Larry Loyie, with Constance Brissenden, illustrated by Heather D. Holmlund,
As Long as the Rivers Flow
Groundwood Books, 2002.

Rating: E*

Much has been written about how Native culture was diminished by residential schools. Larry Loyie writes about what he feels was diminished by residential schools: a family way of life.

As Long as the Rivers Flow is a beautifully written and illustrated book about Lawrence’s ‘Last Summer before Residential School.’ The story takes place in the summer of 1944 and begins with the adoption of an abandoned baby owl, Ooh-Hoo. Larry raises Ooh-Hoo in a manner
that allows the owl to eventually return to its natural environment. The story describes the traditional ways of Cree life and follows the Loyie family as they prepare for and spend summer at their camp. The elders teach the youngsters by way of example, story telling and trust. Education is a family affair. The book includes true stories such as Lawrence’s grandmother shooting one of North America’s biggest grizzlies.

Heather D. Holmlund’s knowledge of northern forests shows in her artwork. The watercolours compliment the story and bring to life the blues of the waterways, the greens of the forests.
The depiction of the Loyie family life is done with warmth. In contrast, the end picture is stark: Lawrence and his siblings sit in the back of the truck that will take them to residential school. "The sides of the truck were high…. all Lawrence could see was the sky." Only we the readers can see Ooh-Hoo flying free.

As Long as the Rivers Flow is a successful collaboration between Larry Loyie, Constance Brissenden and illustrator Heather Holmlund. The book is suitable for both public and school libraries. As a story about the importance of family, children from all walks of life can enjoy it. The Epilogue with photographs of Lawrence with his family and also in residential school adds a dimension that can, and should, be explored more within a Native Studies unit.

Thematic Links: Cree, First Nations, Biography, Family

Laura Reilly, Technical Services Supervisor, Peace Library System, Grand Prairie, AB
Vol. 8, number 2
December 2002

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.