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Elementary/Primary Presentations
David Bouchard - Order of Canada/Senior Editor for Rubicon Publishers and Pearson Publishers /Métis Author/Educator/Renowned conference speaker - speaks to primary and elementary audiences.
David’s message is direct and clear. He leaves students wanting to make reading a part of their everyday lives:
“Television entertains - it does not enrich lives. Stories and books entertain and teach valuable life lessons. In addition, they require listeners and readers to use our imaginations. This makes us all smarter!”
"If you want your children to be bright, read them Fairy Tales. If you want them to be brilliant, read them even more Fairy Tales." ~ Albert Einstein ~
Through Native flutes, storytelling and his award winning books, David directs children to the source of the best stories: their Grandparents, their teachers and books.
He plays an honour song on one of his Native flutes. He explains the background and history of the Native flute and of his Métis sash. He tells a story through which he demonstrates how stories are richer than television. Children come to see firsthand how their imaginations are more colourful and vibrant than the most exciting Disney movie.
David teaches that reading is not for a select few. He confides that he is not a strong reader and that because of learning disabilities, he did not read for pleasure until he was an adult. “I am not and will never be a strong reader…but I LOVE to read and so can you!”
Through his books, David leaves listeners with an understanding of how useful and enjoyable books can be. Parents, educators and students come to understand that television is not always in our best interest, that books are better for us and that anyone can learn to read: “Find one book you like. Get hooked on one book. It’s as simple as that…just one book at a time!”
David offers prizes of signed bookmarks and books and leaves every listener with a gift: the gift of reading!
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Middle School Presentations
David Bouchard - Order of Canada/Senior Editor for Rubicon and Pearson Publishers/Métis Author/Educator/Renown conference speaker - speaks to middle school audiences.
Every student deserves to understand the necessity of being a reader. Students should also understand that anyone can read. David’s message to middle school audiences is crystal clear:
“A book is a passport to freedom! Reading allows us to travel anywhere in the world – anywhere… today, yesterday or tomorrow. Reading makes us feel good about ourselves and reading is the one tool that is essential to success in and out of school. And the best thing about reading is that anyone can learn to read. It’s a matter of finding one book you like…just one book…then one more…then one more! Learning to read is as simple as one book at a time!”
Through Native flutes, storytelling and books, David teaches that reading is a necessary, a wonderful and an achievable skill for every one of us.
David shares the history of his flutes and of his Métis sash. He shares his aboriginal culture and through stories, demonstrates the power of the spoken word.
David touches all listeners: strong and weak readers, readers with learning disabilities as well as readers from various cultural backgrounds.
All come to understand the need to become readers and that reading is accessible to everyone.
David offers prizes of signed bookmarks and books and a gift for every listener: the gift of reading!
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High School Presentations
David Bouchard - Order of Canada/Senior Editor for Rubicon and Pearson Publishers/Métis Author/Educator/Renown conference speaker - speaks to high school audiences.
High school students understand that reading is key to success in school. What they have the right to know is that reading is equally as important in post secondary education (trades, community college, and university) and in life after school. They should be clear in understanding that anyone can become a reader by simply allowing themselves to get hooked on one book.
David teaches these valuable lessons and he speaks to aboriginal culture.
David plays an honour song on one of his Native flutes..
From the perspective of a father, an author, an aboriginal person and an educator, David teaches importance and accessibility of reading.
“Reading is a passport to freedom. It increases self-esteem and is essential to success in school, university and in life thereafter. Anyone can become a reader by allowing himself or herself to get hooked on one book. It is every person’s responsibility to find that one book.”
Through stories and books, David teaches the importance and the pleasure in reading.
“The more you read the better you read. The better you read, the more doors become open to you in life. Those who can read but choose not to are no better off than those who cannot read.”
David engages his listeners through questions that pertain to books they should be reading; Twilight, Hunger Games… He suggests other books ideal for readers of their age level.
Every student comes to understand the pleasure in reading and the path to become a reader.
David offers prizes of signed bookmarks and books and a gift for every listener: the gift of reading!
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Aboriginal Presentations
David Bouchard - Order of Canada/Senior Editor for Rubicon and Pearson Publishers/Métis Author/Educator/Renown conference speaker - speaks to aboriginal students.
With pride, aboriginal youth learn and are entertained by this celebrated, award winning Métis author as he speak about stories, music and culture.
David teaches the importance and value of culture and reading. He shares this message through Native flutes and the unfortunate history behind them.
“We played our flutes for centuries but as with our stories, languages and much of our culture, we lost them. For two hundred years, the lives of our Grandmothers and Grandfathers were consumed with survival. They did not have leisure time to make and play flutes or to tell their children the stories that should have been passed down to us.”
David teaches the history and the beauty of the flute. He speaks to the importance of stories and language. Through stories, listeners are taught the protocol of stories, telling and listening. David introduces and speaks to his books, most which include aboriginal people.
“My books are inclusive. We can see ourselves in my books. And my books are accessible. I work hard to make sure that almost anyone can read them. I include art and music and I often write them in rhythm and rhyme so that they are more easily read. And in order to help regain many of the languages that are being lost, I try to write them in as many different languages as possible.”
David offers prizes of signed bookmarks and books and two gifts for every listener: the gift of pride and the gift of reading!
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University Presentations
June 3rd, 2011, David is the Keynote Speaker at University of Regina
David Bouchard - Order of Canada/Senior Editor for Rubicon and Pearson Publishers/Métis Author/Educator/Renowned conference speaker - speaks to university students.
“Reading is the most important gift a teacher can give his or her students because it is key to success in and out of school. It is the responsibility of every teacher to insure that those under their care are given the gift of reading. The only way to give that gift is to be a reader. If you have chosen to become an educator, you have to be a reader.”
David has shared this important message with universities across Canada: Bishop’s, McGill, York, Oise, UBC, Brandon…
David inspires and provides valuable insight and strategies:
- Why is reading the most important gift we can give our students?
- What does it take to become a reader?
- How do teachers give their students the gift of reading?
David inspires listeners through touching personal experiences both as a father and a teacher.
David challenges listeners. Are they reading the books their students are reading? How does a physical education teacher find time to inspire students to become readers? How do challenged students learn to read?
Listeners will come to understand their role in giving the gift of reading.
David’s message is clear:
“You cannot hope to light a fire in the hearts of your students unless you have a fire burning in your own heart. Light your fire and let literacy become your legacy!”
Educator Keynotes and Workshops
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The Gift of Reading
Thirty percent of Ontario's grade
ten students have failed another literacy test. The Minister of
Education's answer to this problem is to press for new curriculum
and harder working teachers.
The solution is not in new curriculum nor in harder working teachers. The solution is in modelling.
Modelling is not one way
of influencing people; it is the only way.
- Einstein and Schweitzer, 1897
Too many educators and parents lack the love of reading. Getting adults to read is going to be a formidable task.
In his book the Gift of Reading, Bouchard and Dr. Wendy Sutton outline our respective roles and responsibilities in ascertaining that all children under our care are given the gift of reading. From the preface by David Booth: "The authors have outlined passionately what it takes for children to become confident and independent readers." Professor Bernice Cullinan of New York University says this: "In this important book for teachers and parents, Bouchard and Sutton argue convincingly that all who live and work with young people must become readers themselves and must take an active role in turning the children in their lives into avid readers. The authors include ideas for helping youngsters of all ages, from newborns to teens, learn to love books and reading."
In his presentation the Gift of Reading, Bouchard inspires and leaves his listeners with a concrete plan and the rejuvenation needed to face illiteracy/alliteracy head on.
..."Mr. Bouchard is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who captured his audience from the beginning with his entertaining mixture of personal anecdotes, practical suggestions and obvious belief in the importance of literacy and literature in every life. His keynote address revitalised our teaching body and sent them back to the classroom fired with enthusiasm and with workable ideas to rekindle the joy of reading in all their students."...Powell River Teacher's Association.
A short excerpt from his opening comments:
Parents and educators alike have lost sight of our respective responsibilities in promoting literacy! And what makes it even worse is that we don't know that we have!
How and when did this happen?
It must have been a long time ago because in looking back at my own youth, this phenomenon had already occurred by the 1960s. I was a typical high school student who had favourite teachers. I would have jumped through burning hoops for my math teacher, Mr. L. I would have likely even read a book or two had he asked me to or had he suggested a title that was one of his personal favorites. But Mr. L. was a math teacher, not a literature teacher. He never once talked books nor did he ever give me the slightest inkling that he was himself a reader. It took me years to realise what the problem was and that I had become part of it. But today, I finally have a grip on what the problem is and I now know how we can all become involved in solving it.
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The Love of Reading
Parents and educators must: 1) Model good reading practices 2) Light and stoke our reading fires. Modeling cannot occur until we have lit the fires in our own hearts and in order to do that, we must: 1. Television or books: Stephen Krashen in The Power of Reading suggests that television is not the enemy: "Television is not the culprit in the literary crisis. The culprit seems to be the absence of good books." I don't believe that is right. E.B. White's take on the television captures my belief. White said, "I believe television is going to be the test of the modern world and that on this new opportunity to see beyond the range of our vision, we shall discover either a new and unbearable disturbance of the general peace or a saving radiance in the sky. We shall stand or fall by television - of that I am quite sure." 2. Set the Scene: We must created situations in our homes and in our schools that are conducive to reading. A comfortable reading corner is not an option. A visible and appealing situation should be set up so that we can feed our lust for reading and in so doing, model the behaviors that we want to instill in our children. 3. Open lines of communication: How do we know what we should be reading? Where to turn? Here are a few thoughts: * Children and students * Librarians - school and public Research in 3300 schools since 1999 shows that the positive
impact of school libraries is consistent. Test results are 10-20%
higher. (Lance and Loertscher, 2003). Yet, Canada is declining: *Bookstores If you are among those few fortune enough to have access to a local bookstore, for heaven's sake, support it. What a sad situation that many have to drive twenty miles to buy a book, yet they can pick up videos and DVD's at the local corner store. * The Internet There are numerous good sites. * Books, newspapers and magazines There is a plethora of wonderful books available to us. We must make it our business to find out what is out there and then to seek out books that are right for us. We cannot light fires without flames in our own hearts. In For the Love of Reading, I speak to my favourite books for all age groups. I've also sought the options of three learned and professional book gurus, one of these offering suggestions for books for French Immersion students. I naturally speak to some of my own books and how not? There is nothing like hearing a book read by it's author. Here is a sampling of some of my books. For the Love of Reading: "For For the Love of Reading, David collaborated with three equally dedicated literacy crusaders to compile an extensive gold-mine list of books recommended for family members and their children from pre-conception to young adulthood. It also includes several pages of resources for educational administrators, teachers and parents." M. Wayne Cunningham for the Kamloops Daily News The Gift of Reading: "This is a must read for all educators - those who agree with the premise and those who need convincing. Highly Recommended." Jane Cabaya, Media Specialist, Century High School, Rochester, Minnesota "This is an excellent book for parents and educators... With the current emphasis on literacy, this book is a must for all adults who have responsiblitily for the care and education of children. Highly recommended." Victoria Pennell for Professional Resources If You're Not from the Prairie: "...belongs on bookshelves in the mountains, on the seashore, in forests, cities, tundra...and on the prairies, too!" ... Theo Hersh is a children's librarian with the Toronto Public Library in Toronto, Ontario If Sarah Will Take Me: "The paintings and the words will move your heart and soul. This book is an inspiring gift for anyone young or old, and I have never seen anything like it." Julie Sousa's Pick off the Shelf - Victoria Times Colonist. Voices From the Wild: "...exemplifies the qualities of good poetry: imagination in thought, expressive in language, and graceful in form." the Children's Literature Council of Pennsylvania Buddha In The Garden: "Many parents and people who work with children have been struggling to help them understand last week's attacks in New York and Washington. Anne Spencer has a book that may let kids find a little peace. ""There's a new picture book out that is serene and spiritual. It's a meditative read for children ages five and up. Buddha in the Garden is the fourth book in the award winning series, Chinese Legends, by British Columbia writer David Bouchard..."" Anne Spencer on CBC Radio The Elders Are Watching: "...another evocative pairing of the versatile Bouchard with a fine artist..." the Evening News, New Glasgow, N.S. The Great Race: *Winner of the 2000 Red Cedar Award * short listed for the Governor General Award.* Ottawa Citizen's Best Book of the Year in the children's category * short listed for the Mr. Christie's Book Award * short listed for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award * OLA Best Bet for 1997... the Ontario Library Association Prairie Born: "This book offers a near-perfect match between words and pictures, poem and paintings. Hopefully, this collaboration is not their last." ...the Independent Publisher (U.S.) The Journal of Etienne Mercier: "Marriage of ingredients makes for a huge success! This is one of the most beautiful books to hold this year..." Victoria Times Colonist A Barnyard Bestiary: "...this book fits so well together - the text, the pictures and the layout - that a teacher can use it as a springboard for endless discussions about animal life, ecology, adaptation, man's ever -changing needs, agriculture, creativity, and the mysteries of life...Wow, all this in a single picture book! Highly recommended..."Resource Links The Mermaid's Muse: "Bouchard is a gracious writer whose spare prose gives the reader room in the large magical domain he has created."the Vancouver Sun The Song Within My Heart: Winner of the Governor General's Award 2004 "It is not very often that one can pinpoint a time that alters a person's way of doing things. Your presentation touched the chords that will create a new approach to bringing the love of reading to the young people in our care. You have provided a rare gift." (Alice Brown Elementary School - Teachers and Parent Advisory Council - Burnaby, B.C.) |
Our students and children will not begin reading until the
adults in their lives begin reading. We can provide them with
all the tools we'd like, however, if we do not give them the heart
and the love for it, we are not doing them any favours: "Those
who can but who choose not to read have no advantage over those
who cannot read." Mark Twain. Given the right setting and
leadership, out youth can become life long readers WHEN THEY ARE
READY TO READ! The idea that we can turn children into readers
at an earlier age than nature will allow is not working and will
never work. America's programme Start Early and Finish Strong should not be applied to walking, talking or reading. Children
learn to read as the learn to walk and talk. All the push in the
world will not get them there earlier. And pushing is having the
adverse effect. We are turning children off of reading. Reading
readiness does not happen at the same age for all children. We
must not close the doors on any child simply because he/she does
not meet the expectation of a certain assessment tool or a well
thought out curriculum. . Click here for a printable version of this page
Reading - the Ultimate Aboriginal Challenge
The author of over fifty books, many in Native languages, was recently named to the Order of Canada. He was a teacher and school administrator for twenty seven years. David Bouchard has come to understand that the ultimate challenge for aboriginal people is to succeed in a system where reading is a pre-requisite. He understands the enormity of the problem and he believes he knows what has to be done. Bouchard teaches that though all children are entitled to twelve years of education, aboriginal students are being denied that human right. They are being forced to write standardized tests they are unable to pass. They are systematically being forced out of school. Having authored two bestselling books on reading, Bouchard has come to understand that aboriginal students lack two of the three ingredients necessary in order to become readers. He understands the problem and he offers a solution. "The Aboriginal Education Department for the Surrey School District has sponsored elementary and secondary schools to host Canadian Author and Conference Presenter David Bouchard. David is an inspiring speaker who engages the audience through his personal narrative and pride of his Aboriginal heritage. A quote from a student's
journal sums up the message received from David's conference:
"I like how David tried to get the audience to get hooked
to reading. I started reading yesterday and it was true what he
said. If you find a book you like, you will get hooked on reading." I recommend elementary
and secondary schools invite David to their schools and witness
his powerful message on the importance of reading through his
song, poetry and drumming. The students and staff will truly be
inspired by his presentation." With Respect, |
Among Métis author/speaker
David Bouchard's recent keynotes are the IRA and the Circle of
Light, Ontario's largest and most prestigious Aboriginal Conference.
The author of The Gift of Reading and For the Love of Reading
has become Canada's leading authority in aboriginal literacy.Click here for a printable version of this page
The Gift of Reading
David Bouchard - Order of Canada/Senior Editor for Rubicon and Pearson Publishers/Métis Author/Educator/Renowned conference speaker - speaks to parents.
Over the past decade, David has spoken to parents around the world…from India to Britain…from Texas to Colorado…from Newfoundland to the NWT! His message is one that every parent should hear: Reading is the key to success for your children…in school and once they have left school.
David spells out why reading is that important. He is very clear in teaching parents how a person becomes a reader. And he offers strategies that are real and achievable for every family. He calls these his Three R’s of becoming a reader.
Maya Angelou was so right when she said, “Parents who know better – do better!” All they need to do is know. David provides that knowledge. He also provides the inspiration necessary to go along with that knowledge.
Here is letter of invitation from one parent who witnessed the powerful impact of his parent workshop:
Dear Parents:
You are encouraged to attend a presentation by renowned Canadian author David Bouchard as he addresses our community.This is a rare and exciting opportunity for us all. We owe it to our children to be in attendance.
David Bouchard champions reading and tackles illiteracy! His message focuses on books, reading and specific responsibilities in making our children literate! He reminds us that educators and parents alike are responsible for the state of literacy among our youth. He speaks to how, when and why we lost focus of our responsibilities in promoting literacy. He offers a realistic, practical solution to the problem.Bouchard also offers his audiences a sense of how language, rhythms and fine art can come together to inspire, teach and form ageless beauty.
A teacher's response after hearing David's keynote speech to a British Columbia School District:
"David Bouchard is, without a doubt, THE most dynamic & inspirational speaker I have ever heard! His memory lives large! He and his message are unforgettable!!!!!!"
Mr. Bouchard's wealth of experience comes from 28 years as a teacher and administrator! He knows how to speak to teachers, administrators and parents.
He has twenty-five award winning books with a unique cross-over flavour. Many are of a multi-cultural nature, done collaboratively with First Nation artists and the master artist, Zhong-Yang Huang who has illustrated his tremendously successful Chinese Trilogy (translated into several languages and is distributed the world over). Voices From the Wild won the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry award as the best volume of poetry for children published in the U.S. in 1997.
His books are an amalgamation of the arts: poetry, prose, visual art, and music. He appeals to children of all ages as well as to teachers, teacher librarians, administrators and parents.
In response to a presentation at a joint staff/parent pro-d workshop:
"Words do not describe the inspiration that David brings throughout his presentation. His manner and his message are captivating. The group sat throughout the evening presentation cherishing each anecdote and the reading of his work was spellbinding."In response to a keynote address to the teachers, administrators and support staff of the Powell River School District:
"Mr. Bouchard is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who captured his audience from the beginning with his entertaining mixture of personal anecdotes, practical suggestions and obvious belief in the importance of literacy and literature in every life. His keynote address revitalized our teaching body and sent them back to the classroom fired with enthusiasm and with workable ideas to rekindle the joy of reading in all their students."David Bouchard speaks to his books and to reading. He has a plethora of insights and experiences in the ever so crucial topic of literacy...he speaks to these with a passion second to few.
Responses to a presentation in Eureka, Montana:
"Wow! Right between the eyes...right where, we, as lazy parents and smug educators need it. Mr.Bouchard was a terrific reality check.""What a delightful man. It was a great way to begin our year - better than any I'd seen in 17 years."
You will not be disappointed in his message, his energy or his passion for books, children and literacy.
We hope to see you there!
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Aboriginal Parent Presentation
David Bouchard - Order of Canada/Senior Editor for Rubicon and Pearson Publishers/Métis Author/Educator/Renowned conference speaker - speaks to aboriginal parents.
The dropout rate among aboriginal students in Canada is the highest of any group in North America. These students are being denied an education and all that goes along with it. Opportunities for aboriginal youth in the work force are substantially less than other Canadian youth. They are being denied the pleasures of reading and the freedom of travel that comes along with being a reader. The self-esteem of these students is low. Many end up in jail. Reading is key to success and aboriginal students are weak readers.
It is the right of every parent to know why reading is important. It is the right of every parent to be informed what it takes for a child to become a reader. Parents want to know what they can do to make reading accessible to their children so that they can succeed at school and in life.
Maya Angelou said, “parents who know better – do better.”
Aboriginal parents understand the challenges their children face are greater than those of non-aboriginals but they do not always know why. Nor do they know what they can do to help turen that around.
David knows. David has spent the past decade trying to share that valuable piece of knowledge. For his work over this period of time, he was named to the Order of Canada.
David understands and explains the importance of stories, culture and reading. He answers questions. David provides parents with the knowledge and the inspiration that matter.
Here is letter of invitation from one parent who witnessed the powerful impact of his parent workshop:
Dear Parents:
You are encouraged to attend a presentation by renowned Canadian author David Bouchard as he addresses our community.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for us all. We owe it to our children to be in attendance.
David Bouchard champions reading and tackles illiteracy! His message focuses on books, reading and specific responsibilities in making our children literate! He reminds us that educators and parents alike are responsible for the state of literacy among our youth. He speaks to how, when and why we lost focus of our responsibilities in promoting literacy. He offers a realistic, practical solution to the problem.
Bouchard also offers his audiences a sense of how language, rhythms and fine art can come together to inspire, teach and form ageless beauty.
A teacher's response after hearing David's keynote speech to a British Columbia School District:
"David Bouchard is, without a doubt, THE most dynamic & inspirational speaker I have ever heard! His memory lives large! He and his message are unforgettable!!!!!!"
In response to a presentation at a joint staff/parent pro-d workshop:
" Mr. Bouchard's wealth of experience comes from 28 years as a teacher and administrator! He knows how to speak to teachers, administrators and parents.
He has twenty-five award winning books with a unique cross-over flavour. Many are of a multi-cultural nature, done collaboratively with First Nation artists and the master artist, Zhong-Yang Huang who has illustrated his tremendously successful Chinese Trilogy (translated into several languages and is distributed the world over). Voices From the Wild won the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry award as the best volume of poetry for children published in the U.S. in 1997.
His books are an amalgamation of the arts: poetry, prose, visual art, and music. He appeals to children of all ages as well as to teachers, teacher librarians, administrators and parents.
In response to a keynote address to the teachers, administrators and support staff of the Powell River School District:
"Words do not describe the inspiration that David brings throughout his presentation. His manner and his message are captivating. The group sat throughout the evening presentation cherishing each anecdote and the reading of his work was spellbinding."
"Mr. Bouchard is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who captured his audience from the beginning with his entertaining mixture of personal anecdotes, practical suggestions and obvious belief in the importance of literacy and literature in every life. His keynote address revitalized our teaching body and sent them back to the classroom fired with enthusiasm and with workable ideas to rekindle the joy of reading in all their students."
Responses to a presentation in Eureka, Montana:
David Bouchard speaks to his books and to reading. He has a plethora of insights and experiences in the ever so crucial topic of literacy...he speaks to these with a passion second to few.
"Wow! Right between the eyes...right where, we, as lazy parents and smug educators need it. Mr.Bouchard was a terrific reality check."
"What a delightful man. It was a great way to begin our year - better than any I'd seen in 17 years."
You will not be disappointed in his message, his energy or his passion for books, children and literacy.
More information can be accessed at: www.davidbouchard.com.
We hope to see you there!
David often begins his presentation with an honour song for his Kokum, his Grandmother. When he does, he asks listeners to abide by appropriate protocol and stand. For that honour song, he plays one of his Swampfox flutes. Migizi (Eagle) shown here, is one of seven spectacular flutes Swampfox created for the Seven Sacred Teachings, a book in which poet and flute maker collaborated.
The First Flute is a story shared by many Nations. David had wanted to tell it from the time he discovered the Native Flute and he wanted to feature the art of Oji-Cree artist Keith Nolan. All he needed was for his Kokum to move him. Friend and flute maker Brent Haines introduced David to the accomplished NA flutist Jan Michael Looking Wolf. His Kokum brought the three men together and the rest is history. The First Flute is being published by Red Deer Press and scheduled for release in the spring of 2011.
~ The flute David uses to tell this story by is one of Dale Robertson’s, of Fallen Branch Flutes. This is a short excerpt: There was a boy whose name was Dancing Raven. Dancing Raven lived on the plains - somewhere east of here. There was nothing remarkable about where Dancing Raven lived…a few hills framing the skyline...a shady village next to a rambling brook… And there was nothing remarkable about his village… There was nothing remarkable about where he lived, however there was something remarkable about Dancing Raven. Dancing Raven was a dancer. He danced all the time. When other boys were off learning to hunt or trap, Dancing Raven would be found near the creek… dancing. When other boys were out on the plains playing lacrosse or wrestling, Dancing Raven would be found near the creek…dancing. When other young men began wooing the maidens of their hearts' desires, Dancing Raven would be found near the creek…dancing. Though he was brave in battle and capable of leading the buffalo hunt, Dancing Raven preferred dancing. It was said that he was born with a hand drum for a heart and the song of Lark guiding his spirit.... ~
Whether Raven created or was merely Creator's messenger is less important than the fact that we four leggeds come from somewhere very special and that we have each been given a unique gift. This is a short excerpt: ~
David, along with talented Cherokee artist David Jean are releasing Rainbow Crow in the spring of 2011 upcoming book. This is a short excerpt: Before two leggeds walked on Mother Earth, winter had taken hold of everything. Life had become impossible. Deep, cold snow covered every corner of Turtle Island. It was at that time that four leggeds, swimmers, crawlers and flyers gathered for a Great Council. Someone was heard to say, "We are going to die. Unless someone goes to Creator for help, we will not live through this winter. The cold is harsh and the snow is too deep to find food." ~
Have you ever heard of Woodpecker Moon? Of course you haven't.
For this telling, David shares a modified Billy Crowbeak flute. Friend and partner in the Secret of Your Name, Métis artist Dennis Weber, painted Grandmother Moon on a wooden ball that serves as the bird on Billy's beautiful flute. Here are pictures of a few flutes from David’s collection.
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The Native Flute has become embedded in David’s heart, writings and presentations. He uses his flutes extensively in his presentations. 
Another story he shares is Raven's Greatest Creation. This creation story is rooted in legends of the westcoast and highlighted with overtones of Ojibway/Chippewatellings (stories of his Grandfathers). 
Mary Racet, one of David’s Grandmothers, was Pawnee. Though he knew little to nothing about her people, he is learning. One of the stories she would have told was that of how fire came to Turtle Island. 
Beneath Raven Moon is another testimony to David’s good fortune as a writer. The book will be released in the spring of 2011 with partners 
This is a little background, insight and basics for those interested in Native flutes.
Thank you to Rich Dube for many of the tips/hints/songs herein. Rich has put years of his heart and soul into the Native flute!
Thank you to Janina Carlstad for her work and guidance in NANA ( the Northern Alberta Native American flute circle). Here, you will find contacts, tips and music:
And for what most agree is the ultimate website on the Native Flute, click here.
What Is A Native Flute?
A Native Flute is a wooden, bamboo or bone flute, known for centuries to have been used my First Nations people from across North America. When life for North America’s Indigenous people became a fight to stay alive, art and culture dissipated. Time spent making and playing the flute was consumed by fleeing, fighting and seeking food and lodging.
In Canada the flute was played by the Algonquin, Assiniboine, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Cree, Fox, Haida, Huron, Iroquois, Mik’maq, Ojibway, Okanagan, Omaha, Ottawa, Sauk, Seneca, Nakota and Thompson peoples.
There are many different types of flutes played by various First Nations people across North America. The most common is the wooden flute.
History
There are many stories about how different peoples discovered the flute. A common character in these stories is the woodpecker who put holes in hollow branches while searching for termites. The wind would blow around these branches, creating sounds that the people noticed and sought to recreate. The actual development of the flute most likely did not follow this pattern. The theory that it was developed by the Ancient Pueblo Peoples based on Mesoamerican designs is the most common solution.
The late 1960s saw a roots revival centered around the flute, with a new wave of flutists and artisans like Doc Tate Nevaquaya and Carl Running Deer. Of special importance is R. Carlos Nakai (Changes, 1983), who has achieved some mainstream renowned for his mixture of the flute with New Age and ambient sounds. Mary Youngblood is the only Native American flautist to win two Grammy awards, although several others have been noted as Grammy nominees.
Notable and award winning Native flautists include: Timothy Archambault, Troy De Roche, Charles Littleleaf, Jeff Ball (non-native), Douglas Blue Feather, Joseph Firecrow, Kevin Locke, Robert Mirabal, Jay Red Eagle, Robert Tree Cody, and David Atlas.
A few classical composers have written for the Native American flute, including James DeMars, David Yeagley, Brent Michael Davids, Philip Glass and Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate.[5
- It is inexpensive.
- Playing the Native Flute gives you the opportunity to participate actively in music.
- You need not be able to read music.
- The Native Flute lends itself to music making in the home, car or just about anywhere at all…unlike the piano, many guitars, etc…
- Our Flute teaches an appreciation of music from North America’s First Nations people.
- YOU can easily make the incredible sounds you heard and fell in love with that day that brought you to this place.
Tuning
If for some reason you find that your flute is slightly sharp or flat, the placement of the bird has an effect on your overall tuning and tone quality.
Always keep the bird in place with the guide notch and strapping it down snuggly with the leather strap. How hard you blow will also affect the tuning and tone quality of each note. Blowing harder will raise the pitch, while blowing softer will lower the pitch.
CRITICAL POINTS FOR GOOD SOUND
The placement of the bird is one of the most critical point in making your flute sing. When the bird is locked into the proper position using the notch as a guide, it cannot be moved forward, backwards or side ways. This ensures proper tuning and optimum tone quality. If it is not aligned properly your flute may be difficult to play or may not sound at all. Play with a gentle, slow amount of air. However, too little air will give a weak tone and the pitch will be flat. For the highest notes, you will have to blow slightly harder/faster air and some flutes simply won’t give you those higher notes. This means that you blow with enough intensity that a higher note sounds.
With a little practice, this will come very naturally to you.
Getting Started Guide
Everyone will develop their own style when playing the Native Flute. Here are a couple of suggestions to help make playing your flute a little easier.
Holding the Flute
Almost every Native Flute player uses their left hand on top and their right hand on the bottom.
Covering the Holes
It is best to cover the holes with the pad of your fingers. This reduces the risk of having an air leak that will interfere with your sound. Put your left thumb under the flute Cover the top hole with the index finger of your left hand, cover the 2nd hole with the middle finger of your left hand, cover the third hole with ring finger of your left hand. Put your right thumb under the flute just below your left hand. Cover the 4th hole with the index finger of your right hand, cover the 5th hole with the middle finger of your right hand and finally cover the 6th hole with ring finger of your right hand. You can use your pinky fingers to help hold and stabilize the flute for notes that have few or no fingers. HECK…just look at the finger chart of various songs and you will figure it out quickly. The kicker with the six hole flute is to understand that one hole is almost always covered. The third hole from your mouth should be kept covered and when it is, almost anything you play will sound good. This is the beauty of the Pentatonic Scale. If need be, get a Band-Aid or a strip of leather and cover it so that you need not struggle (…at least as you are learning).
Putting Air Into the Flute
Place your lips gently around the mouthpiece. Don’t wrap them around…but try to blow into the bottom half of the hole. The idea is to conserve as much air as possible…so the smaller the hole from our mouth, the less air you will be putting out.
Blow a gentle but firm amount of air in your flute to make it sing. [** Playing Tip ** as you get more comfortable with your playing add “vibrato” (Vibrato is gradually or rapidly changing the speed of the air that you are putting into your flute.) for more expressive playing. To play higher notes like Bb, B and C’, you usually have to “over blow” – blow harder and you’ll hear that higher note. On some flutes, when you play lower notes, you have to be careful not to over blow or you will get a higher note than desired.
Starting and stopping the air by placing your tongue behind your top teeth and making the consonant sound of the letter “T” or “D” will give definition to the beginning of the notes you play. This is called tonguing.
Click here for a printable version of this page
Tele-conferencing
David Bouchard - Order of Canada/Senior Editor for Rubicon and Pearson Publishers/Métis Author/Educator/Renowned conference speaker - speaks via telephone and video broadcasting.
David has presented to educators, universities and schools via telephone and video.
David has done numerous telephone presentations from various locations around the world. He has also been broadcast far and wide via video from presentations on location, from studios in various locations, from the a-v studio at the University of Victoria in his home town. As shown in this image, David has also presented from his desk in his library at his own home.
David is accessible in countless ways. For more ideas or to ask about your own, contact Chris Patrick at 866-786-4237
Testimonial Letter:
Dear Chris:
I wanted to make a special point of thanking you for your flexibility in offering us a teleconference with David Bouchard. The Superior-Greenstone District School Board is a small Northwestern Ontario School Board with ten communities spread over a geographic region approximately the size of France. We use both teleconference and videoconference for professional learning and to bridge the distance between our schools.We are extremely excited to have a literacy teacher in each of our schools this year. Our commitment to literacy included sending teachers to our regional literacy conference this summer and organizing a special workshop for our principals and vice principals about the principal's role in literacy. We were thrilled to be able to participate in a Keynote address by David Bouchard in Thunder Bay.
David's passion and enthusiasm grabbed our attention immediately. He continued to draw the audience into his magical storytelling by speaking of things that were relevant to teachers, administrators and parents. He combined a mixture of humour and realism to force us to confront the fact that we could be doing a much better job of teaching students. His address was powerful and inspiring. I was amazed to see the impact David had on our principals and vice principals. Literacy has become a main priority in both the elementary and secondary panels. They are excited and they are buying books! They are celebrating literacy and supporting students who are late readers.
The benefit of David's address carries on. We are talking and reflecting about our practices and we are committed to making things better for kids. As we were planning our literacy teacher training day, we wondered how we could get David to inspire our teachers, just like he inspired our leaders. The timelines were short, so a trip to Marathon seemed impractical….but a teleconference? Would he agree? Would he think we were crazy? You can imagine our excitement when we found out it was going to happen! Thank you just doesn't seem like enough, we have now had the benefit of having David inspire our leaders and our teachers!!!!!
I did wonder if David would be able to convey his message through the phone line the same as he did in person. I ensured that each of the teleconference participants had a copy of his book The Gift of Reading and had some time before the teleconference to read the book and think of questions to ask.
The teleconference was magical. David's voice pulled the listeners into his world where he challenged practice, celebrated children and shared stories. The participants leaned forward, not wanting to miss anything; the room was still and quiet, except for the rich voice coming from the phone. The listeners were engaged and the conversation became a free-flowing exchange of ideas and beliefs. I watched in amazement as a participant, moved to tears by David, explained her renewed understanding of the importance of parental involvement in the reading process. I feel so fortunate to have been involved in this process and would definitely do this again. The evaluation forms were filled with words of gratitude for David's involvement, but beyond the forms, there was a sense of excitement and energy in the air. The teleconference set the tone for the rest of the day; often participants would quote David or remind us of one of his key messages. Most importantly, it set the tone for the role of the literacy teacher. This was an excellent way to start literacy training and I am looking forward to making arrangements for a teleconference for our secondary school literacy teachers.
Thank you again for your flexibility and commitment to children.Sincerely,
Patti Pella
Superintendent of Education
Superior-Greenstone District School Board
| For further information on booking David Bouchard, email his agent Chris Patrickor phone Chris directly toll-free at 866-786-4237 |
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