Deborah Yawney
Deborah Yawney has lived in several parts of Canada before settling in Southern Alberta. Deborah worked as a teacher on the Blood Reserve for four years. She soon realized that there were few Blackfoot resources available. Deborah completed her Master's of Education at the University of Lethbridge in 2005 specializing in cross-cultural education. Several articles she read while pursuing her M.Ed. reiterated the importance of relevance and recognition in developing literacy skills. Deborah completed her PhD with a focus on sustainability in June 2023. She decided to write a series of stories about a young sister and brother growing up on the Blood Reserve and shortly thereafter, the characters Sierra and Blue were born.
Kids Books (3)
Synopsis:
Sierra and Blue tells the story of a young girl and boy who go to live with their grandparents on the Blood Reserve when their parents are killed in a car accident.
The Blackfoot language focus for this book is family and relationships.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
This book is the first book in the Sierra and Blue series.
Includes some Blackfoot words. A glossary for the words is included at the back of the book.
Additional Information
32 pages plus cover | 8.5" x 10"
Synopsis:
In Sierra and Blue Go to Town, the children travel to Lethbridge with their grandparents for the day and take part in many fun and healthy activities like visiting the library and going to the local pool.
The Blackfoot language focus for this book is foods.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
This book is the second book in the Sierra and Blue series.
Includes a Blackfoot Glossary and information on the Blackfoot Alphabet at the back of the book.
Additional Information
34 pages plus cover | 8.5" x 10"
Synopsis:
In Sierra and Blue Go to Visit their Cousins, the children go to visit their cousins at their home near Old Agency in a different area of the Blood Reserve. The children play with their cousins and enjoy a meal with their family and friends.
The Blackfoot language focus for this book is animals.
The stories incorporate some English and Blackfoot words. There is also a pronunciation guide included in the last pages of each book.
Each of the unique images in the Sierra and Blue series are painted in acrylic on canvas and depict a realistic portrait of the character and beauty of Southern Alberta.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
This book is the third book in the Sierra and Blue series.
Includes a Blackfoot Glossary at the back of the book.
Additional Information
38 pages plus cover | 8.5" x 10"
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