Leading the Future

May 29th & 30th, 2026
Indigenous Languages Conference
Chief Atahm School

Day Two Hands-On Session 7E: High School Main Foyer

Workshop Title:
Bookmaking Basics -
Layout, print and assemble saddle-stitch books

Spud Barker

Spud is a graphic artist and publication designer specializing in visual design, educational materials, and print layout design. He has experience creating books, media publications, classroom resources, and digital media. Spud’s work focuses on supporting our immersion program by creating resources with a strong visual identity. At this conference, he brings expertise in publication layout, design processes, and creative approaches to visual communication in educational settings.

Kathryn Michel

Dr. Kathryn Michel has worked extensively in the area of community language revitalization and Indigenous language immersion education. She is one of the founding parents of Chief Atahm School, a Secwépemc language immersion program in 1991 on the Adams Lake Reserve near Chase, BC. Dr. Michel holds a Doctorate in Education from UBC and a Master of Arts in Education degree from SFU. She has written, edited and published numerous language curriculum resources for use in Secwepemc immersion classrooms. In 2013, she developed the “First Nations Language Essentials” curriculum guides for use in language programs in First Nations Schools across BC. Currently she is lead instructor for R Stselxméms r Secwépemc Institute language programs through NVIT and UBCO.

About the Workshop:

Join this hands-on workshop to learn how to create simple, professional-looking saddle-stitch books using easy bookbinding techniques. Participants will explore the fundamentals of booklet design, page layout, folding, stitching, and finishing while making their own handmade book to take away.