Because, as creators, it is both of our stories. At the same time, I need to make sure to allow room for the illustrator to interpret my words in their own way. Because I am limited to usually 500 words, I have to make sure each word is chosen with care. When I write picture books, I have to be very careful of every word that I choose. I have hope that the next generation, YOU, will continue to see the importance of preserving our precious planet by pledging to be a water protector with me! Most tribes and their allies continue to fight pipelines and the extraction industry. These pipeline leaks cause considerable environmental damage on a daily basis. And there was a leak, even before the last pipe was laid in the ground. Sadly, the pipeline has been built, despite DAPL having failed to provide an Environmental Impact Statement as to how the pipeline would affect the environment should there be a leak. This is an issue all living things on our planet face. This is not just a Native American issue. The prophecy is coming to life right before our eyes.Ĭourtesy of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. The Ojibwe have a prophecy (as do many tribes), called the “Seven Fires Prophecy.” It foretold of a black snake that would come to destroy the earth if humans do not treat it with kindness and care. A story about this important movement and how it impacted the world by bringing together over 500 Native Nations from all over the world to stand for clean water.

But I knew what was! Using my voice to tell a story. Traveling to North Dakota from my home wasn’t possible.

I’m sure that is a strong reason why I felt compelled to help and offer my support. In Ojibwe culture women are the protectors of the water. As well as being a fellow water protector and steward of the earth. It had a profound effect on me, in terms of my identity – being a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. I became aware of the situation in late May 2016, through social media. This movement of water protectors grew as word spread about the tribe’s struggle against DAPL. A pipeline which would carry crude oil in pipelines underground.Ī camp was started by a few tribal members from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in April 2016 near the Cannonball River in Fort Yates, North Dakota in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. I was inspired by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s protection of their land and water against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

I wrote We Are Water Protectors as a love letter to Standing Rock and all Indigenous People’s fighting for clean water and for the health of Mother Earth.

We are water protectors book