Grand chief pens children's book to promote Cree language, and address bullying
'We all have to work together to address bullying,' said Mandy Gull-Masty, grand chief of Cree Nation
The Grand Chief of the Eeyou Istchee is now a published author. Mandy Gull-Masty just released her first book, called Minnie and Monica Make New Friends.
The children's book tells the story of two dogs, Minnie and Monica, that move into a new home. The two try to make friends, and are instead bullied by other dogs in their neighborhood.
Through her book, Gull-Masty hopes to address bullying, starting with children in elementary schools across Eeyou Istchee.
"We all have to work together to address bullying and that even includes people in leadership," said Gull-Masty.
The book is written in both northern and southern Cree dialects in honour of Iyiyiu Ayimuwin Pisimw, which is Cree language month.
"It seems that bullying is an increased occurrence that we're seeing," said Gull-Masty. "I see these parents that are writing statuses [on social media] about their children getting bullied at school. They don't feel like going to school or they don't feel like going outside to play."
She says the two main characters in her book were inspired by her own dogs and their unique looks.
"I have two little hairless dogs. They don't look like your typical dog, so I decided to feature them in the story because I thought it would be interesting for children."
Gull-Masty recently visited a classroom of young children in the Cree Nation of Mistissini. Her dog Minnie was also a special guest for the students.
The Cree language is very important for Gull-Masty, and that's another reason she wanted to write the book.
"It was [also] to promote Cree language. It's our contribution to highlighting preservation of culture and Cree language," she said.
She hopes to promote more conversation around bullying in classrooms, in Cree.
"We all have a role to play in addressing bullying. It's not something that can only be addressed at the Cree School Board or only the Cree Health Board," said Gull-Masty.
She has plans to visit other classrooms across Eeyou Istchee as part of a Minnie and Monica Make Friends book tour.
"We have to show that we're listening to our members. That's the most important part and that even includes the smallest members in the Cree Nation," said Gull-Masty.
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