By Simon Busse, FSWC Educator

The Scout is a wonderful graphic novel written by Indigenous author David A. Robertson and illustrated by Scott B. Henderson. Set in present-day Manitoba, the story follows Pamela, a young Indigenous girl from Big Spirit First Nation, who is going to Kildonan Park in Winnipeg on a school trip. There she sees an Indigenous soldier standing in front of a statue. He begins to tell her the story of Tommy Prince, who was a decorated Scout in both the Second World War and the Korean War.

The Scout is part of a seven-book graphic novel series which explores the lives of Indigenous heroes from Canadian history, including both well-known and not-so-well-known figures. Created to align with social studies curriculums for grades 4-6, the texts are good for literature circles and novel studies in language classes or social studies curriculum.  

To tie in with November 8’s Indigenous Veterans Day, The Scout also focuses on the discrimination Indigenous soldiers continued to face upon their return to Canada after bravely fighting for their country, including being denied the right to vote and not receiving veteran benefits.

The Scout is available through Portage & Main Press.  

Learn more about Tommy Prince HERE.