Stand Like a Cedar

A child explores nature and honors the past and present in this picture book. A young Indigenous narrator chronicles interactions with her environment. As she views and listens to her surroundings--revels in autumn leaves, goes berry-picking, runs on a mountain trail, and more--she emphasizes appreciation and respect. ("I am grateful for the roots and shoots, they provide the first springtime feasts for all living things.") The child also describes lessons learned from animals, like a grandfather deer who "explained that death is part of our life cycle. He said to honour our tears as though they were stars in the sky." Throughout the story, the girl connects to her heritage and family ("I am grateful to walk in the footsteps of my ancestors. Their courage to survive ensured our culture and traditions will always be shared") and explains the importance of cherishing loved ones and valuing the land and animals. Campbell's rhythmic writing is wonderful, conveying important messages about the environment and family. Victor's vibrant renderings accompany the engaging text nicely. Bold illustrations portray elements such as weather, nature, and animals alongside evocative details like glowing skylines. An author's note explains the Coastal and Interior Salish languages and the history of Indigenous communities in British Columbia. The book features Nle7kepmxc�n and Halq'emeylem words and phrases, their English translations above in a smaller font. Also included is a glossary that supplies pronunciations and a translation guide. An Indigenous girl shares vivid lessons in this lovely, thoughtful environmental tale. (glossary)

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August 20, 2021
Preschool-Grade 2 Shi-shi-etko (2005) author Campbell (Nleʔkepmx, Sylix, and Metis) here offers a seasonal nod to the natural beauty of her home territory in British Columbia. In spring, people paddle their canoes, listen to loons, notice newborn animals, and gather roots and shoots. In summer they pick berries, hike mountains, and fish for salmon. Autumn brings stories of family and a reminder to care for the earth, while winter finds grizzlies hibernating and ravens singing among the trees. Campbell's text highlights flora and fauna (berries, trees, loons, salmon) as well as some basic tenets of Indigenous belief (caring for the land, appreciating nature, learning from elders). She also intersperses Nleʔkepmxcin, St� lō, and Syilx words and phrases throughout, translating within the text and appending with a glossary. Victor's full-bleed art utilizes numerous shades of green, accented with reds. Her style is realistic with a generous sprinkling of Indigenous Northwest Coast iconography. While readers might wish for more specifics about the importance of cedar to these groups, this makes a good introduction to contemporary Indigenous culture.

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