Short Summary
Put books into the hands of on-reserve students!
My name is Frank Christopher Busch and I am the First Nations/Native American author of a native fiction novel called "Grey Eyes". It would be considered by some to be similar to "The Hunger Games", "Twilight" or a grown-up "Harry Potter" -type saga.
It is set in a traditional native village where a boy is born with grey eyes. All the people know this to mean that he will be blessed with special powers, such as the ability to move things with his mind, control water, wind, fire and earth, turn himself and others into animals and speak any language.
First he will have to master his abilities and the only other Grey Eye in the village has grown very old and may not have enough time left to teach him. He does however, have the medicine man, his adopted Grandfather, who can teach him the fundamental beliefs and ceremonies passed down from his ancestors. Perhaps by learning the Medicine Wheel teachings, he will come to understand the power inside him. But, he must learn quickly, the evil Red-Eye is ever watchful. Waiting for his chance to overthrow the Circle of Clan Mothers and enslave the people.
What We Need & What You Get
I had hoped to see this book in schools in First Nations communities in Canada and the USA, but I quickly learned that schools on the rez are funded 40% less than those off reserve. Many of the teachers want to use First Nations content and would gladly purchase it if they could find the funds. Therefore, I have launched this campaign to purchase and distribute 1,000 copies at cost, waving my author royalty, and donating them (25 copies times 40 schools) along with the Teacher's Guide to chronically under-funded on-reserve educational institutions.
I have made an agreement with my publisher to do a special print run for "Grey Eyes in the Classroom". I need to raise $10,000 to print 1,000 copies as well as postage to cover shipping costs.
The Impact
First Nations schools have an estimated 40% drop out rate (which has improved from 50% in recent years). Still, no child should be left behind. Having content that connects with the student and makes them passionate about learning is critical to improving the myriad social ills that plague our communities. Grey Eyes also teaches the language, culture and fundamental belief systems of First Nations/Native American peoples.
These beliefs include 7 key values that have been lost somewhere in the hidden history of the Indian Residential School era, our nation's darkest chapter. Those 7 Teachings are Respect, Love, Courage, Humility, Honesty, Truth and Wisdom. Naming them is easy, learning how to apply them into your journey can take a lifetime.
In addition to engaging a First Nations/Native American student and hopefully increasing their chances of graduation, you will also be helping to correct the injustice of chronic underfunding by government. Is a student living on the reserve worth less than a child living in a non-native town or city? Our government certainly seems to think so. I can't judge them by their words, only by their actions. The proof is in the annual budgets!
Risks & Challenges
1,000 copies is more than most Canadian titles ever sell, so it is quite a tall order. The Writer's Union of Canada estimates that the average book published in Canada sells approximately 200 copies. I knew that going into this, but it has never been about money for me. I came from poverty and I consider myself already wealthier than I ever thought possible.
With YOUR help, I think that we can pull this off! I have volunteered for many charitable organizations including the United Way, Graffiti Art Programming of Winnipeg, Kani Kanichihk (Those who lead), Folklorama and many others. I am prepared to do all the heavy lifting (literally). I will contact the schools, bundle up the book packages and teacher's guides and ship them to their destinations. I will only ask that the teachers supply a class photo of the students holding the books (with permissions) so that we can see the changes we are making in the classroom!
As the students learn the fundamental beliefs of their ancestors and begin to apply them in their lives, they will once again become proud of their First Nations/Native American heritage. This swelling of pride will take them places that so many of us in the prior generations were unable to get to. Seeing them regain their self-esteem, self-worth and sense of value as a human being will begin to reshape our people's place in this world. Once again we will walk with our heads up and our hearts out!
Other Ways You Can Help
Please share. Post on social media, talk to friends and family, spread the word. If no one knows that there is a problem, no one will try to envision a solution. Stand up in your own way. Stand up for our children!
