“Stories Connect Us” an ideal theme for building a love of reading among First Nation citizens – Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2023
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is celebrating the gift of storytelling in a month-long celebration of all things reading.
“I Love to Read Month is a wonderful opportunity to share our stories and to make impactful human connections,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “When we do that, we learn more about what unites us. This makes the world we share a better place.”
February marks I Love to Read Month. It is an entire month dedicated to promoting a love of reading. This year’s theme is “Stories Connect Us.”
“There are so many health and social benefits to reading. I encourage everyone to find something they enjoy to read; whether it is a newspaper, magazine, book, or a graphic novel or comics. I especially encourage parents and caregivers to read to their children. Instilling a love of reading from an early age helps our children and youth to dream big,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “Reading is a portal to new worlds and possibilities for all our citizens. It also offers the chance for increased bonding for families, especially when it comes to reading to one another.”
As part of I Love to Read Month, SCO will be sharing book reviews, reading suggestions, and a storytelling contest throughout the month of February. SCO will highlight and celebrate a growing number of First Nations authors publishing in all genres, including some from our SCO Nations. For those who are seeking recommendations on books by First Nations authors, SCO has a webpage sharing resources here.
SCO members of any age are invited to take part in a storytelling contest to win a variety of prizes, including gift cards and books. SCO members are invited to send us a short story, article, or poem up to a maximum of 500 words.
SCO invites writing entries that reflect on the theme of “What I love about my First Nation.” SCO members who would like to enter this contest will be eligible to win gift cards and books. Send your story, poem, or article to media@scoinc.mb.ca by February 22, 2023, for your chance to win. One entry per person please. Selected entries will be shared on our website and social media.
“Being proud of who we are as First Nations people is essential to our health and well-being. Sharing positive stories about our Nations helps to build pride and encourages our children and grandchildren to reach for the stars,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “I encourage everyone to embrace the joy of storytelling and reading in February and throughout the year.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 83,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca