Victor Wood, Resident of St. Theresa Point, MB, is author of the Children’s Book “The Big Bad Bear and the Three Little Beavers”.

Victor Wood, an Elder of St. Theresa Point, MB, wrote “The Big Bad Bear and the Three Little Beavers” in both English and Oji-Cree as a means to preserve knowledge, culture and language. The book was written in memory of his beloved granddaughter, to whom he promised one day to write a book. 

The book’s target audience is children aged 5-7 years old, and also children who are older than seven who no longer speak Oji-Cree. Wood believes that children in this age group are losing their ability to speak the language along with their understanding of the culture, so he aims for the book to help with education and transfer of knowledge.

"I told myself I need to stand up and get back on my feet, so I started writing. They [kids] are losing our language. They need to recapture our culture and language," said Wood. 

As a former competitive marathon runner and hockey player, Wood aims to be a role model for younger generations and other community members. He also considers himself a “knowledge keeper” and it is through the children’s book that he aims to retain and transfer his lifelong experiences and knowledge to youth. Wood’s great, great grandfather, hereditary Chief Porcupine Standing Sideways, was involved in the treaty signing which ultimately led to the Indian Act being introduced. Additional information can be found in James R. Stevens’ book, Killing the Shaman.

The St. Theresa Point Northern store was happy to help with distribution of Wood's children's book by purchasing 500 copies of the book and donating them to Oji-Cree communities in Manitoba and Ontario, health authorities in the communities, schools and The North West Company employees with children.