Larry Loyie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Larry Loyie
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Loyie at a book launch at the Shingwauk Gathering in 2015
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| Native name |
Oskiniko
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| Born | 1933 Slave Lake, Alberta |
| Died | April 18, 2016 (aged 82) Edmonton, Alberta |
| Occupation | Author |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | Canadian, Cree |
| Partner | Constance Brissenden |
Larry Loyie (Oskiniko) (November 4, 1933 – April 18, 2016) was a well-known Canadian author. He wrote many children's books about his experiences at a residential school. He also wrote plays. Larry Loyie wrote his books with his partner, Constance Brissenden. In 1993, they started the Living Traditions Writers Group. This group helped Indigenous writers in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Contents
Larry Loyie's Early Life
Larry Loyie was born into a Cree family. This was in Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada. His grandfather gave him the Cree name Oskiniko. This name means "Young Man."
When Larry was nine, his father was away serving in World War II. Larry was sent to the St. Bernand Indian Residential School. This school was in Grouard, Alberta. He stayed there until he was 14 years old. During this time, he was separated from his family.
His Work and Career
After leaving school, Larry Loyie began working. He first worked in fishing and logging. Later, he studied to become a counsellor. He also served in the Canadian military as a paratrooper.
By 1992, he had moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. There, he met Constance Brissenden. She was a writer and editor. They met at a free writing class. In 1993, they started the Living Traditions Writers Group. This group helped new Indigenous writers.
Larry Loyie passed away in Edmonton, Alberta, on April 18, 2016. He was 82 years old. He had three sons: Edmund, Lawrence, and Brad.
In 2019, Larry Loyie's writings and other materials were given to the Residential School History and Dialogue Centre. This center is at the University of British Columbia. His collection is now an important resource. It helps people learn about residential schools through stories and creative works.
Larry Loyie's Books
Larry Loyie and Constance Brissenden wrote eight children's books together. These books were based on Larry's own life. They told stories about his Cree childhood and his six years at residential school.
Larry Loyie shared his residential school experiences in different ways. He wrote a play called Ora Pro Nobis (Pray for Us) (1998). He also wrote books like When the Spirits Dance (2006). Another important book was Residential Schools: With the Words and Images of Survivors (2014).
Awards and Recognition
Larry Loyie's children's book As Long as the Rivers Flow (2005) tells about his last summer before going to residential school. This book won the Norma Fleck Award. This award is for Canadian children's non-fiction books. Larry Loyie was the first First Nations author to win this award.
Published Works
Plays
- Ora Pro Nobis, Pray for Us (1994). This play was first performed in Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Fifty Years Credit (1998). It was first performed at the Carnegie Community Centre, Canada.
- No Way to Say Goodbye (1999). This play was first performed for an Aboriginal AIDS Conference in Alberta, Canada.
Books
- As Long as the Rivers Flow (2005)
- When the Spirits Dance (2006)
- The Gathering Tree (2012)
- Residential Schools: With the Words and Images of Survivors (2014)
Awards
- Canada Post Literacy Award for Individual Achievement, British Columbia (2001).
- Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction for As Long As The Rivers Flow (2003).
- Moonbeam Children's Silver Book Award for Health Issues, for The Gathering Tree (2012).
