The Rez Doctor

New graphic novel The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy, Veronika Barinova, Azby Whitecalf and Toben Racicot is inspired by a true story of perseverance, healing and dreaming.

This is the story of Ryan Fox. From a young child he was determined to do something that would make his community proud, to honour his ancestors and be successful. It was not a hard road as the colonial systems in place do not make things easy on Indigenous youth. Through some hard lessons, the love of his family and a little help from the ancestors, Dr. Ryan Fox is able to be accountable to his entire community and create the care that he should have had all along.

The graphic novel format has opened doors for many young readers. By creating and sharing stories in this format, readers of all different reading levels and abilities can access stories in new and exciting ways. Through not only the text but the vibrant illustrations, readers are able to enter the world of Ryan Fox and learn as he learns. I love that this story is inspirational while also being realistic. The story pulls no punches when addressing the harms built into colonial systems that make it exponentially more difficult for Indigenous people to be successful. The story is very honest about what medical care looks like for Indigenous folks through history. 

I loved how the story opened with Ryan as a young child at the doctor's office and ends with Dr. Ryan Fox helping his young patient. The stark difference of care when Indigenous people are in positions of helping and supporting their own communities is so evident and such a wonderful way to wrap up this story.

The illustrative collaboration by Veronica Barinova, Azby Whitecalf and Toben Racicot brings the story to life. With stunning backgrounds and realistic faces with a little bit of the supernatural thrown in, this book is not only inspirational in its text and messaging but also in its beauty.