Bill Fagan and Mary Cronin, Regina, 2004

A sure way to brighten one's day would be a call from Mary, and a sure pick-me-up, if you were feeling down, would be to give Mary a call. Speaking with Mary was like experiencing a fresh breeze blowing from the Atlantic over the West Coast of Ireland. I really miss that fresh breeze and the renewed energy, that speaking with Mary always gave me.

Sincere sympathies to Mary's family and friends. PRINTS and Aboriginal PRINTS will continue as a testimony to her work in parent and early childhood education and cultural awareness.

Matawa First Nations – Thunder Bay

I had the honour of spending the weekend of January 5-7 in Thunder Bay, ON, where I gave a PRINTS workshop for the Matawa First Nations: Aroland, Constance Lake, Eabametoong, Ginoogaming, Long Lake, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Webequie. The trip was organized by Dobie Frenette, at the Matawa First Nations Management Centre. I was impressed by the wide range of experience and dedication of those involved – from school principal, to Education Authority, to teacher's aide to librarian.

Matawa First Nations Centre,
Thunder Bay

Jodi and Don enjoying
making a Person Book.

Dobie and Tamara in a
more serious mode.