SHAUNAVON — Sept. 8 marks International Literacy Day, and Tekeyla Friday's journey is a testament to the power of literacy to transform lives. As a resident of southwest Saskatchewan and a Métis artist, Friday has proven that the quest for increased literacy, for oneself and for others, can take you far.
Friday is a multi-talented individual — a puppeteer, children's book author and publisher, and stop-motion and Claymation artist. Her struggles with reading, including dyslexia, have shaped her career in the arts and literacy. Currently working on a stop-motion project to be completed in time for International Literacy Day, Friday reflects on how literacy became crucial to her life as a young girl.
Health issues and dyslexia presented challenges at various times in her life, but Friday found that literacy offered a pathway to a better and changed life. She credits her love of learning and literacy to a teacher from her youth, Roberta Coulter, who recognized her reading issues. Her favourite childhood book, "Boney Legs" (a children's fairy tale), sparked her interest in fantasy books, which she enjoys writing about today.
Friday's increased love of literacy led her to pursue post-secondary education, first in the Maple Creek region and then in Swift Current. Her journey also took her to the Chinook Regional Library, where she volunteered and eventually worked. There, she helped with the summer reading program, which aimed to keep "brains active over the summer" and make children "more ready" for school in the fall.
Friday emphasizes the importance of literacy and reading for children as they grow up. She believes that reading time is "quality bonding time" with parents or caregivers. When asked about her favourite book among her own written works, Friday replies that she can't choose, as "each one has unique characteristics."
While acknowledging the role of technology in literacy learning, Friday stresses the importance of moderation. She notes that technology has its place in society, but books remain her passion. Unlike technology, books have no password to log in, no charging required, and can go anywhere with you. As a reader, you can be transported anywhere, and that's the magic of books.
