Award-Winning Saskatchewan Book Goes into Production

Honouring the Buffalo: A Plains Cree Legend, the all-ages picture book collaboration by Storyteller Raymond Lavallee, Illustrator Mike Keepness, and Judith Silverthorne was produced with Citytv Saskatchewan.

Recognized internationally with four prestigious awards and numerous other accolades, the English/Cree version of the book has been translated into the French/Cree and German/Cree languages. 

The English 8 minute animated adaptation for a preschool audience was produced by Honouring the Buffalo Productions 1 Inc. for Citytv Saskatchewan, and is based on the illustrations of the late Mike Keepness. Mathilda Lavallee, the widow of the late Raymond Lavalle is onboard as Co-Producer. Co-writers are Alison Kimbley/Judith Silverthorne, and Silverthorne is also Director/Producer. Animator and Editor is Tony Quiñones while the Narrators are Bevann Fox, Erroll Kinistino, and Grayson Baker-McGarva.

Through animation of the book’s illustrations, Honouring the Buffalo introduces kids to the history and culture of the Plains Cree and their relationship with the buffalo.

Honouring the Buffalo: A Plains Cree Legend initially received a book grant from Creative Saskatchewan to help with publishing costs. Production financing is in part from Citytv Saskatchewan, the Canada Media Fund, and Creative Saskatchewan. The program had its broadcast premiere in early 2023.