Berry Song – Donnelly Public Library District

Today Miss Sherry gave the honor of the Tribal Land Acknowledgement to a student. Rodney read the Land Acknowledgement.

Native Americans traditionally have not celebrated Christmas, but today we discussed some ways we can honor the Tribes this holiday. One way is in our giving. If you are donating this Holiday please consider adding in your local tribe.

We read Coyote Christmas, Wolf Christmas and Berry Song.

“Huckleberry, Soapberry, Strawberry, Crowberry” this lyrical song is beautifully written and takes you on a wonderful adventure.

A note from the author in the back of the book explains her connection to the story and to berry harvesting. It also includes reference to the role of berries in Tlingit traditions and the importance of protecting the land. It was the perfect wrap up to our celebrations of Native American Heritage month and the start of winter setting in with the big snow falls anticipated for this weekend. The beautiful back pages feature a variety of berries including their English and Tlingit names.

The kids made dream catchers. They actually began making dream catchers. Miss Abbie spoke with the kids about dream catchers.

We adapted a description of why we read a tribal acknowledgement from Stanford University. The students have learned the importance of the Land Acknowledgement and the respect it deserves. Today, Rodney did a beautiful job reading it.

A land acknowledgment is a traditional custom in many Native communities and nations to show respect to the people of the land since time immemorial. The importance of land acknowledgments for non-indigenous individuals and communities relies on the recognition of their relationship to the original inhabitants of a location and to the land. Furthermore, it is a way to show respect and gratitude to the traditional stewards of a specific location, while recognizing that colonialism is still an ongoing process. We understand that acknowledging is not the end of our process. (Stanford University Land Acknowledgment | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability)

We recognize that Donnelly Library sits on the ancestral land of the Nimiipuu Tribe. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Nimiipuu people. Consistent with our values of community and inclusion, we have a responsibility to acknowledge, honor and make visible the Library’s relationship to Native peoples. Today and tomorrow and every day to come we will continue to honor the Nez Perce Tribe.

We further acknowledge that Long Valley was a summer resting ground and we to must continue to seek rest in the Valley.

Today, we honor all of the tribes that chose this Valley as a place of rest. Shoshone-Bannock, Cayuse, and Northern Paiutes, and the NezPerce. May we all find our place of rest. Inside our Teepees we read, we learn, and above all we dream. As we celebrate the season we will honor the land and be grateful for winter as it settles in.