APPLY TO HOST WILLIE POLL IN CAPE BRETON, NOVA SCOTIA
APPLY TO HOST WILLIE POLL IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Home Location: Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island
Creator Type: Author
Genres: Picture books
Website: www.williepoll.com
Tour Region: Cape Breton Island, NS + Prince Edward Island
Target Audience: Kindergarten – Grade 12
Cost: $300* (for one 60-minute presentation OR two 30-minute presentations)
*(The author collects $250 of the fee and $50 of the fee covers The Canadian Children's Book Centre's administration fees for coordinating Book Week).
Taxes charged on presentations: NO
BIOGRAPHY
Willie Poll is a Métis author from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada) and a proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous studies and a Master of Arts in archaeology. She grew up with a close relationship to her Métis grandpa who filled her with stories that connected her to her ancestors and culture. Willie has worked in Indigenous education across the Nation for over 10 years. Her stories are her feelings, emotions, and her tribute to the youth in her life. Willie currently resides on Prince Edward Island as a guest on the traditional lands of the Wabanaki and Mi’kma’ki people; however, she lives a nomadic lifestyle and has had the opportunity to be a guest in many places across Turtle Island.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS
Together We Drum: Honouring Matriarchs and Ancestral Connections
Target audience: Kindergarten – Grade 5
Group size: one to two classes
Maximum size: 40 students
In this workshop, students explore themes of connection, heritage, and the power of matriarchs through storytelling, music, and interactive activities. Beginning with a reading, participants reflect on the significance of their ancestors before engaging in a discussion about family and community. The session culminates in an interactive drum session where students learn a song and connect with each other through the drum.
Required equipment: N/A
Required materials: Pencil crayons or markers needed
*This workshop can be adapted for my books, Minnow: The Girl Who Became Part Fish and My Little Ogichidaa.
*For Grades 8-12, the workshop can also be adapted to speak more about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people for grades 8-12.
Our Ancestors’ Kitchen: A Journey Through Food and Family
Target audience: Kindergarten – Grade 5
Group size: one class
Maximum size: 30 students
In the workshop Our Ancestors’ Kitchen, participants will explore the vital role of food in connecting us to our heritage and community, emphasizing its significance across cultures worldwide. This engaging session delves into themes of food sovereignty, particularly for Indigenous peoples, discussing how traditional foods have shaped identities and fostered resilience while also examining how our diets have evolved over time. Through storytelling, participants will reflect on their personal connections to food, sharing memories and recipes that highlight the continuity and change of culinary traditions. This workshop not only celebrates the rich tapestry of global food cultures but also instills a deeper understanding of the importance of nurturing our food systems and honoring our ancestral connections.
Required equipment: N/A
Required materials: Pencil crayons or markers
Minnow: The Girl Who Was Part Fish
Target audience: Kindergarten - Grade 7
Maximum group size: 30 students
This workshop is great for students who love learning about the natural world, especially our oceans and waters. In this workshop we explore the book, Minnow, and learn about her journey to become a water protector. We have a discussion about some of the things happening within the story and within our oceans, and then we end with a science experiment where the students break into groups and see what happens when oil mixes with water. They will experiment with ways that they can clean the water and how that oil would impact the animal and plant life in our oceans.
Required equipment: N/A
Required materials: No supplies needed
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Our Ancestors’ Kitchen. Annick Press, April 2025
This story follows a girl who experiences vivid memories while cooking with her grandmother, illustrating the powerful connection between food, family, and heritage.
My Little Ogichidaa. Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2024.
Meaning "My Little Warrior" in Anishnaabemowin, this poetic baby book expresses a mother’s hopes and dreams for her child. It's a gentle celebration of love and cultural identity, perfect for new parents and their little ones.
Minnow: The Girl Who Became Part Fish. Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2023.
A heartwarming tale about a young water protector, "Minnow" captures the spirit of environmental stewardship and the importance of nurturing our natural resources. This story inspires young readers to engage with and protect the world around them.
Together We Drum Our Hearts Beat as One. Arsenal Pulp Press, 2022.
A Canadian bestseller, this powerful book addresses the MMIWG2+ epidemic, highlighting the importance of awareness around the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Through evocative storytelling, it honors the matriarchs who have been lost.
Upcoming Titles:
Porcupine Caribou Herd. (Owlkids, Spring 2026)
This upcoming picture book will explore the fascinating journey of the porcupine caribou herd, aiming to educate children about wildlife and the importance of conservation.
Salmon Migration. (Owlkids, TBA)
A tale focused on the incredible journey of salmon, this book will highlight the challenges and triumphs of these fish, fostering a sense of respect for nature’s cycles.
Coping with Grief (TBA)
This poignant story about the author's grandfather will address the themes of loss and healing, offering comfort and understanding for young readers experiencing grief.