Launch of Journal of a Travelling Girl

As part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, families are invited to an afternoon of celebration around the children’s novel Journal of a Travelling Girl by Nadine Neema.

This fictional coming-of-age story follows a young girl’s reluctant journey by canoe through the ancestral lands of the Tłįchǫ people, as she gradually comes to understand and appreciate their culture and the significance of their struggle for autonomy. Inspired by true events, this story was written at the request of John B. Zoe, chief negotiator of the Tłįchǫ Agreement, to teach young Tłįchǫ about this historic achievement.

Journal of a Travelling Girl was read and approved by several members and elders of the Wekweètì community. The book will appeal to Indigenous and non-Indigenous children alike for its themes of family, loss, coming of age and the struggle to maintain a connection to tradition and culture.

Program

• Conversation between author Nadine Neema and Tammy Steinwand, Director for the Department of Culture and Lands Protection for the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
• Screening of the short film Wekweètì and Ekwǫ̀ (“Wekweètì and Caribou”), a short film from footage Neema took between 2000 and 2002 in Wekweètì and on the land, which features the late Elders Alexis Arrowmaker and Mary Adele Eyakfwo telling old time stories of how they grew up on the land and why they settled in Wekweètì.
• Readings and songs inspired by Nadine Neema’s time in Wekweètì, accompanied on guitar by Adam Goulet.
• Book signing for Journal of a Travelling Girl.
• Free bannock and giveaways.

Nadine Neema

Born in Montreal to Lebanese and Egyptians parents, Neema is a multi-disciplinary artist with 20 years of experience. She has toured internationally opening for artists such as Joe Cocker and Elton John and was mentored by Leonard Cohen, who co-produced her 2nd album. Her young adult historical fiction novel, set on Tłįchǫ ancestral lands, in the Northwest Territories, is being used in schools and was shortlisted for three awards. Since 2007, Neema has led creativity, songwriting and storytelling workshops to empower youth to find their voice.

Information

• Free activity, presented on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m.
  Space limited, no reservation. Sign up on the day of the event at the Museum Admissions Desk.
  The film screening will be in English, while the discussion will take place in French and English.
• Length: 120 minutes
• Location: J. Armand Bombardier Theatre at the Museum