Description
The drum is a special symbol in many Indigenous cultures. In this rhyming picture book, young Ren is given a handmade drum by his mother that help to teach him many things about himself and his culture. An adaptation of best-selling book, Drum from the Heart, by Indigenous author Ren Louie for ages 4-6.
Author Bio
Karlene Harvey is Tŝilhqot’in and Syilx and currently lives on the unceded and ancestral home territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. They studied at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, earning a BFA in visual arts. When they are not making art, Karlene enjoys exploring rocky West Coast beaches with their daughter, learning their Tŝilhqot’in language, and spending time in their garden.
Review Quotes
"The book highlights the significance of heritage and culture to a child's identity." -- BC Booklook
“Child wonder meets cultural traditions…”
—Nexus newspaper
Biographical note
Ren Louie is Nuu-chah-nulth from Ahousaht and his traditional name is Wikinanish, which translates to eldest son'. He comes from mixed Nuu-chah-nulth, African American, and Ukranian heritage. With his background in Indigenous Studies and his work as an Aboriginal Role Model in schools, he hopes to one day teach Indigenous Studies at the post-secondary level. 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 WSANEC Territory in Victoria, B.C., Ren continues to live there today.
