Shawnee Ta mi Nourishes: A Children’s Book about Shawnee Culture & History for future generations of Shawnee

The Garden

There are few accurate and Shawnee-specific books that tell the experiences of our people. The book’s goal is to help educate & empower future generations of Shawnee youth and perpetuate our culture.

Preparing the Soil

Researched about 25 children’s books

Attended storytelling workshops and trainings

Engagement with Shawnee tribal youth-surveys

Outlined research areas of focus

Grandpa Gokey with Miami Miincipi, 2013.

THE KERNELSNew Parent & Toddler BookCreate picture book with bold colors, simple drawings and phrases for the home for 2-5 years and parents.

Goal: To bring useful, easy Shawnee phrases into the home and make these easy to say and repeat. Plus, help your children behave!

Scaffold…Shawnee Clans brought in as characters for wee ones, note to parents about clans. Story about shapes of animals paws??? Moral=responsibility.

THE KERNELSTa mi (Corn) BookCreate book that can increase awareness of the central role of corn in Shawnee culture and cultural activity ideas for 6yrs. & up. Goal: to highlight the important role of Shawnee corn in our culture and create ways to engage in growing Shawnee corn or participating in other related activities.

Planting & Sharing the SeedsThis Next Year…

• develop relationships with elders/youth re: traditional foods

• create instructional resources and try things

• attend cultural events

• read and learn more about material culture related to food activities (baskets, mortars)

• learn & share efforts from other communities surrounding food sovereignty

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS?

Renée Gokey

703-855-9311 Niyaaway!