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Kelsey
Kelsey asked David Alexander Robertson:

Hi David, I am studying one of your books, "Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story" in my Indigenous Children's Literature class, and I want to ask you what inspired you to write this graphic novel? Do you have a personal connection to the Stolen Sisters? I am trying to grasp a better understanding of this literary work, and as I'm sure you know, context plays a big role. Also how did you meet your illustrator?

David Alexander Robertson The inspiration to write this graphic novel came from a few places. First and foremost, I have three Cree/Métis daughters, and I am concerned about the world they are growing up in because statistically, they are less safe than non-Indigenous girls. I want people to think about why that is, and consider their part in making this country a safe place for everybody. The message of this book is to share knowledge about what's going on in Canada, within the context of MMIWG2S. Betty Osborne is also a distant relative to the Robertson family and grew up in the same reserve my father grew up in, and of which I am a band member. So, this story is close to me and has been for two decades. Hopefully, this story will recontextualize Betty's story against today's epidemic, and make people think about the country we live in, and the country we want to live in.
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Ishan Mehta
Ishan Mehta asked David Alexander Robertson:

Hello David, I teach your book-Sugar Falls and my students love it. Thank you. It is a wonderful book. I need some clarification regarding Flora's death. Did she jump into the water to end her life or was she trying to escape? There is a bit of ambiguity here and I wanted some clarification. I would appreciate if you could let me know ASAP as I need to share it with the class. I will be in touch. Tania

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