Legends and Teachings of Xeel's, the Creator / COPY 3

Snuneymuxw Elder and storyteller Ellen White shares four stories handed down to her from her grandparents and their ancestors. The tales are ancient but their lessons are surprisingly modern: how a mother can help her baby survive and thrive; how a community can prevent pre-teens from becoming angry and rebellious; how people from different cultures can learn to respect one another and celebrate their differences; and how a young man can learn to take responsibility for the children he has fathered. To help readers better appreciate the cultural context of these stories, Ellen has included her own commentary. The book offers much of value to anyone interested in the wisdom and the culture of the Coast Salish peoples, including students in First Nations Studies, participants in healing circles and discussion groups, and general readers. Convinced that the ancient teachings of Xeel s are much needed in today s world, Ellen wrote this book to share his stories with the wider world. Artist Mungo Marti encouraged her to write, telling her that this is an important way to honour your ancestors by writing down the stories they teach you. Ellen Rice White whose Coast Salish name is Kwulasulwut ( Many Stars ) is from the Snuneymuxw Nation of Nanaimo on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. She has touched many lives in her decades as a teacher, storyteller, dancer, drummer, healer, and political activist. She is Resident Elder at Malaspina University-College. Illustrator Daniel Elliott is an artist from the Shts uminus First Nation who also works as as Aboriginal Education assistant in Nanaimo public schools.… (more)