publishings by val
Val is an inspiring author whose new story came out on June 7, in an anthology published by Durvile & UpRoute Books in the 10th book of the True Crimes series called, Indigenous Justice.
"It is always a privilege to tell someone's story, and a good lesson in humility." Val admits. "It is also hard on the heart when the young life encompasses so much tragedy," Val tenderly acknowledges. "This story begins at birth, and outlines the compounded loss that a young Indigenous female experienced while growing up on her reserve, in the Child and Family Services system, and then out on her own."
Crime and drugs hold this young female hostage for years, leading to homelessness and inevitably jail, until the assistance of a familiar face in a police uniform visits her.
This brave young woman attended the book launch of Indigenous Justice on June 7th, 2023, at Audrey's Books.
Review on Indigenous Justice, Maggie's chapter, "The Unwitting Criminal; Alone but full of Hope"
I have just finished reading the beautiful piece written by Val Hoglund, in Indigenous Justice. It had me in tears. A lot.Her Maggie brought back memories of so many of the young people I encountered in Youth Court. And so many who were not lucky enough to have a Val Hoglund and her partner Joy in their lives. Please pass my congratulations on to Val for me. For such a splendid piece of writing, and for her life's work of wisdom, empathy, and compassion. My passionate support for the police across our country is reaffirmed by officers such as Val.
Former BC Supreme Court Judge, Nancy Morission
After the Force is an anthology of stories written by retired police officers across Canada.
If you flip to the last chapter in this engaging book, you will find Val's heartfelt chapter about a determined Indigenous female who Val has mentored for 8 years.
The life story of Amber begins in childhood and portrays her trauma while growing up and well into her teenage years. After a few years of crime and drugs, Amber hits rock bottom. She starts a new life for herself on her terms with the help of a police mentor and a loving foster family. Amber is a young woman to be admired.
REVIEWS of After the Force, Amber's chapter, "If you Help One, You Help Seven"
"There was never a lull in this powerful story. I read it twice actually. Good awareness and understanding. I think this should be read by recruits and you go talk to them about how the police don’t know the full story. " EPS Staff Sergeant
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this story so much. I can’t tell you how much. Made me laugh many times. Your connection to W is so special indeed. My heart broke when I read of the officer who was her mentor passing, but then how you filled this void for her. The story of the horses definitely made me tear up. Your reflections also made me think about my own journey…I’ve also been in social work since I was 19. This makes me want to go back to frontline for sure! Thank you so much for sharing, it truly was EXCELLENT and started off my morning with hope and compassion
Former Child & Family Services Supervisor
Well done, bravo. I particularly liked the introspection of your own growth and evolution as an officer. I really liked what you wrote and how you wrote it. Keep doing it. Professor, Mount Royal University
"I am moved and deeply touched by the work you have done and the delicate yet strong story you have captured it with. Wow! You are making a difference. Your restorative justice work is so important. Well done!" Retired Assistant Principal EPSB
Well done! I really liked reading this chapter. It is a very relaxed format that feels personal and close. NY City Nurse Practitioner
Your chapter makes people think when they say the words, ‘Defund the police’. What your story shows is that cops just don’t arrest people and throw them in jail. People will think twice about whether they want their taxes going to the police with units such as yours, or whether they want all such units removed and turn police into, ‘Just the facts ma’am type of individuals. Society would agree with the former. Retired EPS Detective
I loved this chapter on Amber. There was a parallel transition for you both and it is beautifully worded. It is powerful and a wonderful illustration of how relationship and do that extra is so meaningful and tell the youth this person is different and doesn’t follow the usual script. I think this encourages curiosity, as if there is something of value with this person. It can draw youth in and create fear simultaneously, but this can lead to taking the risk of allowing someone into their world because it is emotionally safe to do so. Former CFS Social Worker
"Very well written!! I like the part where you talk about going home and looking at the 3 farm dogs you had before Hershey and all their character flaws. The story of Amber highlights such similar experiences of the folks we serve. One part of Amber's story that really stood out to me was having her foster mom force her to take pills and get an IUD. I think that speaks a lot to the history around Indigenous women and eugenics. I also really appreciate Amber's perspective on her social worker - remembering being taken from her family and having her social worker drive right past her mother during one of their scheduled visits. We often talk about how oppressive policing is, but need to also be aware of the oppressive history of social work and how clients view us. Non-ProfitAgency Frontline Worker
A children's publication too!
Police Pup Hershey is a book for 7-10 year-olds! It is a fun book to read with plenty of humour and relative stories to young people these days facing issues that can be challenging.
The story was written after Cst Val Hoglund worked with Hershey, a police therapy dog, for three years. She wanted to continue to help young people after her work with Hershey in the Youth Unit ended. So, she and a good friend who is also a policewoman, wrote and illustrated a children's book to cast a wide net on an audience like children, youth, parents, teachers, counsellors, and agencies who work with children and youth.
for further information on the book, go to Hershey's website at hersheythepolicetherapydog.com
Available on Amazon
REVIEW
"I love how all his feelings are explored with his job! And the threading in of the kids he worked with - a very touching and educational story - and I had a few tears when his last day came."
Social worker who started Zebra Facility Dog Program
HERSHEY VIDEO