Mindy Willett
Biography:Mindy Willett was born among the white pines and lapping waters of Canada’s Canoeing Capital – Atikokan, Ontario. She first moved 'north of 60' to work in an exploration camp near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut (then part of the Northwest Territories) in 1987 and after a year returned south to attend Trent University. Teacher’s college at Lakehead University gave Mindy her ticket to head back to the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut) to join the staff at the high school in Kugluktuk. While she loved being a classroom teacher, Mindy now lives in Yellowknife working as an education consultant with her firm Cranberry Consulting. Her specialty is writing teaching resources which celebrate northern cultures and incorporates northern perspectives into science social studies and language arts programs. While Mindy had no problem seeing herself as a writer of teaching resources she never imagined she could be a writer of children's books. She had searched for books to use in her classroom that were about the students she was teaching. She wanted children to see themselves reflected in the books they read. She wanted them to hold books and feel proud of who they are and where they come from. She wanted them written in first person and in the present context of the Northwest Territories as it is today. When she couldn't find what she was looking for she set out to change that through the series called, The Land is Our Storybook, which celebrates the diversity of northern people, places and stories. The books are 'must have' books for anyone teaching about Canada’s north. When not writing, Mindy can be found paddling or skiing with her young family on Great Slave Lake and beyond. Presentation Information:Mindy Willett is known for her energy and enthusiasm for ‘all things northern’. She uses the spectacular photography by Tessa Macintosh (photo illustrator for the book series) while she tells stories from today’s north in the modern homes and on the playgrounds as well as sharing the traditional lifestyles which are still very much a part of northerner’s lives. She shares the incredible diversity of the cultures and land from both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Mindy also shares about her life in the north for the past 20 years with amazing stories of biking on the ice road on Great Slave Lake in May, paddling from Great Slave Lake to Great Bear Lake on ancient water ways of the Tlicho people and netting fish through the thick ice. She engages her audience using many hands on ‘treasures’ that (depending on the size of the group) she trusts students to touch, see and smell including; a collection of dolls dressed in the traditional clothing from every language group in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, bones, hides, fur, sinew, traditional tools for scraping, babiche, home made snow-shoes, porcupine quills, birch bark baskets, spruce root baskets, quill work on clothing, baby rattles and drums just to name a few. The children love to guess what animals or plants the tools and clothes are made from and how they are used. She adapts her presentation to the specific age and size of group and as a former classroom teacher is very comfortable. She expects the audience to participate and she engages them in conversation. She wants them to think about their own cultural bias and be open to learn about other ways of knowing. She finds it rewarding to open the minds of southern Canadians to how their fellow Canadians in the north live including what is the same (helping to shed stereotypes) and what is unique. In the spirit of the theme of this year’s TD Canadian Children's Book Week, sports, Mindy can also demonstrate and have students try some of the arctic sports that northern children play and compete in at sporting events such as the Arctic Winter Games. Some of these sports include; one-foot high kick, two-foot high kick, arm pull, musk-ox pull, stick pull and snow-snake. Book List / Discography:Living Stories. Written by Therese Zoe, Philip Zoe and Mindy Willett. Photographs by Tessa Macintosh. (Fifth House Publishers, 2009) Come and Learn with Me. Written by Shyenne Jumbo and Mindy Willett. Photographs by Tessa Macintosh. (Fifth House Publishers, 2009) The Delta is My Home. Written by Tom McLeod and Mindy Willett. Photographs by Tessa Macintosh. (Fifth House Publishers, 2008) We Feed Good Out Here. Written by Julie-ann Andre and Mindy Willett. Photographs by Tessa Macintosh. (Fifth House Publisher, 2008) Awards:The Delta is My Home Praise for Mindy Willett:“Mindy visited our school during of May 2008. During her visit, she presented to 5 classrooms and shared her books, artifacts and experiences with students and staff. The presentations were engaging and interactive. Mindy was well prepared, had much knowledge to share and was a hit for all! I would highly recommend Mindy as a presenter and role model who represents the stories of Canada’s people of the North. This series of books reflects the experiences of individuals from diverse perspectives. These important stories are exemplary examples of literature for classroom use.” Denise Baxter, Principal “When you were talking about your books I really was thinking what if I was Inuit I wonder what I would do all day? Would I eat the same things that they would eat, like seal and Beluga whale? Anyway I loved the dolls that you brought they are beautiful and very fluffy. I can see why that children like them so much. My favourite thing that you brought in was the basket made out of tree roots and porcupine needles that were died with bingo dabbers, I thought that was really cool. Thank you again for coming to our school Mindy.” Francesca, Grade 6 student “Thank you so much for coming to our school. I learned alot about Inuit and other native people. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I never knew they had ipods and cellphones. My favourite part is when you handed out the dolls and bags and clothing because they were very cool. I think its really cool that they have a family week when they spend time with their family and theres no school so they hunt and enjoy the wilderness. I wish I could do that! I want to thank you again for coming and I hope to see you next year.” Gemma, Grade 6 student Dear Mindy, Sincerely, Dani, Gr. 6 student “Thank you so much for coming and teaching us about the Inuit culture and life. I thought it was an amazing experience to get to know you and the Inuit. I use to think that the Inuit just sat in igloos and ate seal and whale fat, but I know now there is a lot more to them. They are almost like us. And thank you for teaching me and everyone that the animals are their food because most of us thought it was gross and mean. Thank you so much.” Elan, Grade 6 student “I have had the pleasure of attending two presentations by Mindy Willett – the first at the NorthWords Writer’s Festival August, 2007 pre-release, and the second at the launch of the books at our school in May 2008. On both occasions, Mindy gave lively and engaging presentations about the creation of these books – the stories, people, and circumstances behind each one. Mindy quickly captured the attention of those listening through the beautiful photographs and fascinating details about the history and settings of the stories. She offered a variety of hand-held items presented in the books that were passed around for the audience to enjoy. With her many years of experience living on the land with northerners, as well as her teaching background, Mindy knows how to engage participants through her questions and lively anecdotes that hold the interest of all ages – kindergarteners to adults. Every class in our K – 5 school thoroughly enjoyed her presentations and found it hard to leave at the end of their sessions! These books are extremely well done and serve an important role in documenting many aspects of traditional aboriginal culture and lifestyles in the North. People around the world have a great curiosity about the North and these books help satisfy that deep interest. Their well researched information and beautifully presented format are brought to life through Mindy’s delightful presentations. I highly recommend Mindy as an author to bring these fascinating northern stories to other parts of Canada for children and adults to enjoy. Sincerely, |
 Craft:author Genre:non-fiction Ideal Audience Size:under 25 (for K – 2) Maximum Audience Size:100 – 150 Grades:K – 12 Special Equipment:- I prefer to travel with just a memory stick, so will need a projector/Proxima and laptop. School Reading Fee:$157.50 per reading (includes GST) Public Reading Fee:$250.00 per reading (four readings covered by the Canada Council) Book Week Tour Contact:Monica Winkler |