• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: k

This Dene-English story book was produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, Saskatchewan, with assistance from local advisors and elders. Together, they wrote the story, translated it, and worked on the pictures.

Their goal was to highlight some aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. They wanted to show the continuity of a genuine and successful way of life, and emphasize culturally-significant events and attitudes.

To produce the book, over 400 hundred students provided ideas for the story line and art samples for the illustrations. Two hundred letters went out to the community families, asking for ideas and information with regard to story content. A dozen elders were consulted to provide accurate and culturally-correct information. A teacher committee of six worked on the project for two years.

Byron Through the Seasons is a story told by Grandfather Jonas and imagined by his grandson, Byron. The balloon diagram in each picture represents the symbolic journey taken by Byron as he listens to stories of what Dene life is like during the four seasons of the year.

Dene Children is a Fifth House Books author.

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Byron Through the Seasons: A Dene-English Story Book

This book is collaboration between the students of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, Sask at chewan, their teachers, local advisers and elders. It reflects the life of the Dene through the year. The story is told by Grandfather Jonas to Byron and his classmates. Each double page has a full-page illustration by one of the students, text in English and the Dene translation. The story begins with the fall camp, progresses through to winter with ski-doo, toboggan and dog use, followed by spring when they go to bush camp where, among other things, they tan hides kept over from winter. The Dene leave summer camp in July to go to a gathering with other people. The book provides detailed background information.

This book is a favored selection by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.