Description
When he is gifted a handmade drum by his mother, Ren learns the teachings of the drum that she also passes down to him. Ren discovers that through this special drum, he is able to connect to his culture and find a confidence in his voice to joyfully share in singing the traditional songs of his Nuu-chah-nulth Nation.
Author Bio
Karlene Harvey is an illustrator and writer who lives on the unceded and ancestral home territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh people. Karlene is Tsilhqot'in and Syilx and grew up on territories of the Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations. They have illustrated several children's books, including Drum from the Heart; Every Child Matters; Maggie Lou, Firefox and Kaiah's Garden.
Biographical note
Ren Louie is Nuu-chah-nulth from Ahousaht, he also comes from mixed African American and Ukrainian heritage. Ren is passionate about his language and culture and enjoys learning new songs and traditional teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers in the Indigenous community. Born and raised on Lekwungen and WASNEC Territory in Victoria, B.C., Ren continues to live there today.
