The People Shall Continue
Subtitle
40th Anniversary Special Edition
Illustrated by Sharol Graves
Told in the rhythms of traditional oral narrative, this powerful telling of the history of the Native/indigenous peoples of North America recounts their story from creation to the invasion and usurpation of Native lands. As more and more people arrived, The People saw that the new men did not respect the land. The People witnessed the destruction of their Nations and the enslavement of their people. The People fought hard, but eventually agreed to stop fighting and signed treaties.
Many things changed and became more difficult, but The People continued to farm and create crafts. They remembered and told their children, “You are Shawnee. You are Lakota. You are Pima. You are Acoma. ... You are all these Nations of the People.” The People held onto their beliefs and customs and found solidarity with other oppressed people. And despite struggles against greed, destruction of their lands and oppression, The People persisted.
Bio
Simon J. Ortiz, an Acoma poet, is Regents' Professor Emeritus of English and American Indian Studies at Arizona State University.
Praise for this book
The times call on all of us to share 'The People Shall Continue.' Ortiz reminds us that we must come together to save our planet.
Debbie Reese Publisher of American Indians in Children's Literature
Simon Ortiz has long been regarded as a major poetic voice. He brings that voice to bear, along with a deep understanding of the beauty and endurance of Native American cultures, in 'The People Shall Continue.' It is a book that should be in every grade-school library.
Joseph Bruchac Author of "Crazy Horse's Vision"
