An Indigenous author and Silver Birch Express Award nominee in the Forest of Reading program, Shawna Lee Corbould is the author of Charlie the Matachewan Moose and Jenny’s Concrete Powwow.
In-person presentations are $250 for a 30-minute preschool reading, $300 for a 60-minute children and youth presentation, and $450 for a 60–90-minute adult presentation (plus HST). Virtual presentations are $150, $200, and $350 respectively. Shawna Lee is available to travel within approximately four hours out of Ottawa/Gatineau; a travel fee of $0.50/km round trip applies outside Ottawa/Gatineau.
Shawna Lee Corbould is a Social Worker (MSW), mother of two and an urban Indigenous author whose work explores identity, belonging, friendship, and cultural reconnection. Drawing on a personal journey of reconnecting with culture, Shawna Lee uses storytelling to validate lived experience and help others feel less alone. Although these books are used to validate the experience of Indigenous people, non-indigenous audience also have the opportunity to learn about identity, allyship/friendship and the importance of connection.
Presentations by age group
Preschool ages 3–6 | Jenny’s Concrete Powwow
Approximately 30-minute read-aloud for preschool and daycare groups, featuring Jenny’s Concrete Powwow. Children listen to the story and explore how the drum’s rhythm can match the sound of their own hearts, as it does at the end of the book. For in-person visits, Shawna Lee brings her daughter’s drum to share with the group.
Children and youth | Charlie the Matachewan Moose (Grade 1-5)
In this 30–60-minute classroom presentation, Shawna Lee uses Charlie the Matachewan Moose to open age-appropriate conversations about identity, belonging, friendship, allyship, and wondering whether we are “Indigenous enough.” The visit can be adjusted as needed and include selected readings, summary of the story, discussion, personal reflections, interactive activities about supportive friendships and people who help us grow, and time for questions. Students can take part whether or not they have read the book. Content and activities can be adapted for different ages and levels of engagement.
Adults | Indigenous identity, storytelling, and reconnection
This reflective 60–90-minute presentation shares Shawna Lee’s experiences as an urban Indigenous person, including questions about identity and belonging, disconnection from culture and community, and the ongoing process of reconnection. Shawna Lee discusses how storytelling and writing became ways to process personal experience and help others feel less alone. The session can explore vulnerability, confidence, representation, and how sharing stories can create recognition and connection. Previously delivered to Indigenous Services Canada and smaller groups, the presentation can include discussion and audience reflection.
Group size, venue, and technology
Group size: School visits are offered to one in-person class at a time, with up to about 30 children. Virtual school visits can include multiple classes at once. Adult presentations are suited to 30–50 people in person and up to 300 people virtually.
Technology: Virtual visits can use Zoom or Microsoft Teams, according to the organizer’s preference.