Who Am I?
Follow a young girl as her mother shows her her interconnections with Mother Earth and the larger world.
Themes: familial and ancestral connections, connections to world, identity discovery
Photo Source: Buchholtz' wesbite
About the Author and Honored Guest
Julie Buchholtz is a member of the Bay Mills Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She lives in Brimley, Michigan along the shores of Lake Superior.
-Bio from Strong Nations
About the Illustrator
Aliya Ghare is a "Toronto-based illustrator and product designer. As a life-long artist and designer, I’m interested in visual communication, making ideas and processes more accessible, and working in areas where design has a meaningful impact in people's lives. Previously, I’ve worked as a surface designer and currently have a full-time illustration practice where I create work for editorial, advertising, children’s books, and more. When not consumed by Figma or Photoshop, I can be spotted drawing, reading, attempting to bake, and making obscure pop-culture references,"
-Bio from Aliya Ghare's website
Photo Source: Ghare's Website
Discussion Questions
Image Source: Who Am I?
What do you think the little girl's mama means when she says they are connected to all of the beings on Earth?
At the end of the book, the little girl realizes that she "isn't so little after all", what do you think she means by this? What is the power in recognizing that she is a part of something larger?
The little girl learns of her connections through her mama, are there any older adults who have taught you? Can you teach others about your connections with the Earth?
Learning Activities
Can you think of all the ways you are connected to the larger world? How can you show respect and care for Mother Earth and all of her beings?
Looking through the book, can you pick out all of the different beings that appear? What beings do you come across in your life, are they different or similar?
Think of an animal, or plant. What beings are they connected to and interact with? How would losing one of those beings impact the animal/plant?
Image Source: Who Am I?
Explore More
Image Source: Who Am I?
Explore this article from The United Nations which explores twelve "small" actions we can all take to advocate for our planet.
Map of Life, is an interactive website where you can learn what species live in your area. You can also explore patterns, species and indicators.
Learn more about the concept of 7 Generations with this short video with Ron (Deganadus) McLester from Academic Algonquin.
Do you want to learn even more words in Ojibwe? Visit the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary online!
