My Little Ogichidaa: An Indigenous Lullaby

Synopsis:

My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior.

The word Ogichidaa itself means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to Indigenous families everywhere who are proudly raising their children to carry forward their culture, language, and love with resilience, strength, and kindness. This story is proof that despite colonization, our world is full of Indigenous art, beauty, love, and brilliance. Through the eyes of a mother, readers gain insight into the profound bonds of family and community that are central to Indigenous life. This heartwarming and empowering story is a celebration of Indigenous love and the powerful legacy that it creates.

Reviews
"This is a story about the love, dreams, and hope a mother has for her unborn child, shared in words and meaningful imagery (for example, the unborn child connected to the strength of ancestors). Throughout the story, the mother talks about the important changes the child will bring to the world, Indigenizing spaces in a way that the child’s ancestors could only hope, such as continuing cultural Traditions and speaking out against injustice. In a sensitive, child-friendly way, the images refer to colonial harms juxtaposed against a growing plant that grows as the child grows. Inside the front cover, the mother is planting the seeds, and inside the back cover, the plant is fully grown with orange petals.... Cautions / Content Warnings: The author mentions the children who died at residential school and indirectly references MMIWG with an image of people wearing red with a moosehide pin." - Alethea S., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Find a lesson plan for this book here: My Little Ogichidaa Teacher Lesson Plan 

This book is available in French: Ma petite Ogichidaa: une berceuse autochtone

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Social Studies, in Grades 2 to 4.

Themes: Ancestors, Decolonization, Resilience, Connectedness to Culture, Family

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Hardcover