New colouring book series designed to share Indigenous story

 “Colouring It Forward” is a series of colouring books featuring the work of First Nations artists.

“It’s my way of sharing a positive story about First Nations and a way of learning more about my roots and a way to contribute,” said creator Diana Frost.

Frost, who is an Algonquin Métis, has tapped into the talents of Ryan Jason Allen Willert and Kalum Teke Dan for the colouring book.

Willert, a full-time artist and storyteller with roots in the Siksika Nation, lives in Red Deer. Dan is an artist from Calgary, who originates from the Blood Tribe.

There are six colouring books either in the planning stages or beginning production. The storyline for the series was created by Blood Tribe Elder Camille Pablo Russell.

The first book is entitled Sunset Songs and is meant to represent being thankful for what people have in life.

The colouring book can be purchased online, through Chapters/Indigo or at select stores in the Crowsnest Pass and Fort Macleod.

Aboriginal, Catholic and public schools systems have shown interest in bringing the colouring book to their schools.

Ten per cent of the proceeds from all sales will go to youth programming or small businesses that need financial backing, said Frost.