“People come to literature for a lot of different reasons, but very often it involves looking for some sort of reflection of our own experience – and what we read – so that we can feel some sort of affirmation or validation, but also (it’s) important to see the rest of the world, or perhaps, other worlds outside of our experience.” “I myself am mixed-blood Choctaw, Muskogee as well as European, American heritage – so you know it’s a very important topic to me,” George said. It’s vital for Native Americans to be correctly represented in books. Sean George, south region manager for the Phoenix Public Library, said Goade’s work inspires him. The Caldecott Medal, named for a 19th century British illustrator, has been awarded annually by the children’s division of the American Library Association since 1937.

“If we give them diversity and inclusion, it not only helps Indigenous children feel seen and valued and important, it also helps non-Indigenous children and adults see a whole range of lived experiences.” “Children are seeing what we are telling them, and that is important and valued,” Goade said. Her Tlingit name is Sheit.een and she is of the Kiks.ádi Clan (Raven/Frog) from Sheet’ká. Michaela Goade, illustrator of “We Are Water Protectors,” is an enrolled member of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Children need to hear and see that message, she said. Goade used her illustrations not only to help show the need to protect the planet’s natural resources but to show diversity within Indigenous culture. And then, within that, there’s a lot of other elements I wanted to bring forward and really speak for Mother Earth.” “I really wanted to make Standing Rock water protectors and water protectors around the world proud,” said Goade, who is tribally enrolled with the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. The book, written by Carole Lindstrom, was inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America, including the protests led by the Standing Rock Sioux against the Dakota Access Pipeline. (Photo courtesy of Michaela Goade)Īlaska artist Michaela Goade has made history, becoming the first Indigenous illustrator to win the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal for best American picture book for children for her illustrations in “We Are Water Protectors.” “If we give (children) diversity and inclusion, it not only helps Indigenous children feel seen and valued and important, it also helps non-Indigenous children and adults see a whole range of lived experiences,” illustrator Michaela Goade says.

We are water protectors author