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“Fierce Aunties” by author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, Tsimshian) is a colorful, enthusiastic celebration of the Indigenous women we need in our lives. Goodluck’s children’s book explores the many ways women provide support for the young people who look up to them. Another writer, Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (Sicangu and Ponca), also explores the power of relatives in her young readers chapter book, “The Summer of the Bone Horses.” The book is also an homage to her late brother by telling an interesting piece of his story on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in the late 1940s. Among the awards won by the long-time children’s book author and educator is the National Humanities Medal. Both books are illustrated by the talented artist Steph Littlebird (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde). We’ll hear from all three women about their work.
Break 1 Music: Xgap’isgu (song) Saltwater Hank (artist) Siip’Nsk (album)
Break 2 Music: Coffee (song) James Bilagody (artist) Near Midnight (album)
I’m not Native nor young and haven’t read many children’s books, but I read some Indigenous ones from time to time. I came across one a few years ago that really moved me: “The Blue Bonnet Girl” by Michael Lind.
Correction: the version of the bluebonnet story I came across was by Tomie dePaola. I don’t think dePaola or Lind were Indigenous. Still, the story (of sacrifice) reminds me of Native peoples I know and have read about.