Introducing The Lawrence Series - Larry Loyie, Celebrating His Life and Work.
Larry Loyie, award-winning Indigenous author, educator, and playwright writes honestly, tenderly, with laughter as well as sadness about his traditional childhood interrupted by six years in residential school. Three books in the Lawrence Series are included in Young Man, True Stories of a Cree Childhood. This book includes 53 photographs from the author’s life.
The Moon Speaks Cree, The season is winter, a time of adventure and learning. In this book, The Moon Speaks Cree, young Lawrence learns the secrets of winter survival from his parents and grandparents. Based on Larry Loyie’s traditional Cree childhood, the story teaches lessons on: the effect of change on Indigenous People, respect for culture and history, and universal lessons of Cree culture.
When the Spirits Dance, is set during WW2 and is about Larry Loyie and his Cree family. The author weaves facts about how the war years changed the life of one Cree community. Teaching about the environment and an Indigenous family's survival on the land in a time of war are vital parts of the narrative. This story examines the meaning of war, contributions made by courageous Indigenous veterans, importance of Traditional Knowledge, and respect for the environment.
Goodbye Buffalo Bay, a true story of life in a residential school and of moving on, is set during the author's teenage years. In his last year in residential school, Lawrence learns the power of courage to stand up for his beliefs. When he returns home he feels like a stranger to his family. The traditional First Nations life he once knew has changed. With Grandfather's guidance he finds his way. A book of self-discovery and the importance of friendship.
The set was written with Constance Brissenden, Larry Loyie’s partner and co-author for 25 years before his passing in 2016.
Lawrence Series by Award-Winning Cree Author Larry Loyie
