The translator is Dr. Jasḵwaan Bedard, Assistant Professor at the Indigenous Languages Program (INLP). The original versions have been published to much acclaim over the last several years, and Ḵung Jáadee is now delighted to have her work, featuring gorgeous and lively illustrations by Jessika von Innerebner and Carla Joseph, available to purchase in X̱aad Kíl. “I’m most grateful for Dr. Jasḵwaan’s translations of my three books. Having these translations ensures our language will continue into the future. Schools on Haida Gwaii will use them in their classes, and parents and grandparents might also use them to read to their children and grandchildren.”

For Ḵung Jáadee, creating Indigenous language story books is something that her whole family can enjoy and take pride in. “I wrote my books for my children, my great nieces and my great nephew, and for my granddaughter. As I endured racism throughout my schooling on Haida Gwaii, I wanted to give something to these children where they can feel proud of who they are.” 

Ḵung Jáadee says that Indigenous pride and a strong sense of identity and community is incredibly significant in today’s world, especially for Indigenous youth. “I want every Haida child to feel proud of themselves, whether they’re living on Haida Gwaii, or anywhere in our world. I never felt this way growing up. I feel it now, however.”

The publication of these translations is truly a dream fulfilled. “My heart swells with joy as I read my translated books aloud, even to myself. Getting this opportunity to share my translated books with others brings me so much happiness. I wish all Haida children and their families will enjoy our books for many years to come. Haw’áa Dr. Jasḵwaan, for your beautiful hard work on my books! I’m in awe of you and your dedication to preserving our language. I wish you countless blessings always. I can’t thank you enough. Haw’áa díi tuuwíi!” 

Dr. Jasḵwaan Bedard offers the following words about this exciting project: 

“I have known author Ḵung Jáadee Roberta Kennedy for many years. We have been students together, colleagues in language programs, and I have taught her many X̱aad Kíl Northern Haida language classes through my role in SFU’s Indigenous Languages Program. Ḵung Jáadee’s work as a professional storyteller is very important to our community of G̱aw Tlagée Haida Gwaii and to Canada at large. I make a point of supporting her whenever she asks for X̱aad Kíl translation help. When she contacted me to translate the series of children’s books she has authored, I at first thought that the translation of many of the concepts in the books, especially Raven's Feast, would be above my ability as a translator. I decided to give it a try and really enjoyed the process of translating the stories into the Haida language. Although many concepts in the books are new to the language, I had fun figuring out the best way to describe them in Haida. I have a strong feeling that our community on Haida Gwaii and beyond will be thrilled to have these stories available in X̱aad Kíl, our precious language.”