“This call to protect one of Earth’s most precious resources is a work of art.”
Championing the importance of protecting water from pollution, We Are Water Protectors speaks from the perspective of a young Native American girl teaching readers what she has learned about the importance of water from her people and her culture—that it is medicine; it is alive; it has a memory; it gives life to plants, animals, and humans alike. Inspired by Standing Rock, the antagonist in the book is “the black snake” or oil pipeline. The author and illustrator notes at the back of the book are lengthy, but give additional context and engender additional appreciation for the work and its cause. The message that mankind is stewards of the Earth and responsible for those who cannot speak for themselves is told through lovely poetic text with beautiful connections to water throughout (e.g. “tears like waterfalls”), but where this book truly shines is its exquisite watercolor illustrations, with repeated use of water elements in the subject matter as well as the media. What could have become a run of the mill book with an agenda to be hammered home becomes a work of art under the hands of Goade, with tableaus that absolutely enchant—the little girl’s hair cascades from her head in swirls of streams, lily pads, fish and otters is particularly poignant and mesmerizing.
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, Carole Lindstrom’s bold and lyrical picture book We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguarding the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.
Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all . . .
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth And poison her people’s water, one young water protector Takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.
This book is all about protecting water. What are some ways you personally can help protect water and respect it? Read the author’s note at the back of the book to learn more about some specifics related to her experience with water and her people’s protection of it.
The little girl and her people feel passionately about protecting the water. What is a cause that you feel passionately about? How can you contribute to your own cause?
Carole Lindstrom is Anishinabe/Métis and is a proud member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. She was born and raised in Nebraska and currently makes her home in Maryland.
Michaela Goade is an artist and graphic designer living and working in Juneau, Alaska, where she was also raised. Her childhood was spent in the forests and on the beaches of Southeast Alaska and her artistic style is rooted in the depth and beauty of its landscapes. Forever inspired by the coastal wilds of Southeast Alaska, she works to capture its magic and honor its vibrant cultures. Michaela is from the Raven moiety and Kiks.ádi Clan from Sitka, Alaska.
For Mother Earth and all who defend her.
To Dan and Sam. Husband and son. But also to water protectors everywhere
“An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet.”
“An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet.”