Oromocto First Nation makes colouring book in Wolastoqey language

This is part of a series called Ann's Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You cansee more Ann's Eye pieces by clicking here.

For most grandparents, getting a colouring book for your grandchild is as simple as walking into a store.

Finding one that reflects an Indigenous culture and language isn't as easy.

But when Ann Paul was at Oromocto First Nation's powwow this summer, she picked up some Wolastoqey colouring books that had been in the making since 2020.

It was a special moment for Paul, who's been watching her family and community reclaim their culture and language with each generation that passes.

WATCH | Take a look inside the colouring book that's helping kids learn the Wolastoqey language:

A is for amakehs: reclaiming a language starts with your ABCs

1 year ago

Duration 1:28

Oromocto First Nation launched new books and an app at its powwow this summer that will help Indigenous youth learn to speak Wolastoqey.

She gave the books to her grandchildren, hoping that as they learn the Wolastoqey language, they can also teach her.

"They're the generation my mother has been fighting for," Paul said.

Oromocto First Nation launched its Wolastoqey alphabet colouring book this June, along with two children's books written entirely in Wolastoqey and a vocab-building app.

Ann's Eye

Photographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick.Click hereor on the image below to see more of her work.