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“I realized that the language is dwindling down,” she said. “I felt so much pressure to create resources. I wanted to find a way to support fluent speakers.”
Starlund has been teaching her youngest son the Gitxsan language. More recently, she’s started to use her art skills to create language posters.
Smith, a notable Gitxsan scholar, noticed the posters and asked her to create the illustrations for the children’s book.
“It was my first opportunity to work with her,” said Starlund. “I admire her so much and I was excited to help.”
Her illustrations contain photos of local landmarks, such as the Seven Sisters Mountains. The scenery should be immediately familiar and identifiable to young readers.
“It’s important for kids to see their home and their culture reflected in books,” she said.
The book was printed in November. So far, dozen of copies have gone out to schools, band office and families, including some who live outside B.C. For information on how to purchase a copy, contact Starlund at hlaalgyax.starlund@gmail.com.
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