We Are Water Protectors facts for kids
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| Author | Carole Lindstrom |
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| Illustrator | Michaela Goade |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Roaring Brook Press |
| ISBN | 9781250780997 |
We Are Water Protectors is a powerful picture book from 2020. It was written by Carole Lindstrom and beautifully illustrated by Michaela Goade. The book tells the story of an Ojibwe girl. She stands up to protect her community's water from a big oil pipeline.
This book has won important awards. It received the Jane Addams Children's Book Award for younger children. This award honors books that promote peace and social justice. Michaela Goade also won the famous Caldecott Medal for her amazing illustrations. This medal is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Contents
What is "We Are Water Protectors" About?
The story follows a young Ojibwe girl. She hears a prophecy about a "black snake" that will threaten the Earth. This "black snake" represents an oil pipeline. The pipeline wants to cross sacred lands and waterways.
The girl learns that water is the first medicine. It is a gift from nature that connects all living things. She feels a strong duty to protect it. She joins her community and other people. They stand together as "Water Protectors." They want to keep the water clean and safe for everyone.
The Ojibwe People and Water
The Ojibwe (pronounced Oh-JIB-way) are one of the largest Native American groups. They are also known as Anishinaabe. Their traditional lands are in the Great Lakes region of North America. This includes parts of Canada and the United States.
Water is very important in Ojibwe culture. It is seen as sacred and alive. Many Ojibwe teachings explain that water is essential for life. It is a gift that must be respected and protected. This deep connection to water is a main theme in the book. It shows why the girl feels such a strong need to defend it.
Protecting Water: The Dakota Access Pipeline
The "black snake" in the book represents the Dakota Access Pipeline. This pipeline was built to carry oil across several states. It was planned to go under the Missouri River. This river is a main source of drinking water for many communities.
Many people, especially the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, protested the pipeline. They were worried about possible oil spills. A spill could pollute their water and harm the environment. They also felt the pipeline threatened their sacred lands and cultural sites. The protests brought attention to the rights of Indigenous people. They also highlighted the importance of protecting natural resources.
Meet the Author and Illustrator
Carole Lindstrom is an Anishinaabe/Métis author. She wrote We Are Water Protectors to share an important message. She wanted to show the strength and spirit of Indigenous people. She also wanted to highlight the fight to protect water. Her book helps young readers understand these important issues.
Michaela Goade is a Tlingit artist. She is the first Indigenous person to win the Caldecott Medal. Her illustrations in the book are very special. They use beautiful colors and flowing lines. Her art helps tell the story of the water's power. It also shows the deep connection between people and nature. Her pictures make the book's message even stronger.
Why This Book Matters
We Are Water Protectors teaches us many important lessons. It shows the importance of environmental protection. It also highlights the rights of Indigenous communities. The book encourages young people to stand up for what they believe in. It reminds us that we all have a role in protecting our planet.
The book helps readers understand that water is precious. It is a resource that needs care and respect. It also shows how communities can come together. They can work to protect their land and traditions. This book is a powerful way to learn about activism and caring for the Earth.
