The book “We Are Water Protectors.”

By Katherine

Murwin

Beta Sigma

Chapter president

IRON MOUNTAIN –Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma celebrated its 50th anniversary last fall as it was officially organized on Nov. 12, 1973. Five remaining original members were recognized.

The celebration reflected on the past but looked to the future with the introduction of a special future-oriented project.

Our project goal was to develop a way, in our areas, to share a book in libraries and schools and develop other innovative opportunities to impart the need to safeguard our water and enhance cultural understanding.

We were inspired by a literacy project initiated by Michigan Education Association teachers-in-training who belong to a group called Aspiring Educators of Michigan.

They developed and implemented an outstanding statewide project by using a Caldecott Award-winning children’s book that focuses on two important educational issues. They include the need for each of us to protect our natural water resources and to learn more about our Indigenous people.

The children’s book selected was “We Are Water Protectors.” The author is Carole Lindstrom, who is tribally associated with the Turtle Mountain Band of the Ojibwe. She has woven a story of water protection within her culture.

Michaela Goade is enrolled with the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Her illustrations in this story earned her the Caldecott Medal. This distinguished picture book award has been presented to selected American illustrators yearly since 1938 by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. She is the first indigenous woman to receive it.

Both these themes are particularly vital to our states. We are surrounded by water and we share the cultures of several native peoples. Their activities additionally encouraged listeners to look at what they can do for their communities.

Hopefully, we can add another chapter after hearing the story; How are we going to be water protectors?

Delta Kappa Gamma is an international organization of women educators who are dedicated to promoting excellence in education. Michigan State Organization oversees area chapters.

Beta Sigma Chapter has members from Menominee, Delta, Dickinson and several other Michigan counties and includes members from Marinette and Oconto counties in Wisconsin.