"Water is the first medicine.  It affects and connects us all."

Content Area Connections:

Language Arts: Analyze how words and illustrations together convey meaning or theme, identify figurative language, engage in collaborative discussions about environmental themes and indigenous voices, create a persuasive piece advocating for environmental stewardship
Social Studies: Water rights, environmental justice, indigenous sovereignty
Science: Water cycles, ecosystems, conservation, climate systems
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Responsible decision-making, collective action, advocacy, respect for community values
Art: Symbolism in illustrations, watercolor

Primary Source Connection: 

• Photographs and stories from real Water Protectors NPR article on Standing Rock Water Protectors
• Youtube Video of Standing Rock Youth Council's intervention at United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• Various perspectives on the issue Museum of the American Indian Dakota Pipeline webpage 

Other Books: 

• Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story (PK-4)
• The Water Walker (1-6)
• Somos guardianes del agua (PK-6)