Joanne Robertson

The dual language edition, in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English, of the award-winning story of a determined Ojibwe Nokomis (Grandmother) Josephine-ba Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walked to raise awareness of our need to protect Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men, and youth, have walked around all the Great Lakes from the four salt waters, or oceans, to Lake Superior. The walks are full of challenges, and by her example Josephine-ba invites us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.

Educator Information
This is the dual-language edition, in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English, of The Water Walker. 

Recommended for ages 6-9.

This dual-language edition contains a note on the book's translation into Anishinaabemowin by Shirley Williams -- a fellow water walker -- and Isadore Toulouse, both of whom are from Josephine-ba's home community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation. The translations draw special meaning from the fact that both Shirley and Nokomis were sent to residential school, where they were forbidden from speaking their language. Nokomis was able to read the translation before her passing, and took great joy in the fact that this book would now be shared in Anishinaabemowin. 

This book is available in English: The Water Walker

This book is available in French in June 2021: Nokomis et la marche pour l'eau

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 7.00"

Nibi is water and water is life.

A first conversation about the importance of Nibi—which means water in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)—and our role to thank, respect, love, and protect it. Babies and toddlers can follow Nibi as it rains and snows, splashes or rows, drips and sips. Written from an Anishinaabe water protector’s perspective, the book is in dual language—English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe).

Educator Information
Board Book for ages 0 - 3 / Preschool.

A board book for babies and toddlers that introduces the importance of water and water protection.  Indigenous water protectors, like author Joanne Robertson, are highly respected environmentalists in Canada and across North America.  Joanne Robertson is the author and illustrator of the award-winning picture book The Water Walker.

Dual-language: Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English.  Dual-language books are important in all of our efforts to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Call to Action, specifically the call to promote, support, and teach Indigenous languages.

Subjects: Character Education (Strong Female Role Models); Environmentalism; History & Social Studies (Canadian History, First Nations & Indigenous Peoples, Social Justice).

Translated by Shirley Williams and Isadore Toulouse.

Additional Information
28 pages | 7.00" x 7.00"

L’album raconte l’histoire d’une grand-mère (Nokomis) ojibwé qui, par amour pour l’eau (Nibi), entreprend une longue marche afin de sensibiliser les gens à l’urgence de protéger nibi pour les générations à venir et pour assurer la préservation de la vie sur Terre. Accompagnée de femmes, d’hommes et d’adolescents, elle a entrepris une marche vers les Grands Lacs, les quatre nappes d’eau salée que sont les océans et le Lac Supérieur. Nombre d’embuches ont jalonné ses marches, mais les traces que laisse Josephine-Ba Mandamin nous invitent tous à prendre une part de responsabilité pour la préservation de l’eau, source de vie, et la protection de la planète.L’histoire que raconte et illustre Joanne Robertson est basée sur celle de Nokomis Josephine-ba Mandamin qui a amorcé cette marche pour l’eau en avril 2003. Originaire de la communauté de Wikwemikong de l’île de Manitoulin, Josephine a inspiré de nombreuses autres marches ailleurs dans le monde. En 2015, elle aurait fait jusqu’à 4 500 000 pas!

Educator Information
This book is available in English: The Water Walker

This book is available in a dual-language format (Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English): Nibi Emosaawdang / The Water Walker

Shirley is only five years old when she is taken away by the Indian agent to live at a residential school. She loves learning, but she is not there by choice. From the first day walking up the long, lonely stone steps of the school building, life is hard and full of rules. Separated from her brothers and sisters, she is truly on her own.

Shirley is very brave, but there is no one she loves to hold her at night when she is afraid. No one to tuck her in and comfort her. Shirley keeps going despite the sadness. She makes friends and has adventures. And most of all, she looks ahead to summertime, when she will be able to return to her family and the happiness of home.

A true story.

Reviews
"Through powerful words and illustrations, this book honors Shirley’s lived experiences at residential school while also highlighting her advocacy in ensuring that residential school histories are remembered and taught. Shirley offers an accessible entry point into a complex topic while centering Survivor voices. This book is a moving resource for educators and families committed to truth-telling and learning."- Krista McCracken, Researcher & Curator, Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is available in French: Shirley: une histoire de pensionnat indien.

Additional Information
70 Pages | 7" x 8.5|" | Paperback

Shirley n'a que cinq ans quand l'agent des Indiens l'emmène vivre dans un pensionnat autochtone. Elle adore apprendre, mais elle n'est pas là de son propre gré. Dès le premier jour où elle gravit la longue volée de marches en pierre de l'école, la vie est difficile et les règles sont innombrables. Séparée de ses frères et soeurs, elle est livrée à elle-même.

Shirley est très courageuse, mais elle n'a personne pour la rassurer le soir quand elle a peur. Personne pour la border et la réconforter. Shirley tient bon malgré sa tristesse. Elle se fait des amis et vit des aventures. Et surtout, elle attend impatiemment l'été, car elle pourra alors retrouver sa famille et le bonheur d'être à la maison.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is available in English: Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story 

Additional Information
70 pages | 7.00" x 8.50" | Paperback 

In 2018-2019, The Water Walker was an award recipient for First Nation Communities Read.

The story of a determined Ojibwe Grandmother (Nokomis) Josephine Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men, and youth, have walked around all the Great Lakes from the four salt waters, or oceans, to Lake Superior. The walks are full of challenges, and by her example Josephine invites us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.

Awards
- 2018-2019 First Nation Communities Read

Reviews
"An important topic is treated with grace, love, and a smidgen of humor in this delightful, necessary book." —Kirkus Reviews

"... a worthwhile addition to classroom and public libraries and a resource for discussions about First Nations and ecology." — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"... like so many titles about Indigenous topics finally earning shelf space in Canadian libraries and bookshops, The Water Walker has just as much to teach parents as the children... Joanne Robertson succeeds in answering with her words and her art the same question that Nokomis Josephine answered with her footsteps: 'What are you going to do about it?'" — Anishinabek News

"The Water Walker is a wonderful book about conservation, environmentalism, and preservation, written in a way that even the youngest audience can understand why Nibi is important and why we should protect Nibi.... The book has the potential to be a highly interactive book around which science lesson plans could be formed. Students can discuss how they are protecting Nibi, they can write letters to Nokomis, and there can be discussion around the ways they can create change in the world, just as Nokomis did." — Resource Links

Educator Information
Delivered in English with some Ojibwe words.  Ojibwe glossary and pronunciation guide included in the book.

This book is available in a dual-language format (Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English): Nibi Emosaawdang / The Water Walker

This books available in French: Nokomis et la marche pour l'eau

Additional Information
36 pages | 7.00" x 8.50"