TW10 - Teachings of the First People

Teachings of the First People is a story by Roger Fernandes who is an enrolled member of the Lower Elwha tribe.  Roger is also a world-famous visual artist.  He has a very unique formula that separates him from all my other storytellers, in that he often combines stories with pictures he has created.  One great example is the coloring book Slapoo that includes the audio CD of the story of Slapoo.  Slapoo is about a monster living down in deep, deep saltwater locations of the Olympic peninsula in Washington state. It is a story about a very disobedient child who is almost captured by the boogieman of the saltwater for going where she was warned not to.  
 
Roger is constantly asked to come and tell stories to schools, tribal gatherings and many other groups who share interest about The Northwest Native American. He tells me Slapoo is always requested to be heard by children and they love to “ooh” and “ah” while listening. Some even love to scream during the climax of Slapoo's attempt to eat the disobedient, bratty girl.  Vi Hilbert once said to me, “Paul, I adored Rogers style."  She paused while speaking and then said, “Paul your storytellers are the best!”  Artist and storyteller Roger Fernandes is no exception.  He is one of my best!