For April 2022 and in honour of International Children's Book Day (April 2) and World Book Day (April 23), we are honoured to feature and share with you Tasha Spillett-Sumner's graphic novel, Surviving the City (Vol. 2: From the Roots Up). In this sequel to Tasha Spillett’s graphic novel ‘Surviving the City’, the friendship and story of the lives of Dez and Miikwan continue. Dez is navigating through life as she grieves the passing of her grandmother, struggles to adapt to her group home, and learns to fully embrace her identity as a Two-Spirit person. Miikwan is also navigating through life as she works to better understand Dez in order to be a supportive ally to her best friend. The book explores the themes of lasting friendships, recognizing biases, accepting one’s authentic self, overcoming prejudice, and embracing change!
Recommended Reading Age: 12–14
Grades: 7–8
About the Author
Tasha Spillett-Sumner is a celebrated educator, poet, author, speaker, and emerging scholar who is currently working toward her Ph.D. in Education through the University of Saskatchewan, the same university where she holds a Vanier Canada Award. She is a dedicated advocate for the protection of Indigenous women and girls as well as land and water defense and an active member of Manitoba’s Indigenous community. Her research focuses on amplifying the voices of Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirt People to bring justice for MMIWG2S. Tasha’s Inninewak (Cree) and Trinidadian bloodlines bring her the strength and power to fight against colonialism through the work she does. As an educator, Tasha holds a teaching philosophy which honours her cultural knowledge and supports the cultural identities of her Indigenous students. Creating inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments for students is extremely important to Tasha. In addition to her work within the classroom, Tasha is very active outside of the classroom in the development of Indigenous Education polices and curriculum. As well, she has served as a mentor in the Sisters Circle, an after-school program for Indigenous girls. In the past, she served as a member of the Manito Ahbee Festival board of governors where she assisted in the formation of the annual Education Days, an event where youth, Indigenous leaders, and cultural knowledge keepers from the community join together to share, learn, and celebrate Indigenous ways of being. Tasha was previously the chair of the Miss Manito Ahbee Youth Ambassador which gathers in honour of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Existence as Resistance | Tasha Spillet | TEDxUniversityofWinnipeg
Educational Resources
Click the link below to download the Educational Resources in order to Read to Learn & Learn to Change with us!
Surviving the City Vol. 2 Educational Resources
.pdf
Download PDF • 193KB
Interview with Tasha Spillett-Sumner
April 3, 2022
(In Honour of International Children's Book Day)
