My last my winter/spring tour (2009) tour was amazing!

I love the North and much of it was in the north: Terrace Bay, Marathon (thanks Bruce - you were/are wonderful)...Wetaskiwin...WHEW!... At Good Sheppard in Edmonton, I presented with my good friends Northern Cree. I met dozens of new friends and traveled thousands of miles... Thank you Brent Kaulbach for the experience you and your board have afforded me in the NWT. Through Brent, I spoke to almost every student and teacher and met with many of the parents and community members of Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Hay River and Lutsel K'e. On our travels, Brent and I saw bear, wood buffalo, lynx and countless numbers of my favourite ravens. As an added Bonus, I'll be back in the North West Territories this fall sharing my new book The Seven Sacred Teachings that is appearing in three of their northern languages.

The north offers many unique species of wildlife, the most interesting people and a stunning landscape. Brent and I and a few others from Ft. Smith flew into (flying or walking being the only ways in) Lutsel K'e. I took the picture shown here from a small charter plane. This community seems to grow out of the snowy lake and melt into the land. Nothing less than magical! I hope the people of the NWT learned half as much from me as I did from them! A sincere miigwech to every one of you!

I was on the road for over three months: the North West Territories, Red Deer...Kelowna...many, many communities. Vicki, Victoria and I flew to Paris for eight days in the spring (that is two years in a row and we are headed back yet again this coming year, 2010)...home from Paris left for Frog Lake, Fishing Lake, Beaumont, Lloydminster, Peace River, Bonanza, the NWT...

One picture should tell a tale... Wearing my elk jacket (beaded by Mouse) and carrying a handful of flutes, I participated in the Salon du Livre in Paris. I shared some of my books that focused on our aboriginal culture. I was extremely well received.

Paris is the heart of the fashion world and 24 Faubourg, the home of HERMES, is the heart of that world. It doesn't get any more stylish or downtown than 24 Faubourg. The display in their window is reflective of la mode : leather... native style dresses and bags... tassels on everything...everywhere... Go figure! We will be returning to Paris this coming spring which will complete an exciting year with international travel to Paris, London, New York, Frankfurt...

Christmas 2008

Our family is blessed. Our children are healthy. My wife Vicki has lost both her parents but mine are healthy and happy at 87 and 91. My mother survived a fall in early December that broke her hip. Our family's collective gift has been a little more time with mom and dad. Every day is a blessing.

This Christmas, Vicki and I were surrounded by our children. Other than for the snow (that I gladly gave up when I left home in Sask. years ago), everything was perfect.

The past few months have had me living some of the best months of my life...meeting new and wonderful people and making a difference in many lives. I have traveled extensively working with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginals alike. Le Salon du Livre in Montreal (with Vicki and Victoria)...Toronto's North York, Winnipeg, Sudbury, Edmonton, Calgary... I can't start to tell how many amazing people I've met...how much I have learned and grown...and how many dreams I've dreamed because of all this!!! Now, I will rest a little and plan for January onward.

I am thrilled to have been invited to work with Mother Earth's Children's Chartered schools (.http://www.meccs.org/)! I'll then be off to spend a week with my friends in Fort McMurray. From there, I will speak to the educators of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife...and then off PariS!!! I've been invited back to the largest book fair in the world...le Salon du Livre a Paris!!! ...Couple all this with my new books in Chapter Four...and you have an extremely fulfilled and happy man!

My new book The Drum Calls Softly is out. Red Deer is working on completing Long Powwow Nights. I'm not sure about when The Secret of Your Name comes out but it could be as early as this spring or summer.

Adrien and Kasia were married in our garden this past summer... On August 31st, the weather was as perfect for the wedding of Kasia and our son Adrien. Family and friends came to witness our wonderful friend Carole Shankaruk (from Winnipeg) lead our bride and groom into the next stage of their lives. Adrien and Kasia spent that night at the Empress Hotel then went back to their home in Vancouver to prepare for their honeymoon in Tuscany.

Lady and Hagrid, two beautiful friends who have been such a big part of our lives, have passed on. Our Mini-bull terrier Louis Riel has big holes to fill. Here he is at the age of one. He is large for a mini-bull, weighing in at 35 pounds however, his black and white colouris stunning. His head could not be any better. Happy Birthday Louis Riel...and oh...if you look real hard in this image, you'll get a glimpse of our eleven year old Maine Coon cat Happy.

August into September

...A wonderful teaching/learning experience in Stanley Mission, Saskatchewan. I was hosted by Director of Education Philip Bear and Council and provided with an opportunity to speak to every educator in the district. To be given the chance to touch so many important people is one of my many blessings. My hope is that these teachers, TAs and administrators will go into this school year inspired and ready to make a difference with the children they serve. For me, it was the perfect way to start the 2008 school year!

From the day Lady came to us until this morning, she was the sweetest, kindest little dog ever.

Lady was nine. She was in perfect health until a little over a week ago when she began having problems keeping food and water down. She spent two days in the animal hospital...one in intensive care. We did every possible test and yet we were unable to ascertain the exact cause of the problem. We brought Lady home for one last weekend. She was so happy to be here with us...however, her kidney gave out. She was extremely thirsty but unable to retain water. We took her to our vet on Monday morning and together, Vicki , Victoria and I said goodbye to our wonderful little Cavalier King Charles, Lady Royale.

Victoria, the city of gardens, is arguably Canada's most beautiful city. My wife Vicki is a "master gardener". Heaven for her is weeding or planning or planting or... This is where we spend our summers. To see a few pictures of our garden, click on this image...

For a sneak peek at my new book The Drum Calls Softly, click on the picture of Raven guiding me through this song on my Swampfox Raven flute.

*Victoria, Vicki and I spent part of June and July in beautiful Yorkshire. I shared I am Raven and the Metis culture with 20 schools. British students were in class until the third week of July, a full month longer than Canadian students, so the timing for a short tour was perfect. ...Our family lived yet another amazing experience!

We have spent a fair bit of time in Yorkshire as Vicki has many wonderful cousins there. Cousins Garry, Josie and kids have become very good friends. We fell in love with their Dales and Moors on our first visit.

To us, Yorkshire means family time...walking on the Dales or on Ilkley Moor, browsing book stores, Betty's Tea room!!! Valhalla!!! Click on this image of Victoria and Wilbur to access our Yorkshire tour.

Over the past several months, I have worked with and learned from many Nations: the Comox, Innu, Oneida, Chippewa and the Cree. I am becoming a better writer, speaker and an overall better person because of them. Megwitch every one of you.

My last trip prior to Yorkshire was to the Comox Reserve where Andy Everson, the grandson of Chief Andy Frank and I spoke to every grade four and grade nine in the valley. We made music, danced and presented I am Raven. The setting was nothing less than the Big House that Andy's Grandfather built in the 1950s. The students experienced song, story and dance as it should and can be presented. Amazing!

*And I experienced magic in Calgary, Alberta. After speaking to a group of children at the Salvation Army Children's Village and Dr. Oakley schools, every child was gifted a copy of I am Raven. For many of these students, the book was their firstbook! Magic!!! Experiences like this do not get any better.

Brent Tookenay did something similar with students on the reserves of Rainy River School District in Fort Frances, Ontario. The board gave books to every child who brought their family out to hear me speak to the value of reading. We had huge turn outs and without question, did something that hadn't been done before in my communities. Again, magic!!!

Good things happen because good people make them happen. Tragically, this needed and highly effective programme in the two schools I mentioned in Calgary has been terminated. I am so very sorry for these children (and for their staffs)who will live yet another disappointment in their young lives.

Thank you Ramsey Kunkel, my hugely talented photographer friend. Ramsey took the picture of me playing my flute...shown above as I played for these Calgary kids. He toook the picture then worked his magic with it. To see more of Ramsey's talent go to his site; http://www.ramseykunkel.com/

Though our Hagrid died April 13th, 2007, my heart still aches. http://www.davidbouchard.com/Hagrid.html

Leonard Paul, my friend and partner in my book Long Powwow Nights, did this beautiful painting of Hagrid. As wolf does for all who arrive at heaven's door, he announces Hagrid's arrival in the spirit world. As we are all greeted by someone special, Hagrid is being welcomed by a Buffalo Dancer. The Buffalo dancer reaches out inviting Hagrid to stay. I cannot imagine a more perfect testimony to the most wonderful dog ever.

Another friend, Ghost Dancer Jim Poitras, reminded me that it might take a year or for Hagrid to find his place in the spirit world. Through loving memories, we have to allow our big boy the time he needs. We were blessed to have had this spectacular Irish Wolfhound as our companion and friend. There will never be another Hagrid...nor would I want there to be.

Over the past few years, I have been honoured to have met and worked with so many Albertans, adults and children alike. Among these honours was my being invited to deliver the Fifth Annual Lois E. Hole lecture. For more, click on the picture of the honourable Lois. E. Hole.

On a personal note, I am trying to come to know more of our people and remain involved in our Metis Community. When you travel as much as I do, this type of committement is not always easy. Our family's last effort was jigging lessons a la facon des Metis. Vicki can jig. Victoria has huge potential. Me? I clearly have jigging in my heart and in my blood though I'm having some trouble transferring it into my feet.