Wood Buffalo Regional Library, WBRL.ca web image
Fort McMurray — Elder and former Fort McMurray First Nation chief Robert Cree will launch his memoir at the Wood Buffalo Regional Library on Nov. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m., an event featuring acclaimed actor Lorne Cardinal and hosted in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
The Many Names of Robert Cree: How a First Nations Chief Brought Ancient Wisdom to Big Business and Prosperity to His People is written by Cree with Fort McMurray author and journalist Therese Greenwood. Published by ECW Press, the book is a first-person account of survival, leadership and reconciliation, charting Cree’s childhood in the bush, his experience in residential school and his rise as one of Canada’s youngest First Nation chiefs.
Cree writes he has been known by many names throughout his life — Bobby Mountain to his mother, Great Man to Elders, Mr. Cree to industry executives and Chief to his people. The federal government, he says, called him Number 53.
The memoir traces his leadership of Fort McMurray First Nation 468 during the early years of oilsands development, detailing efforts to secure economic opportunity while protecting the land and honouring traditional teachings. Now an Elder and spiritual leader, Cree uses the book to advocate for reconciliation built on truth, dignity, forgiveness and hope.
The launch event, part of the It’s Time to Read initiative, is free and drop-in at the downtown library. Cardinal, who narrated the audiobook, will join Cree for a question-and-answer session. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is sponsored by Suncor.
The memoir is available in print, eBook and audiobook formats and is priced at $26.95. ECW Press says media materials and interview opportunities with Cree and Greenwood are available.
Comments