WHITEHORSE – The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and Yukon Imagination Library announced a new collaboration that will see a Yukon First Nation book sent to all children registered with the Yukon Imagination Library program.
The new Hän language children’s book distributed as part of the CYFN and Yukon Imagination Library collaboration is called Shëtsey (My Grandpa), and was written and coordinated by Georgette McLeod, translated to Hän by Percy Henry, and illustrated by Susan McCallum.
Shëtsey will be the first Yukon book that has been sent since 2015 and is part of the Yukon Imagination Library’s goal to send a Yukon First Nation book annually, in addition to the twelve mailed free through the program. Approximately 1,400 books will be distributed to children across the Yukon as part of this collaboration.
The Yukon Imagination Library is tied to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library that was formed in 1995 by the music legend with the goal of helping to improve literacy rates among children. The program has expanded to five different countries and helped distribute more than 150 million books to children throughout the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
The Yukon Imagination Library program was formed in 2007 by the Rendezvous Rotary Club of Whitehorse, in partnership with the Yukon Literacy Coalition and today is co-funded by Yukon government and private sector corporate donors. Today, the program is operated by the Yukon Reads Society who fundraise and try to ensure every child, in every Yukon community, has a chance to receive their free books.
Quotes:
“The Council of Yukon First Nations is excited for the opportunity to work with Yukon Imagination Library to ensure Yukon First Nations books are in the hands and homes of young readers across the Yukon. The vibrant culture and stories of Yukon First Nations are an integral part of Yukon life and should be shared for all to enjoy, learn from and appreciate.” – CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
“Yukon Imagination Library is thrilled to partner with the Council of Yukon First Nations to share this beautiful story with children in every Yukon community. Early access to books plays an essential role in literacy and future success in school. Special thanks to Georgette McLeod, Percy Henry, Susan McCallum and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation for sharing the rich heritage and culture of the Hän people with our youth in such an authentic and accessible way.” – Wendy Tayler, Chair of the Yukon Imagination Library
Quick Facts:
- Thanks to Yukon Imagination Library’s generous sponsors, Yukon government, and our volunteers, nearly 1,400 children in every Yukon community receive books each month — and more than 2,500 Yukon kids have graduated from the program.
- The Yukon Imagination Library must fundraise to continue providing this program to Yukoners. The Yukon government will match each donation dollar received, up to $50,000 per year.
- With the support of partners, sponsors, and volunteers, the Yukon Imagination Library program has grown over the past decade, sending over 175,000 free books to Yukon children.
- Yukon Imagination Library will send one free book a month to Yukon children from birth to age five. To register, visit www.yukonimaginationlibrary.ca/register or call 867-336-1230.
For further information contact:
Lael Lund
Communications Manager
Council of Yukon First Nations
C: 867.335.3227
cyfn.ca | communications@nullcyfn.net
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