Spirit Bear and Children Make History

Based on true stories, Spirit Bear and Children Make History shows how children of all diversities stand with First Nations to achieve what Elder Elmer Courchene called “loving justice” in First Nations children’s services.

Mary Teegee of Carrier Sekani Family Services gifted Spirit Bear (Sus Zul in the Carrier language) to the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society (Caring Society) in 2007 to represent the sacredness of children during the landmark Caring Society et al v. Attorney General of Canada human rights case to uphold Jordan’s Principle and address longstanding discrimination in federally funded First Nations child welfare. Children filled the hearing rooms to witness the human rights case, and many marched with Attawapiskat teen leader Shannen Koostachin as she fought for “safe and comfy schools.” They sent cut-out bears to elected leaders to honour the founder of Jordan’s Principle, Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation, and many are actively working to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Cindy Blackstock, member of the Gitxsan First Nation and Caring Society team, transformed the children’s stories into a series of Spirit Bear books, which were brought to life in illustrations and stop-motion animation by Amanda Strong and her incredible team at Spotted Fawn Productions.

Follow Spirit Bear through the exhibit to learn how children are leading the way in reconciliation and how you can make a difference too. He’s bear-y excited to meet you!