a classroom in an Indian boarding school for 'Assimilation,' a lake scene full of families playing on Native-governed land for 'Indian Child Welfare & Education,' etc.). The presentations of each student follow, providing readers with definitions and bullet points about the impacts of the topic on Native Nations and ending with the refrain 'We are still here!' Illustrations reflect some aspect or event of each area of study (e.g. A whiteboard shows the various topics about which the students are researching and crafting presentations, such as the Indian New Deal, Termination, Relocation, and Sovereign Resurgence. Native American kids and their teacher are working on individual projects for Indigenous Peoples' Day. WE ARE STILL HERE! opens in a classroom at a fictional tribal community school (though schools like this do exist). Adults are encouraged to read it to (or with) their kids, and be ready to answer questions or discuss topics further. The weighty content matter and sophisticated vocabulary may deter kids from devouring this book eagerly and on their own, but it's well worth reading. No violent or scary text or pictures, though events such as the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee, are on the timeline in the end pages. The accurate information included in this book will supplement (and sometimes correct) kids' understanding of American history. This new book widens the lens to Native Nations' historical and ongoing struggles and successes with the United States government covering topics like Assimilation, Relocation, Self-determination, and Language Revival. Parents need to know that We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know is written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac, the team behind the award-winning picture book We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, about Cherokee gratitude practices. There are references to murders in the back matter (battle at Wounded Knee, for example), but nothing is pictured or discussed in detail.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

We are still here traci sorell