About the Poster Image
The role of blankets is significant in the
history of First Nation peoples. For many years, as
well as providing warmth and comfort, blankets have
been a medium of artistic expression, an important
part of ceremonies and council meetings, and highly
valued gifts.
The 2009 First Nation Communities Read poster
pays homage to the importance of the blanket –
particularly those that convey a message or story
through their design, The poster’s quilt-like
pattern accommodates the cover images of the 2009
program’s selected title, Which Way Should I Go?,
and 28 other books the 2009 First Nation Communities
Read jury recommends highly to book purchasers and
readers.
The poster “blanket” also includes the four
colours of the Medicine Wheel: red, yellow, black,
and white. The Medicine Wheel emphasizes a holistic
approach to life and each of its colours is symbolic
on several levels. The colours’ inclusion in the
“book” blanket represents the four directions
(north, south, east, and west) the books and their
creators come from, the four stages of life (child,
adolescent, adult, and elder) represented in the
books’ content and to which the books have appeal,
and the four laws of humanity (kindness, honesty,
sharing, and strength) conveyed by and encouraged
through the reading of the featured titles.
Apart from the historical
and traditional significances, the poster’s
blanket/quilt concept represents the enjoyment and
comfort found in snuggling up with a good book.
