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"We Are Water Protectors,"
illustrated by Michaela Goade
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A Tlingit illustrator is the winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal,
one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature
The American Library Association announced winners of the nation's
outstanding children's books this week. At the top of the list is
"We Are Water Protectors," a picture book created by two Indigenous
women.
It was illustrated by Tlingit artist Michaela Goade and written
by Carole Lindstrom, Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe.
The selection is history-making, marking the first time an Indigenous
person has ever won the Caldecott Medal.
The medal is the award for the most distinguished American children's
picture book.
The 40-page picture book follows a young female protagonist standing
up against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and was
inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America.
"I'm still pretty shocked about it," Goade told Indian Country
Today. "I would really love to say thank you everyone who's lifted
this book up. And for really the people at the heart of this story,
which are water protectors and land defenders everywhere, who have
boots on the ground doing this work for all of us."
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(Photo courtesy of Macmillan
Children's Publishing Group)
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"Because 'We Are Water Protectors' won the Caldecott Medal, children
around the world will read about Water Protectors, for generations
to come," Debbie Reese, Nambé Pueblo, said in a blog post.
She is the founder of American Indians in Children's Literature.
"Kúdaa, Carole and Michaela, for giving this book to all
of us."
The book's illustrations were done with watercolors. Shades of
blue, purple, red and pink infuse the pages.
"Michaela Goade's semi-translucent color palette beautifully bathes
every page with powerful illustrations," said Caldecott Medal Committee
Chair Annisha Jeffries.
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(Photo courtesy of Macmillan
Children's Publishing Group)
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The inspiration for the story came from Lindstrom, who watched
the happenings of Standing Rock from afar in 2016.
"I felt very helpless, wondering how I could be of service so far
away since I can't be there," Lindstrom reflected. "So I thought,
'Well, I'll write a book.'"
She initially wrote a novel, and it eventually turned into a picture
book. After writing, she told her editing team that she wanted an
Indigenous person to illustrate the book.
The publishing team chose Goade, who began working on creating
the colorful illustrations.
An obstacle for Goade was figuring out how to illustrate the "heavy"
topic in a way that would resonate with children.
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(Photo courtesy of Macmillan
Children's Publishing Group)
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She says she did research then reflected characters who are wearing
both traditional and contemporary clothing, highlighting various
genders and skin complexions.
All of these details were very intentional, Goade said, because
representation of Indigenous communities is something that comes
few and far between.
"We need representation for our own communities, but we also need
non-Native people to see these books, value these books and lift
these books up," Goade said. "Not just in November for Native American
Heritage Month, but all year."
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(Photo courtesy of Macmillan
Children's Publishing Group)
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The book has a five-star rating on
Amazon and is a No. 1 best seller in Nature Conservation.
Now that "We Are Water Protectors" has been given the seal of the
Caldecott award, the duo expects it will gain even more recognition
and traction.
With more visibility, the women hope it brings more awareness to
environmental injustice.
"The fact that President Biden has canceled the Keystone pipeline
is huge," Lindstrom said. "And so my hope is that we can cancel
the Dakota Access Pipeline, [Enbridge's] Line 3, and all of the
pipelines on Turtle Island."
(Related: Tribes
to Joe Biden: Stop Dakota Access Pipeline)
The book was published in March by Roaring Brook Press.
In 1942, Velino Herrero, Zia Pueblo, received a different Caldecott
award. He was the illustrator of "In My Mother's House," which was
named an honor book.
Also awarded Monday was Eric Gansworth, Onondaga, author of "Apple
(Skin to the Core)." His book was recognized as an honor book for
the Michael L. Printz Award, given for excellence in literature
written for young adults.
Happening Monday evening is the American Indian Literature Award
ceremony. It will be streamed on YouTube beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern
Time.
Aliyah Chavez, Kewa Pueblo, is a reporter-producer at Indian
Country Today. Follow her on Twitter: @aliyahjchavez
or email her at achavez@indiancountrytoday.com.
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