Ruth Wellborn, Writer
Ruth Wellborn is a Saskatchewan writer, retired educator, mother, grandmother, seamstress, golfer, scrabble, bridge and mahjong player, who has recently taken up the practice of TaiChi. Her first book Never Rub Noses with a Narwhal is a children’s alliterative book about the people, flora and fauna of northern North America.The book won an American Bookfest award in 2018, in the Children’s Educational category. In 2019 it was selected as the best First Book by the Saskatchewan Book Awards Committee, and in 2021 was the Saskatchewan Family Literacy book of the year, as selected by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education and the Saskatchewan Literacy Network.
Ruth grew up in a small prairie town much like Eastend, but smaller. She and her brothers enjoyed an idyllic childhood, roaming through the coulees, picking Saskatoons, walking the railroad tracks, and playing outside until the street lights came on. As part of a railroading family she moved frequently, and had the privilege of travelling by train across the country on Company issued passes.
After high school graduation, she attended the University of Saskatchewan and completed a BSc PE. This was followed by the obligatory back packing tour through Europe, U.K. and North Africa. While attending University she worked summers for CNR as a telegraph operator in various locations in Northern Manitoba. A stint in Churchill
provided her with her first encounter with polar bears and beluga whales,and an enduring interest in, and sparked an enduring love of all things northern.
She went back to Brandon University to complete her B.Ed.and embarked on a 30 year teaching career spanning three provinces. Her assignments ranged from small Metis Settlements in Northern Alberta,to small town prairie schools, Workplace Literacy Coordinator for Cypress Hills Regional College, work with several First Nations schools, and teacher and administrator of two different Hutterian Colony Schools. It’s fair to say she learned as much or more than she taught.
Retirement allowed more time to pursue her many activities and interests, including work with her church’s Refugee Resettlement Committee. Recently she has joined Apartheid Free Communities, groups of people who come together to pledge to support the Palestinians right to freedom, justice and equality; to oppose racism, bigotry, and oppression in all forms, and commit to standing in solidarity with Palestinian people against the discriminatory practices of the Israeli state.
Ruth is looking forward to her time in Eastend, to meet the people and to reconnect with one of the most stunning and inspiring landscapes, which will hopefully inspire her to complete her current writing project.
She and her husband love to travel, but are always happy to spend time at home with their two faithful canine companions.