Sue Christian Parsons, Ph.D. Spring 2019: Contemporary Native Perspectives When Oklahoma-born Traci Sorell realized that her own child had no books to reflect his contemporary Cherokee culture, she committed to write one herself. The result of that effort, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, articulates the Cherokee value of gratitude in all circumstance and seasons of life. This nonfiction book speaks to readers simply and directly: Cherokee people say otsaligheliga to express gratitude. It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles—daily, through the year, and across the seasons. Sorell and illustrator Frané Lessac take readers through the seasons, explaining Cherokee traditions and community values. Fall—Uligohvsdi-- is a time to release and renew--…as we clean our houses, wear new clothes, enjoy a feast, and forget old quarrels, remembering the suffering of ancestors and relishing hope in the birth of a baby. Winter—Gola—finds families gathered together, caring for each other, remembering those who have passed on and passing on traditions to the new arrivals. As the Earth renews itself in Spring—Gogeyi-families express gratitude through song and action—planting, creating, retelling important stories—and even in hard goodbyes. Summer—Gogi—is filled with activity—crawdad gigging, stickball, the Green Corn Ceremony—and, always, gratitude for ancestors’ sacrifices to preserve our way of life. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a true picture book, words and images intertwined to tell a richer story than either might alone. That story sways gently between joy and sacrifice, hardship and hope, but remains firmly tethered with gratitude. Lessac has tucked opportunities for discovery throughout her painted spreads. Sorell’s narrative is sprinkled with Cherokee words displayed in English letters and Cherokee syllabary along with a phonetic pronunciation. Back matter includes a glossary, author’s note further explaining Cherokee culture, an overview of Cherokee syllabary, and resources for further exploration. The Importance of Contemporary Native Perspectives There are 570 sovereign Native Nations within the borders of the United States; 39 in Oklahoma.1 Each was a functioning nation before the U.S. was established. They all continue with their own histories, citizens, governments, and traditions. Approximately 5.2 million American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals are part of these nations, comprising about 1.7 percent of the total U.S. population. Interestingly, children make up a larger percentage of AI/AN communities than the U.S. population at large: 32% of Native communities vs. 24% of the total population are under 18. Oklahoma has the second highest proportion of American 1
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http://www.ncai.org/about-tribes; https://www.okhistory.org/research/aitribes)
