The Rez Doctor

Gr 8 Up–An inspiring graphic novel that follows the true-life story of a young boy living in the Siksikaitsitapi First Nations community in Alberta, Canada. Ryan Fox lives in a community divided by the legacy of colonialism. Although he is an eager student, he struggles to find his path in an unsupportive academic environment where prejudice and racism are all too common. During a school assembly, he is inspired by a doctor with Blackfoot heritage to pursue medicine. With the support of his family, he pursues higher education and faces many trials and tribulations, common for young people far from their communities. All is not lost as Ryan finds a supportive partner named Charm who guides him in the right direction. After completing medical school, the story ends with Ryan starting his first medical residency. Full-color, classic comic book-style illustrations show the changes as Ryan grows and develops through many adventures, ordeals, and accomplishments.