On October 10, 2025, NNOC students gathered with excitement, their notebooks open and their imaginations alive. In preparation for the upcoming Literacy Event on October 30, the students had a special opportunity to meet Aboriginal Author Tasha Spillett Sumner, whose visit encouraged them to see writing as more than just an assignment  but as a way to express who they are and where they come from.

The day was filled with creativity and pride. Split into two sessions, students sat quietly at first, but as Tasha Spillett Sumner began to speak, the room came to life. She shared her journey as an Indigenous writer, explaining how words can heal, empower, and carry our ancestors’ voices forward. Writing, she told them, is a way to keep their culture alive, to tell the stories that matter most in their own words.

As she spoke, students listened intently many scribbling down notes, rethinking their stories, and soaking up every bit of guidance. The author’s words reminded them that writing helps us understand ourselves, express emotions, and strengthen the connection to who we are as Cree people.

Adding to this powerful day, several Elders joined the sessions to help translate the students’ stories into Cree and syllabics. Watching generations come together, the youth shaping their stories and the Elders helping bring them to life in our traditional language, was truly heartwarming. The Elders reminded the students that language is more than words; it’s spirit, memory, and identity. Their presence made the writing process richer and more meaningful, showing how storytelling bridges the old and the new.

Afterward, the excitement in the room was contagious. Students shared their story ideas with one another, discussed characters and endings, and encouraged each other to make their writing stronger. Each is now working toward the chance to be one of two winners, one chosen by Chief Angela Levasseur and the other by NNOC’s Junior Chief and Council, whose stories will be recognized and celebrated.

“Their excitement was beautiful to see,” one teacher said. “They weren’t just writing stories, they were learning who they are through their words.”

The day showed that writing is more than literacy, it’s empowerment. It builds confidence, encourages reflection, and connects generations. With guidance from the Elders and inspiration from Author Tasha Spillett Sumner, NNOC’s students are not just preparing for a competition, they’re carrying forward a proud tradition.

As Cree people, storytelling runs in our blood. Seeing our youth write their own stories in both English and Cree, guided by our Elders, reminds us that our voices, our language, and our stories will continue to thrive for generations to come.