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Grade 1

Historical Context

Books
Videos
Web Posts

Books

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​Allen Sapp's Art:  Through the Eyes of the Cree and Beyond (Memories of the Richness of the "Old Ways" page 67)

​The kit includes a book, DVD, CD and Teacher’s guide to explore the First Nations Cree Culture through the eyes of artist Allen Sapp.
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Office of the Treaty Commissioner. (2005). Memories of the richness of the "old ways". In Allen Sapp's art: Through the eyes of
​the Cree and beyond
(p. 67). Saskatoon, SK: Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
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​Allen Sapp's Art:  Through the Eyes of the Cree and Beyond (Life on the Land, pages 39-46)

​The kit includes a book, DVD, CD and Teacher’s guide to explore the First Nations Cree Culture through the eyes of artist Allen Sapp.
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Office of the Treaty Commissioner. (2005). Life on the land. In Allen Sapp's art: Through the eyes of the Cree and beyond (pp.
​39-46). Saskatoon, SK: Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
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​Allen Sapp's Art:  Through the Eyes of the Cree and Beyond (Treaties, page 47)

The kit includes a book, DVD, CD and Teacher’s guide to explore the First Nations Cree Culture through the eyes of artist Allen Sapp.
Picture
Office of the Treaty Commissioner. (2005). Treaties. In Allen Sapp's art: Through the eyes of the Cree and beyond (p. 47).
Saskatoon, SK: Office of
the Treaty Commissioner.
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​At Home in the Bush

Circle of Life Sets 1–3 and Sets 4–6 levelled books are for guided and independent reading. This collection of narrative and nonfiction books offers unique content that engages students, and deepens appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions (Publisher).
​Indigenous Education Coalition. (2013). Circle of Life Series: At home in the bush. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.
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​Bison Supermarket (Educational Kit)

​The beautiful package used for this kit is called a "parfleche", based on an ancient Aboriginal packaging method. This 6" x 9.5" parfleche contains a colourful 17" x 22" poster showing the ancient uses of bison. It also contains a 20-page activity booklet and a bison tracer (Publisher).
People in Their World. (2001). Bison supermarket (Educational Kit). Saskatoon, SK: Great Plains.
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​Byron through the Seasons 

This Dene-English story book was produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, Saskatchewan, with assistance from local advisors and elders. Together, they wrote the story, translated it, and worked on the pictures.
​Children of Laloche. (1990). Byron through the Seasons. Saskatoon, SK: Fifth House Publishing.
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Corn Soup

Circle of Life Sets 1–3 and Sets 4–6 levelled books are for guided and independent reading. This collection of narrative and nonfiction books offers unique content that engages students, and deepens appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions (Publisher).
​Indigenous Education Coalition. (2013). Circle of Life Series: Corn soup. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.
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​Cree (revised)

Cree is the 2016 revised edition in this Weigl Educational Publishers series written by Erin Banting. This 32-page volume explores the traditional and current everyday life and culture of the Cree people by examining their unique food, clothing, art, language, homes, ceremonies, celebrations, language, storytelling, music and dance, and tools. Each topic covers the basic details of the people now known as Cree whose traditional territories extended from the Plains of Alberta to the Woods Cree of Saskatchewan and Manitoba to the present-day Swampy Cree of Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Each two-page spread includes simple paragraphs, colour maps, colour photographs, and an informative sidebar. Each volume includes an index and one-page quiz (Publisher).
Banting, E. (2016). Canadian Aboriginal Art and Culture: Cree (revised). Collingwood, ON: Weigl Educational Publishers.
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​Denesuliné

Denesuline: Canadian Aboriginal Art and Culture is one of the titles in the Canadian Aboriginal Art and Culture series published by Weigl Educational Publishers. This volume written by Carol Koopman describes the cultural history of the Denesuline, the people of the Subarctic cultural region who live within the Northwest Territories, northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The Dene flourish in this environment and the book looks at their traditional homes, clothing styles, foods, tools, spirituality, ceremonies, music, art, language, and storytelling. Using colour photographs, a map and a few archival images, the book explores the past and present of these resourceful communities. Brief biographical sketches about Thanadelthur and artist Alex Janvier are provided. The book also contains a glossary of terms, a timeline, and a craft activity (Goodminds.com).
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Koopman, C. (2009). Canadian Aboriginal Art and Culture: Denesuline. Collingwood, ON: Weigl Educational Publishers.
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The First Corn

Turtle Island Voices, grades 1-6, consist of ten titles per grade.  The series offers aboriginal children a unique opportunity to see themselves in their learning materials.  It is rooted in the concepts of inter-connectedness, respect for life, and the quest for a better future.  It offers all children the opportunity to recognize the role and contributions of Aboriginal peoples in the life, culture, and heritage of Canada (Publisher).
Bouchard, D. (2011). Turtle Island Voices: The first corn. Oakville, ON: Rubicon Publishing Inc.
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Get Moving

Turtle Island Voices, grades 1-6, consist of ten titles per grade.  The series offers aboriginal children a unique opportunity to see themselves in their learning materials.  It is rooted in the concepts of inter-connectedness, respect for life, and the quest for a better future.  It offers all children the opportunity to recognize the role and contributions of Aboriginal peoples in the life, culture, and heritage of Canada (Publisher).
Curie, R. (2011). Turtle Island Voices: Get moving. Oakville, ON: Rubicon Publishing Inc.
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​House and Home

Turtle Island Voices, grades 1-6, consist of ten titles per grade.  The series offers aboriginal children a unique opportunity to see themselves in their learning materials.  It is rooted in the concepts of inter-connectedness, respect for life, and the quest for a better future.  It offers all children the opportunity to recognize the role and contributions of Aboriginal peoples in the life, culture, and heritage of Canada (Publisher).
​Cutting, R. (2011). Turtle Island Voices: House and home. Oakville, ON: Rubicon Publishing Inc.
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How Food Was Given

How Food Was Given contains time-honored lessons for children as it tells of the sacrifice made by members of the plant and animal kingdom who gave themselves as food for the people.
Marchand, B. (1998). How food was given. Penticton, BC: Theytus Books. ​
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The Hunt

Turtle Island Voices, grades 1-6, consist of ten titles per grade.  The series offers aboriginal children a unique opportunity to see themselves in their learning materials.  It is rooted in the concepts of inter-connectedness, respect for life, and the quest for a better future.  It offers all children the opportunity to recognize the role and contributions of Aboriginal peoples in the life, culture, and heritage of Canada (Publisher).
Cutting, R. (2011). Turtle Island Voices: The hunt. Oakville, ON: Rubicon Publishing Inc.
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I Am a Living Thing

This book explains in a simple way why people are living things. We need sunshine, air, water, and food. We grow and change. We need places to live. Young children learn that, as living things, they share many similarities with plants and animals.
Kalman, B. (2008). I am a living thing. St. Catherine's, ON: Crabtree Publishing.
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I Can Sing

Circle of Life Sets 1–3 and Sets 4–6 levelled books are for guided and independent reading. This collection of narrative and nonfiction books offers unique content that engages students, and deepens appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions (Publisher).
Indigenous Education Coalition. (2013). Circle of Life Series: I can sing. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.
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Lessons from Mother Earth

​Tess visits her grandmother many times without really being aware of the garden. However, on this particular visit, Tess learns that all of nature can be a garden. She learns if you take care of the growing plants and you learn about them -- understanding when they flower, when they give fruit, and when to leave them alone -- you will always find something to nourish you. Lessons from Mother Earth shares the First Nations' tradition of taking care of Mother Earth.
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McLeod, E., & Wood, C. (2010). Lessons from Mother Earth. Toronto, ON: Groundwood Books. ​
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​Little Bear

Turtle Island Voices, grades 1-6, consist of ten titles per grade.  The series offers aboriginal children a unique opportunity to see themselves in their learning materials.  It is rooted in the concepts of inter-connectedness, respect for life, and the quest for a better future.  It offers all children the opportunity to recognize the role and contributions of Aboriginal peoples in the life, culture, and heritage of Canada (Publisher).
Bouchard, D. (2011). Turtle Island Voices: Little Bear. Oakville, ON: Rubicon Publishing Inc.
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Living Things Need Water

The bodies of living things are made up mostly of water. This book shows young children why all plants, animals, and people need water to grow and survive. Interesting photographs feature animals and plants living in water; frogs and fish laying their eggs in water; and land animals using water to cool off and keep clean.
Kalman, B. (2008). Living things need water. St. Catherine's, ON: Crabtree Publishing.
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​Me and My Cree Family

Read a story about a boy and his Plains Cree family and their life on the Plains before the arrival of the Europeans. This story provides factual details about the Plains region and what daily life was like for the Plains Cree long ago. To enhance the factual details of the story, the book is comprised of coloured photographs of both the Plains region, and Plains Cree culture (Publisher).
Hadubiak, M. (2012). Plains Cree Book Series: Me and my Cree family. Saskatoon, SK: Maxine Hadubiak.
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My Drum

Circle of Life Sets 1–3 and Sets 4–6 levelled books are for guided and independent reading. This collection of narrative and nonfiction books offers unique content that engages students, and deepens appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions (Publisher).
Indigenous Education Coalition. (2013). Circle of Life Series: My drum. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.
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​My Home is Where the Buffalo Roam

My Home Is Where The Buffalo Roam carries on the story of the Plains Cree boy, his family and his community. This book focuses on the buffalo and its importance to the Plains Cree people (Publisher).
Hadubiak, M. (2012). Plains Cree book series: My home is where the buffalo roam. Saskatoon, SK: Maxine Hadubiak.
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Native Americans:  Plains Indians

​This book helps readers discover what special fuel the Plains Indians used to make fires, how the Plains Indians could communicate without talking, and which Sioux chief's likeness is being carved into a mountain in South Dakota. The traditional way of life of the Plains Indians and the changes brought to it by Europeans, are presented by discussing homes, clothing, games, crafts, and beliefs.
Ansary, M. (2000). Native American: Plains Indians. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
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Nokomis and I Go to Town

Circle of Life Sets 1–3 and Sets 4–6 levelled books are for guided and independent reading. This collection of narrative and nonfiction books offers unique content that engages students, and deepens appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions (Publisher).
​Indigenous Education Coalition. (2013). Circle of Life Series: Nokomis and I go to town. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.
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Ojibwa

​When European settlers pronounced the word Ojibwa, they said Chippewa. As a result, the United States government called this group the Chippewa. Learn more in The Ojibwa, one of the titles in the American Indian Art and Culture series. This series recounts the history of America's indigenous peoples and how they adapted to their surroundings. Each book outlines the traditional ways of life, religious beliefs, celebrations, and artwork of each indigenous group through detailed text, sidebars, and infographics (Publisher).
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Lomberg, M. (2007). ​American Indian Art and Culture: Ojibwa. Collingwood, ON: Weigl Educational Publishers.
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​People of the Buffalo:  How the Plains Indians Lived

​People of the Buffalo:  How the Plains Indians Lived describes the languages, beliefs, ceremonies, family life, homes, food, utensils, clothing and warfare of the Plains Indians.
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Campbell, M. (1983). People of the buffalo: How the Plains Indians lived. Vancouver, BC: Douglas and McIntyre.
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​The Plains People

​The Plains People describes the traditional way of life of the Indians of the Great Plains. Included are activities in which common items represent what the Indians used, such as making a buffalo skin tipi out of brown paper.
Hewitt, S. (1977). The Plains People. Dansbury, CT: Children's Press. ​
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​A River Ran Wild:  An Environmental History

 River Ran Wild tells a story of restoration and renewal. The author describes how the modern-day descendants of the Nashua Indians and European settlers were able to combat pollution and restore the beauty of the Nashua River in Massachusetts.
Cherry, L. (2002). A river ran wild: An environmental history. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
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The Sharing Circle:  Stories about First Nations Cultures

​Matthew loves to play games with his friends and share his toys with them. But most of all he loves to share the special treasures that remind him of his First Nations culture. Perhaps his favourite treasure is the medicine pouch that his grandfather made especially for him. This is where he keeps many of his other treasures, including the sacred herbs his mother gave him. Matthew uses the herbs to remind him to be grateful for everything that nature gives us. Another special gift is the eagle feather from his father. Matthew knows that the eagle is a symbol of the spiritual strength of his culture. But there is one other gift that has a special place in Matthew's heart. It is the dream catcher that Matthew gave to his friend Dustin to help him not have bad dreams. The Sharing Circle is a collection of seven stories about First Nations culture and spiritual practices: The Eagle Feather, The Dream Catcher, The Sacred Herbs, The Talking Circle, The Medicine Wheel, The Drum, and The Medicine Pouch (Publisher).
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​Muese-Dallien, T. (2003). The sharing circle: Stories about First Nations cultures. Halifax, NS: Nimbus Publishing.
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Sioux

​Presents information about the Sioux, including facts about their homes, clothing, food, religion, and language (Publisher).
​Rebus, A. (2008). ​American Indian Art and Culture: Sioux. Collingwood, ON: Weigl Educational Publishers.
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​Taking Care of Mother Earth

Charlie and Grandma are doing chores around the house. While doing the chores, Grandma shares loving stories with Charlie about how to take care of mother earth.
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Flett-Kruger, L., & Hamelin, M.-M. (2010). Taking care of Mother Earth. Penticton, BC: Theytus Books.
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​A Walk on the Tundra

A Walk on the Tundra follows Inuujaq, a little girl who travels with her grandmother onto the tundra. There, Inuujaq learns that these tough little plants are much more important to Inuit than she originally believed. During the short Arctic summers, the tundra, covered most of the year under snow and ice, becomes filled with colourful flowers, mosses, shrubs, and lichens. These hardy little plants transform the northern landscape, as they take advantage of the warmer weather and long hours of sunlight. Caribou, lemmings, snow buntings, and many other wildlife species depend on tundra plants for food and nutrition, but they are not the only ones... 

In addition to an informative storyline that teaches the importance of Arctic plants, this book includes a field guide with photographs and scientific information about a wide array of plants found throughout the Arctic (Publisher).

Hainnu, R., & Ziegler, A. (2011). A walk on the tundra. Toronto, ON: Inhabit Media.
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​Where is My Moccasin?

Circle of Life Sets 1–3 and Sets 4–6 levelled books are for guided and independent reading. This collection of narrative and nonfiction books offers unique content that engages students, and deepens appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions (Publisher).
​Indigenous Education Coalition. (2013). Circle of Life Series: Where is my moccasin? Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.
Top of Page

Videos

​Byron Through the Seasons 

ROVER | Byron Through the Seasons

Produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, this story highlights aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. On a visit to school, Grandfather Jones describes activities such as fishing and hunting, moccasin sewing and cooking bannock over an open fire.

ROVER | Byron Through the Seasons (Cree Version)

Produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, this story highlights aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. On a visit to school, Grandfather Jones describes activities such as fishing and hunting, moccasin sewing, and cooking bannock over an open fire.

ROVER | Byron Through the Seasons (Dakota Version)

Produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, this story highlights aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. On a visit to school, Grandfather Jones describes activities such as fishing and hunting, moccasin sewing, and cooking bannock over an open fire.

ROVER | Byron Through the Seasons (Dene Version)

Produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, this story highlights aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. On a visit to school, Grandfather Jones describes activities such as fishing and hunting, moccasin sewing, and cooking bannock over an open fire.

ROVER | Byron Through the Seasons (Saulteaux Version)

Produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, this story highlights aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. On a visit to school, Grandfather Jones describes activities such as fishing and hunting, moccasin sewing, and cooking bannock over an open fire.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, & Children of LaLoche and Friends (Producers). (n.d.). Byron through the seasons [Video
​file].

​How Food Was Given: An Okanagan Legend

Alexis, S. (2011, November 30). How food was given: An Okanagan legend [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfF-XR_DxJw

Peter's Moccasins

ROVER | Peter's Moccasins

Grandmother has made Peter a pair of beautiful moccasins. The moccasins are finely detailed with tufted moose hair and porcupine quills. Peter's classmates all wear sneakers, not moccasins. Peter hides his moccasins until a classmate brings her pair of beaded moccasins for show and tell. This story portrays the universal childhood fear of being different.

ROVER | Peter's Moccasins (Cree Version)

Grandmother has made Peter a pair of beautiful moccasins. The moccasins are finely detailed with tufted moose hair and porcupine quills. Peter's classmates all wear sneakers, not moccasins. Peter hides his moccasins until a classmate brings her pair of beaded moccasins for show and tell. This story portrays the universal childhood fear of being different.

ROVER | Peter's Moccasins (Dakota Version)

Grandmother has made Peter a pair of beautiful moccasins. The moccasins are finely detailed with tufted moose hair and porcupine quills. Peter's classmates all wear sneakers, not moccasins. Peter hides his moccasins until a classmate brings her pair of beaded moccasins for show and tell. This story portrays the universal childhood fear of being different.

ROVER | Peter's Moccasins (Dene Version)

Grandmother has made Peter a pair of beautiful moccasins. The moccasins are finely detailed with tufted moose hair and porcupine quills. Peter's classmates all wear sneakers, not moccasins. Peter hides his moccasins until a classmate brings her pair of beaded moccasins for show and tell. This story portrays the universal childhood fear of being different.

ROVER | Peter's Moccasins (Saulteaux Version)

Grandmother has made Peter a pair of beautiful moccasins. The moccasins are finely detailed with tufted moose hair and porcupine quills. Peter's classmates all wear sneakers, not moccasins. Peter hides his moccasins until a classmate brings her pair of beaded moccasins for show and tell. This story portrays the universal childhood fear of being different.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Education (Producer). (n.d.). Peter's moccasins [Video file].
Top of Page

Web Posts

A Dene Way of Life

Government of the Northwest Territories. (n.d.). A Dene way of life: Teachers' guide [PDF]. Retrieved from
​https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/sites/ece/files/
resources/edukit_-_dene_way_of_life.pdf

Smart Board Activities

SMART Board Activities

Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!

Office of the Treaty Commissioner. (n.d.). SMART board activities. Retrieved July 11, 2018, from Dropbox website: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qrj4hb6jf88i7i7/AABP0QVlSCrZhVhg2oVN-J2ta/SMART%20Board%20Activities?dl=0
Royal Saskatchewan Museum:  First Nations Gallery
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  • Home
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • LEARN Mission Statement
  • Resources
    • Indigenous Resources >
      • Indigenous K-12 Resources >
        • Kindergarten
        • Grade 1
        • Grade 2
        • Grade 3
        • Grade 4
        • Grade 5
        • Grade 6
        • Grade 7
        • Grade 8
        • Grades 9-12
    • Inquiry >
      • Leadership in Inquiry
      • Plan for Inquiry >
        • Inquiry: The Saskatchewan Way
        • Collaboration and Inquiry
      • Engage in Inquiry >
        • Student Generated Questions
      • Assess within Inquiry
      • Gallery of Inquiry >
        • Inquiry Documents
        • Inquiry Multimedia
        • Inquiry Gallery - References
        • Inquiry Tools
        • Inquiry Webinars
    • Ed Tech Tools
  • Events
    • Conference
  • Young Sask Writers
  • School Library Advocacy
  • Publications
    • Medium Archives >
      • The Medium Archives A-C
      • The Medium Archives D-F
      • The Medium Archives G-I
      • The Medium Archives J-N
      • The Medium Archives O-Q
      • The Medium Archives R-S
      • The Medium Archives T-V
      • The Medium Archives W-Z
  • Contact