Students in Dr. Michele Vanasse’s Children’s Literature class, part of Carroll College’s Education Department, celebrated the publication of a children’s book they wrote and illustrated, The Jittery Jungle Animals’ First Day of School. Dr. Vanasse, an enrolled member of the Gros Ventre tribe from Ft. Belknap, organized a cultural celebration to accompany the launch. Her mother, Patricia Addy, and sister, Ann Boyd, joined the class—Ann shared a children’s book she authored, while her husband, Samson, told a traditional oral story. Ann also prepared and served Indian tacos for the group. Through this experience, students explored multicultural texts and engaged meaningfully with Native American culture.
Children’s Book Launch Celebrates Native Culture
