A SELECTED
"NORTHERN LIGHTS" MAGAZINE ARTICLE
(from Issue #495)
BEHIND
the EAGLE FEATHER SERIES
 In
1996 we launched the Eagle Feather series. Veteran author Bernard Palmer
(perhaps best known for the Danny Orlis youth series) wrote the first five
books and, after his passing in 1998, NCEMer Karen Peters has continued.
Karen explains what's behind
this outreach to First Nations teens:
Northern Lights:
First of all, Karen, why a Bible camp theme in Book 8?
Karen Peters:
As missionaries, our goal is always to multiply our efforts. The effect of
having a reader actually attend a camp is far greater than merely reading
about the fictitious characters' experiences. But besides promoting the
idea of attending Bible camp, it was also a great setting to deal with the
main conflict in the story -- are we worshiping creation or the Creator?
NLs:
The Eagle Feather books deal with serious issues like suicide, drug
abuse, family break-up and more. Is that realistic?
KP:
I think that teens living through issues like the ones illustrated in the
books would say we've even been too gentle in our descriptions. I never
want to give the impression that all youth and all families are plagued
with these evils but, in all honesty, very close to most are affected by
these problems in their extended families or communities, if not their own
homes and lives. My goal is always to promote a positive alternative to
abuse and addictions, and a sense of hope for those feeling helpless in
their situations.
NLs:
Are these books just for Native teens?
KP:
It's interesting that sometimes we're less threatened by reading about the
problems of someone who's just different enough from us so we don't have
to compare our lives too closely.
In Book 7, for example, I deal
with the issue of "backsliding." Really it's often adults who can't see
how they can ever return to fellowship with God and the Christian
community. It seems that in every culture the heart issues are basically
the same even if our externals are different. In that book I chose to
include a Caucasian character to try and bridge the gap for First Nations
and other cultures to see that none of us "own" a certain problem.
NLs:
Along with real life issues, the Eagle Feather books each contain a
mystery. How important is that?
KP:
That's what makes them fun to read (and write!). When we're learning
something we need emotional "payoffs" or relief. That's especially true
for younger readers. And realistically, how many teens -- Christian or
not, Native or not -- will pick up a book called "How To Be Sure You're
Worshiping the Creator" or "A Week at Bible Camp Will Change Your Life"?
NLs:
Some of the Eagle Feather books also give insight into the lives of
these teens' parents. What do we learn about them?
KP:
When I write, I'm sometimes shocked at how much a part of the story I
become, and how much I learn in the process of doing research.
I think for an adult living in
an isolated northern community who wants to serve the Lord, there are
probably two things that make it incredibly difficult.
One is the lack of Christian
example and fellowship. The second difficulty is the adult's own
reputation. The whole community knows them and has developed expectations
for their behaviour. There often is no new group to turn to who doesn't
know them and their past. Their own family and friends may be the ones who
entice them back into old habits. I tried to address this in Book 6 where
Mrs. Yazzie leaves her community temporarily for both of these reasons.
NLs:
So how can we encourage Native teens to read these books?
KP:
Ideally, I'd like to see them produced as cartoon-style videos (any
animators reading this?!), or having them recorded onto audio
cassettes/CDs so they could be distributed, and also used by northern
radio stations.
In the meantime, we know that many teens do
read. They may not likely buy a book for themselves, however, so exposure
is key -- making them available in libraries, literature racks in
churches, public buildings, etc. It would be great if some of our Northern
Lights readers would take this on as a ministry.
Ed & Karen Peters
and their four children live in Prince Albert where Ed serves as NCEM's
Secretary-Treasurer. Karen is also a regular contributing writer for the
Northern Lights CloseUp and InFocus articles.
......................................
AN OUTREACH YOU CAN BE
PART OF!
Consider purchasing a
quantity of Eagle Feather books to give away as gifts and prizes, or
placed in libraries and literature racks where young readers (and others)
can pick one up.
Our regular price is $6.95
each, but for a limited time you can purchase our latest Eagle Feather
book for only $4.10 each (plus taxes & shipping). Write or call our
Bookstore (Prince Albert address) and mention "Northern Lights" offer.
Or purchase the entire set
of 8 Eagle Feather books for only $40 (plus taxes & shipping). Call to
ask us about other quantity discounts.
Click "Book
Store" to read more about the Eagle Feather series.
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