September 30, 11:30 am - 12 pm

The Roundhouse, RAM Main Floor

Join us for a reading of the books Nokum is my Teacher by David Bouchard, and Phyllis’s Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad.

Nokum is my Teacher is written as a dialogue between a young boy and his grandmother (Nokum). By sharing her teachings, Nokum guides her grandson to a new understanding of the larger world outside, while maintaining respect for the way of the people.

Do you know why we wear an orange shirt on September 30? When Phyllis Webstad turned six, she went to the residential school for the first time. On her first day at school, she wore an orange shirt that her grandmother had bought for her. On the very same day, her orange shirt was taken away from her and never returned. This is the true story of Phyllis and her orange shirt, and how that became a symbol of solidarity and remembrance of the Indigenous children forced to go to the residential schools.

These two books are appropriate for children aged 4-8 and their families.

This storytime will be held in the Roundhouse, located on the main floor of RAM, past the Admissions Desk and to the left. Please inquire at the Admissions Desk if you require assistance locating the space.

September 30, 10:30-11 am

Zoom and Facebook Live

Join us for a virtual reading of two books: Shi-Shi-Etko and Shin-chi's Canoe, both written by Nicola Campbell.

In the first book, we meet Shi-shi-etko, a young girl who has four days before she leaves home for residential school. Her family has many teachings to share with her, about her culture and the land.

In the second book, Shi-shi-etko is about to go back to the Residential School for her second year. This time, her little brother Shin-chi is going with her. The two siblings won’t see their family again until the salmon return in the summertime.

These books are appropriate for children aged 4-8.

This virtual storytime will be streamed on Zoom, and on the RAM Facebook page. 

Register to join the Zoom presentation here.

September 30, 1-3 pm

RAM Lobby

Stop by the viewing table in the lobby to learn about Indigenous stories and objects from RAM’s Learning Collection. Visitors will have the opportunity to view objects up close, and ask questions to museum staff.