Joanne Robertson facts for kids

Joanne Robertson (also known by her Anishinaabe name, Misko Anungo Kwe or Red Star Woman) is an Anishinaabe author and artist. She is also a strong voice for protecting water. Joanne is a member of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek community. She belongs to the Bald Eagle clan.

Education and Early Work

Joanne Robertson studied at Algoma University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

The Empty Glass for Water Campaign

While she was a student, Joanne started an important environmental project. It was called The Empty Glass for Water Campaign. This campaign began in 2009. It was a way to respond to the problems many First Nations communities faced. They often did not have safe drinking water.

The campaign had two main parts. First, people would mail an empty glass of water to the Canadian Prime Minister. They would also send a letter. This letter explained why action was needed to help these communities. The second part focused on how prayer and protecting water are connected. Joanne even made a short film about this campaign. It was called Glass Action.

Documenting Indigenous Life

In 2011, Joanne Robertson created another film. It was called Paquataskimik is Home. This film was part of a bigger project by the NORDIK Institute. It showed the traditional way of life for Indigenous people. The film focused on communities living along the Albany River.

Current Activities

Today, Joanne Robertson helps organize the Mother Earth Water Walks. These walks are important journeys to raise awareness about water protection. She has also written a children's book about the founder of these walks, Josephine Mandamin. Joanne is also involved with the ArtSpeaks Project in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This project uses art to help people who have experienced difficult times.

Books for Young Readers

Joanne Robertson has written and illustrated books for children. These books teach young readers about the importance of water. They also share Anishinaabe culture.

The Water Walker

In September 2017, Joanne released her children's book, The Water Walker. Second Story Press published it. The book tells the story of Josephine Mandamin. Josephine was a respected Elder who walked long distances to protect Nibi (which means water).

The book helps readers understand the Anishinaabe worldview. It includes an Ojibwe vocabulary section. This helps with pronunciation and understanding. Joanne started writing the book after meeting Josephine in 2011. She had helped coordinate a "four directions walk." The book was first an entry in a writing contest. Even though she didn't win, the publisher was very impressed. They offered her a contract to publish the book. Joanne wanted the book to keep Josephine's message alive. Josephine had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This made it hard for her to continue the water walks herself.

In September 2019, a special version of The Water Walker came out. It was a dual-language edition. It included the story in both English and Ojibwe. Shirley Williams and Isadore Toulouse did the Ojibwe translation.

Awards for The Water Walker

The Water Walker has received several awards and honors:

• Finalist for Most Significant Work of Prose in English by an Emerging Indigenous Writer, Indigenous Voices Awards (2019).
• Indigenous Literature Award, Periodical Marketers of Canada and First Nation Communities Read (2018).
• Shortlisted for Most Significant Work of Prose in English by an Emerging Indigenous Writer, Indigenous Voices Awards (2018).
• Listed as a Best Bet in the Junior Non-Fiction category by the Ontario Library Association (2018).
• Included on the Quill & Quire Books of the Year List (2017).

Nibi Is Water and Water Is Life

In 2020, Joanne Robertson published another book. It was called Nibi Is Water and Water Is Life. This board book is for very young children. It is also published by Second Story Press. The book is written in both English and Anishinaabemowin. It teaches children about the many ways they use and interact with water every day.