"I am not a number. I am Irene Couchie, daughter of Ernest and Mary Ann Couchie.  I will never forget who I am."

Content Area Connections:

Language Arts: Determine central message and key details in a biographical narrative, explain how dialogue and illustrations develop character and events, analyze how perspective shapes the story, and write reflective or explanatory responses using evidence.
Social Studies: Residential schools, Indigenous histories, the impact of colonization on language and culture, family
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Social awareness (empathy, recognizing injustice), identity and cultural pride, resilience, courage, perspective-taking
Art: Analyze how color, facial expression, and composition convey mood and emotion; interpret visual symbolism related to identity and belonging.

Primary Source Connection: 

• Interactive map showing locations of residential schools. Provides information on each school.
• Library of Congress primary source set on Residential Schools.
• Digital Public Library of America primary source set on residential schools.

Other Books: 

• My Powerful Hair (PK-2)
• Stolen Words (1-4)
• All Around Us (PK-2)