of each reading,” Dawna added. When a knowledge keeper is sharing with a group, tobacco is given as an offering and as a sign of respect and gratitude.

Elizabeth’s book features both Cree and English, and helps revitalize Cree language and culture. It includes historical family photos, two colouring pages and classroom resources for teachers.

Her book tells the story of hardships her mother faced while attending residential school, and yet decades later her mother’s classmates still remember her kindness.

Elizabeth was only 17 years old when her mother passed away, and later decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become an educator as well.

Elizabeth lives on a grain and bison farm near Kenaston with her husband and three children. She welcomes everyone to hear the story of how her book came to be.