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Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior

Elementary

Description

This book tells the story of real-life water protectors Autumn Peltier and her great-aunt Josephine Mandamin, two Indigenous Rights Activists who work tirelessly to protect their water.  The author uses the real-life activism of a First Nations teen, Autumn Peltier, to show that this is a contemporary issue that young people have taken up and are pursuing justice and solutions. As the environmental crisis becomes more dire, young activists are raising their voices to bring awareness to policymakers on a global scale.

In their ranks is water activist Autumn Peltier, who became the youngest Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation in 2019 at the age of 14. Before her, that title was held by her great aunt Josephine Mandamin. Josephine walked over 15,000 miles in her lifetime to advocate for the importance of clean water. Autumn continues the struggle in the footsteps of her great-aunt, Josephine Mandamin, and those who came before.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book is an excellent resource for a water unit, reconciliation, Indigenous Knowledge, empowering young people, and more. It is a wonderful book for students to read to understand the power of raising a voice for a cause. It is also an excellent addition to the genre of picture books that prompt investigation and discussion about critical social issues such as water pollution, destruction of water resources, and the exclusion of Indigenous people.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Water is essential to all living things and it cycles through the environment
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Wind, water, and ice change the shape of the land.
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Air and Water in the Environment
  • New Brunswick
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    • Kindergarten
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explore Your World: Diversity and Social Responsibility
    • Grade 1
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explore Your World: Diversity and Social Responsibility
    • Grade 2
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explore Your World: Diversity and Social Responsibility
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Our Local Environment : Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Air and Water in the Environment
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Air and Water in the Environment
  • Nunavut
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
  • Ontario
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    • Grade 2
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      • Science & Technology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth and Space Systems: Air & Water in the Environment
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Air & Water in the Environment
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Air and Water in the Environment
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Water is essential to all living things and it cycles through the environment
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Wind, water, and ice change the shape of the land.

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Environmental Contaminants & Health Hazards

Indigenous Knowledge (1)

  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Water (2)

  • Water Quality
  • Watershed Protection