"No problem. Thirsty, thirsty Nibi went back
to the house with the green roof and knocked
and knocked and knocked ... and knocked some
more. Nobody opened the door this time.
Kan-nigotisanon. Nibi pagonadim, kigiye koki
migwam kak ka osawanik ogidabik. Ki papowage ...
kawin awik ogi cebadosin."
Do you remember the last time you had no water to drink following a water shutoff? I surely do. Until that happens, we tend not to think much about our dependence on water for daily living. Can you just go the kitchen tap and get a glass of water anytime you feel thirsty? I suspect that your answer is an affirmative one.
That is not the case for Nibi and her community. When Nibi comes inside for a drink of water to quench her thirst, she is distressed to learn there is no clean water. There is no clean water next door, or down by the river. Everywhere she looks, the water is brown and undrinkable. Perhaps there will be clear, clean water in the next town. Knocking on the door of a big, shiny house, she asks for water. The lady living there offers a bottle and sends Nibi away.
That water is soon gone; Nibi returns to the same house for more. This time there is no answer to her knocking. The same happens at every house she visits in town. So, Nibi makes a sign that says Water Is Life. She holds it aloft as she dances and begs for the water she needs. Her friends at home want to help. They dance for water with her; some of the townspeople come outside in support of Nibi's need. By working together, attention is finally given to the plight of those who don't have clean water to drink, proving one small voice can bring change when heard. Bravo, Nibi.
Originally published in 2019, this book is being re-released as a dual language publication. Six years later, it would be wonderful to think that Nibi's song was the beginning of changes for many communities that still have no clean water. Chief Lady Bird has created colorful, appealing illustrations to help young readers with understanding the dilemma shared here. Nibi's story offers a chance for discussion and understanding about a lack of water in Indigenous communities.
Notes from the author, illustrator, and translator are placed before the book's text. A Let's Talk about Clean Water brings the book to a close.
"This needs to change. You can be part of the solution.
If you think everyone should have clean tap water, tell
your friends, tell your family, tell your teachers - tell
everyone, just like Nibi."
No comments:
Post a Comment