We Belong to the Drum is a warm and inviting story shared by Sandra Lamouche. It was inspired by her son’s experience and her family's love of powwow music and dance. This is an uplifting story of the transformative effects of a culturally safe and inclusive learning environment for children. This is a story that looks at early childhood development and the importance of acceptance for all cultures. This story looks at a young boy whose family is rich with cultural pride and immersed in music. The drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and the young boy gravitates towards this teaching through his past experiences. This story teaches young children about powwows and drumming while being very colourful and full of wonderful illustrations for all to enjoy.

Other End Matter: Cree Translations
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Authors Sandra Lamouche (nehiyaw iskwew), Illustrator Azby Whitecalf (Plains Cree), Translator Dolores Greyeyes Sand (first-language speaker of Plains Cree (nêhiyawêwin))
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools & Indigenous Books for Schools

Sandra Lamouche is a Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree woman) from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. She is a wife, mother of two boys with braids, champion women’s hoop dancer, award-winning educator and two-time TEDx speaker. She has a bachelor of arts in Native American studies and is currently completing a thesis on Indigenous dance as a determinant of well-being. Sandra and her family live in Blackfoot Territory (Treaty 7), the heart of powwow country in southern Alberta.

Sandra Lamouche's profile page

Azby Whitecalf (they/them/theirs) is a Plains Cree character designer and illustrator based out of North Battleford, Saskatchewan in Treaty 6 Territory. A graduate of the Alberta University of the Arts, they hold a Bachelor Degree in Visual Communication (Character Design). Their artistic practice focuses on fun and exciting stories with memorable and unique characters, and they enjoy working with bright colours, strong contrast, and fun shapes. Azby is passionate about creating accurate and positive representation of Indigenous Peoples and cultures, as well as exploring how to portray Indigenous Peoples in a way that celebrates multidimensional identities.

Azby Whitecalf's profile page

As a first-language speaker of Plains Cree (nêhiyawêwin), translator Dolores Greyeyes Sand has devoted her career to teaching and promoting Cree language and cultural literacy at every opportunity, proudly following the path laid by her late mother, Dr Freda Ahenakew CM, SOM.

Dolores Greyeyes Sand's profile page

• Long-listed, First Nation Communities Read Awards (FNCR) - Children’s
• Winner, Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL) Bell Picture Book Awards for Early Literacy - Sing
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Commended, Toronto Public Library (TPL) Ready for Reading First and Best List

“This title exemplifies the importance of inclusion and belonging and offers a sense of community, whether it be with family, at cultural events or at daycare. The illustrations are bright, vivid, and joyful and they serve as a wonderful supplement to the text. Recommended for school, home and public libraries.”

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News

“Flowing lines and colorful details to enliven this simple yet emotionally resonant story. ­Offering an appreciative glimpse of Cree culture and traditions, and a gentle message of ­inclusion, this is a welcome addition to the ‘first day of school’ shelves in school and public ­libraries.”

School Library Journal

“This upbeat story, accompanied by exuberant watercolor illustrations, demonstrates the power of sharing and appreciating varying cultures.”

Booklist

“A delightful picture book…Tells a classic family story of a child’s introduction to the world outside of their family and the growing pains involved. Lamouche sweetly emphasizes the importance of family and culture, particularly for Indigenous families.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“A good book filled with illustrations of diversity and inclusion…A great addition to any preschool library. It is relatable to young children, but unique and sets itself apart.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)