By Rhonda Hunter
Power of the Arts and Technology in Collaborating with an Aboriginal Teen
Abstract
“What happens when you pair a teacher-librarian with an Aboriginal teen?” In this paper you will discover the process and result of one such delightful collaboration resulting in the creation of a picture book about the prairie’s famous Chinooks, Chinook and Winter, written by teacher-librarian Rhonda Hunter and illustrated by high school student Jayce Lamontagne. Hunter presents the backgrounds of both writer and artist, incorporating technology effectively in the process, and encouraging educators to consider such collaborations in all schools.
Rhonda Hunter is a recently retired teacher of 35 years. Being a teacher-librarian in both elementary and secondary school libraries was the highlight of her career. She was able to share her love of books and technology to both children and teens. She is a published author in Prairie Jungle, Passing the GED, and most recently, Chinook and Winter. She has been very involved with the Alberta School Library Council and hopes to stay involved with the promotion of school libraries even in retirement.