Starred Review ALA Booklist (Fri May 27 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Starred Review This enlightening book explains how Indigenous people learn, practice, and pass along traditional Indigenous knowledge of the natural world. That knowledge weaves in the idea that "everything is connected, the world is a gift, the sacred is a vital part of knowing and we are always learning." It emphasizes how important it is that this understanding is retained and used to help combat some of the issues facing Indigenous people today. Yellowhorn (Piikani Nation) tells traditional stories and uses contemporary examples to illustrate these ideas. Chapters focus on the knowledge of protecting the water, the sky, the sacred role of fire and smoke, food security, healing ways, and the importance of knowledge keepers such as Elders. There is great emphasis on being in harmony with one's body for health and with the earth to combat the effects of climate change. Throughout the book, readers "meet" notable and influential Indigenous people who have made a difference, like water protectors Wilma Mankiller (Oklahoma Cherokee), George Heron (Seneca), and Autumn Peltier (Anishinaabe, Wikwemikong Unceded Territory). This relevant, timely, and appealingly designed book is highly recommended for young readers who are looking to learn more about the knowledge and contributions of Indigenous people. Included in the source material are fact boxes, full-color photos, artwork, a glossary, selected reading materials, and an index.

Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Indigenous knowledge and modern science are braided together in this fascinating book.Yellowhorn and Lowinger capably demonstrate how Indigenous knowledge systems developed over the course of history on the basis of practical application and Indigenous peoples' lived experiences. Through oral transmission, knowledge has been passed down through the generations by ancestors who had a vast understanding of the natural world. "Everything is connected. The world is a gift. The sacred is a vital part of knowing. We are always learning." Earth science and Native lore come together to explain how human beings looked to the land, the sky, animals, and plants as a means to survive and understand our existence. Some of the book's subsections describe pivotal historical events, while others look at celebrations and ceremonies, such as the Navajo fire dance, to show how Indigenous peoples share traditional knowledge. Today, Indigenous peoples keep this knowledge alive by using it to inform modern approaches in fields such as water conservation, medicine, astronomy, food science, and more. This rich and informative text is interspersed with engaging traditional stories that underscore the expository nonfiction material. Sidebars highlight influential Indigenous figures and important concepts. With beautiful photography and illustrations, this browsable book drives home the importance of caring for the natural environment and suggests the best methods to do so.An authoritative tribute to Indigenous knowledge systems that's a must-have for every library and classroom. (glossary, selected reading, sources, index) (Nonfiction. 11-adult)

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Indigenous knowledge and modern science are braided together in this fascinating book.Yellowhorn and Lowinger capably demonstrate how Indigenous knowledge systems developed over the course of history on the basis of practical application and Indigenous peoples' lived experiences. Through oral transmission, knowledge has been passed down through the generations by ancestors who had a vast understanding of the natural world. "Everything is connected. The world is a gift. The sacred is a vital part of knowing. We are always learning." Earth science and Native lore come together to explain how human beings looked to the land, the sky, animals, and plants as a means to survive and understand our existence. Some of the book's subsections describe pivotal historical events, while others look at celebrations and ceremonies, such as the Navajo fire dance, to show how Indigenous peoples share traditional knowledge. Today, Indigenous peoples keep this knowledge alive by using it to inform modern approaches in fields such as water conservation, medicine, astronomy, food science, and more. This rich and informative text is interspersed with engaging traditional stories that underscore the expository nonfiction material. Sidebars highlight influential Indigenous figures and important concepts. With beautiful photography and illustrations, this browsable book drives home the importance of caring for the natural environment and suggests the best methods to do so.An authoritative tribute to Indigenous knowledge systems that's a must-have for every library and classroom. (glossary, selected reading, sources, index) (Nonfiction. 11-adult)