SFBCIAC Scrapbook, Page Twenty-Nine

Title

SFBCIAC Scrapbook, Page Twenty-Nine

Description

Further clippings relating to the publication and successful reception of "Meet Mr. Coyote," a series of ten legends belonging to the Thompson Tribe that was illustrated by Noel Stewart's students at St. George's Indian Residential School at Lytton, B.C. and published by the British Columbia Indian Arts and Crafts Welfare Society in 1941.

Creator

The Society for Furtherance of B.C. Indian Arts and Crafts

Source

Royal BC Museum, BC Archives (F/I/R19)

Publisher

The Daily Province; The Kamloops Sentinel

Date

Dec.24, 1941

Text

SFBCIAC Scrapbook, Page Twenty-Nine

THE DAILY PROVINCE. VANCOUVER.

“Meet Mr. Coyote” Splendid Example of Indian Boys’ Art”

By PALETTE.

The Society for Furtherance of B.C. Indian Arts and Crafts contributes to the Christmas season two unique publications illustrated entirely by Indian children of the province. These little volumes, entertaining and original, are inspired additions to western art and literature.

“Meet Mr. Coyote” is illustrated by boys of the Thompson tribe at the Indian school of St. George at Lytton. This first series of legends of the tribe, gathered by the boys’ teacher, Noel Stewart, has a genuine regional note. Both pictures and story have more than a suggestion of that rich flavour or naïve contact with the animal people which made “Uncle Remus” a classic of the Southern States.

OKANAGAN SETTING.

A handsome reprint of “The Tale of the Nativity,” illustrated by the Indian boy-artist Sis-hu-lk, is undoubtedly destined for considerable public favour as something distinctly of the province. Already a first edition has been exhausted, purchased not only here but far beyond our borders.

“The Tale of the Nativity,” as told to their teacher, Anthony Walsh, by the Indian children of Inkameep and described in pictures by the boy-artist whose work has been admired in the Art Gallery and even in London, has a simple delightful form which is almost mediaeval in quality and structure.

Both drawings and narrative describe the event as if the Nativity had taken place in remote times in the Okanagan Valley, the unexpected variations, bringing the story right home to our doors so to speak, produce an effect of singular and poignant charm.

FORMED YEAR AGO.

These publications, so artistically contrived and inexpensive, are among praiseworthy results already achieved by the Society for the Furtherance of B.C. Indian Arts and Crafts, which was formed last year.

Realizing the fine creative spirit of the Northwest coast tribes in the past, a group of well-known educators, under the leadership of Miss Alice Ravenhill, was formed at Victoria. Convinced that this spirit is only dormant, the group seeks to encourage the latent talents of young Indians especially.

The Victoria committee believes, and it is already proving, that if this element is aroused it can be applied in many directions, including fine commercial design applicable to tourist articles. Those interested in joining a Vancouver committee now being contemplated may communicate with Miss Ravenhill, Hotel Windermere, Victoria.

BRITAIN’S CHILD ARTISTS

In the midst of war much interest has been paid throughout the Empire to the idea of warding the children, both physically and spiritually, from evil effects of the conflict. Art, being a natural form of expression for the young, has been used effectively as part of this purpose. British children have sent a large and remarkable collection of their drawings and paintings to the Dominion. More than 200 of their works are now being exhibited in the Art Gallery at Toronto, and will later visit other cities across Canada.

This increased interest in art among children in these perilous times serves as another symbol of the hope and vitality of the people of the Empire. Here in Vancouver the free Saturday morning classes at the gallery, resumed this winter, have gone ahead with great enthusiasm among both children and instructors.

The results accomplished and spirit displayed by the youthful artists is nothing short of astonishing. In watching these future citizens of Vancouver engrossed in their work one feels that their lives are being immeasurably enriched.



Kamloops Sentinel Editorial Page
(Wednesday, December 24, 1941)

“Delightful Booklet”

A DELIGHTFUL booklet entitled “Meet Mr. Coyote” has been prepared by the Indian pupils of St. George’s Indian School at Lytton, and now is on public sale at 25 cents per copy. Illustrated by means of lino-cuts made by the Indian lads, the booklet is the first of a series of Indian legends of the Thompson tribe. The tales are of the Animal Folk who inhabited the Fraser and Kamloops area in Indian mythology. The booklet is published by the Victoria branch of the Society for the Furtherance of B.C. Tribal Arts and Crafts.



“Indian Legends Booklets Fill Xmas Gift Need”
LYTTON.

The first of a legendary series of Thompson Indian lore booklets has been published by the St. George pupils, and they are now ready for Christmas sale. Made up very handsomely, and written in a most interesting style, they are illustrated with lino-craft. All work, both prose and drawings and well as lino carving, was done by the pupils of the school. A Victoria printer completed the job.

In the booklet, which sells for 25 cents, there are ten stories. Each one would be enjoyed by either old or young. A foreword is written into the booklet by Alice Ravenhill, of Victoria, who is an authority on the subject, who is herself an author of some repute of Indian legend in B.C. The booklet is the first publication, although various brochures have come from the school, via the handicrafts section, which is one of the most useful and thorough in all B.C. Noel Stewart, who succeeded Mr. let as Principal, is to be congratulated for his carrying on the good work started some years ago. Send 25 cents to St. George’s School at Lytton for one of these booklets and assist in keeping Indian Lore.


“Lytton Indian School Booklet Published”
LYTTON.

A first booklet of legendary tales of the kindly animal folks who once inhabited these beautiful valleys, has been prepared by the Indian pupils of St. George’s School, Lytton, and published by the Society for the Furtherance of Indian Arts and Crafts, Victoria, at a price of twenty-five cents.

This booklet is very handsomely done and contains ten beautiful illustrations by the boy artists of the school. The stories are in a charming style suitable for both adult and child reading. These Indian booklets make a handsome Christmas gift. With each book bought before New Year an additional booklet entitled, “The Animal People’s Trip to the Pacific Coast” is given away free.

Send for your booklet to Mr. Noel Stewart, St. George’s School, Lytton, B.C.

Files

IMG_7399.jpg

Citation

The Society for Furtherance of B.C. Indian Arts and Crafts, “SFBCIAC Scrapbook, Page Twenty-Nine,” The Story is More than Itself, accessed March 29, 2024, https://thestoryismorethanitself.omeka.net/items/show/21.