Brushstrokes of Resilience: Insights from Every Child Matters book illustrator Karlene Harvey

When you hear the phrase “Every Child Matters” what comes to mind?

According to the illustrator of the new Every Child Matters picture book, Karlene Harvey, “Every Child Matters empowers residential school survivors to speak about their childhood, and to acknowledge their experiences on their own terms, which is extremely validating and important. As a daughter of a residential school survivor my heart heals when I see my family and community reclaim their story, when they feel free to express their thoughts and reflections.”

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Karlene (she/they) is Tsilhqot’in and Syilx and grew up on the territories of Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations. Outside of their role as an Academic Advisor within the Faculty of Arts Indigenous Student Advising, they are an illustrator and writer. In celebration of September 30, we connected with them to learn about their experience developing illustrations for the Every Child Matters picture book, their creative journey, and tips for aspiring Indigenous artists.

Read the Q&A