CDSBEO Parent Involvement Committee Welcomes Author and Storyteller Waubgeshig Rice
The CDSBEO Parent Involvement Committee was privileged to host special guest Waubgeshig Rice, yesterday evening in Kemptville. Waubgeshig Rice is an Anishinaabe bestselling author, storyteller, and journalist, who has published three novels and a short story collection.
His roots trace back to the Wasauksing First Nation, an island community on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound. Rice spoke vividly about his storytelling journey, and how it has been deeply influenced by the cultural reclamation and reconnection experiences he had while growing up in his home community. He shared how his love for writing was inspired by his Auntie, who shared books written by Indigenous authors with him in his youth.
Rice has made significant contributions to literature and storytelling, drawing from his Anishinaabe heritage. He spoke about his writing process and how he finds inspiration for writing his stories and developing characters.
Most recently, his novel Moon of the Turning Leaves, has garnered national attention since its release in 2023, and has become a number one national bestseller. The novel’s precursor, Moon of the Crusted Snow, is currently read and studied by CDSBEO grade 11 students as part of the Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices course.
Those in attendance received an autographed copy of Moon of the Turning Leaves.
The CDSBEO Parent Involvement Committee and Faith and Equity Advisory Committee, would like to thank Waubgeshig Rice for sharing a poignant presentation and engaging discussion, and many thanks to all who attended the event.
