Sky Wolf's Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge

by Eldon Yellowhorn, Kathy Lowinger

From healing to astronomy to our connection to the natural world, the lessons from Indigenous knowledge inform our learning and practices today.

How do knowledge systems get passed down over generations? Through the knowledge inherited from their Elders and ancestors, Indigenous Peoples throughout North America have observed, practiced, experimented, and interacted with plants, animals, the sky, and the waters over millennia. Knowledge keepers have shared their wisdom with younger people through oral history, stories, ceremonies, and records that took many forms.

In Sky Wolf’s Call, award-winning author team of Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger reveal how Indigenous knowledge comes from centuries of practices, experiences, and ideas gathered by people who have a long history with the natural world. Indigenous knowledge is explored through the use of fire and water, the acquisition of food, the study of astronomy, and healing practices.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Middle Grade, History, Science, Childrens, Audiobook

120 pages, Hardcover

Published April 5, 2022

Reviews

[Lellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Wolf's Call is a collection of Indigenous knowledge of the natural world across native communities throughout North America. Each chapter focuses on a different element (fire, water, food, etc.). For example, the water chapter gives mythological stories about the ways water is sacred and how these stories shape culture, shows how the ancient Hohokam's built canals and how canoes shaped North American coasts, and shows how today there are policies in place that make water polluted or inaccessible on reservations and how Indigenous people are fighting for their rights to water. This is the format throughout and also includes modern people who are leading these causes. I like that it included examples from tribes across Canada, the US, and Mexico. It's very informative and includes a glossary, further reading examples, and a source log in the back.

This should be required reading in elementary schools. It is beyond the time to start listening to Indigenous voices and to ensure that the remaining languages and cultures that exist can continue to exist.

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Wolf's Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge tells of how different Indigenous People work with nature and preserve the knowledge of water, fire, food, healing and sky. This knowledge braids together the ideas that "Everything is connected. The world is a gift. The sacred is a vital part of knowing. We are always learning." Through the chapters these traditional ideas are explored and combined with contemporary scientific knowledge to apply these ideas of sustainability to a modern world.
Designed for middle grade readers, but a wonderful book for anyone wondering how to reconnect with nature. I absolutely loved the idea of Etuapmumk or "two-eyed seeing," using the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing combined with the scientific worldview. Each section includes stories from the author's Piikani heritage, history and knowledge of how several different Indigenous people use and protect the resource as well as profiles of contemporary keepers of knowledge for that resource. I loved the examples and pictures of how Indigenous people have worked with nature throughout history and today as well as how to keep the knowledge going.

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The design of the book is gorgeous. It says all pictures aren't final, but they are stunning. The play between the background colors and the font colors, along with pictures of the landscapes and people made for a quick and enjoyable read. There is so much in this book that is perfect for all ages to read on their own or to be read to. The glossary, resources, and index at the back are well done. A must purchase for libraries.

[Sassy Mystic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

An educational narrative that acknowledges the importance of utilizing the stories of the knowledge keepers to maintain and conserve environmental resources and systems for future generations. It is imperative to develop a comprehensive understanding of modern and past human society in the role of being stewards of the earth.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction book is a gift to us from the Indigenous people. It shows us how over the course of history how their knowledge systems came to be. This knowledge came from practical application and their lived experiences. Indigenous knowledge is transmitted by word of mouth. They have a vast understanding of the natural world. Native lore explained how they look at the land, sky, animals and plants to survive and understand their existence. They keep their knowledge alive by using to inform modern science information in many field such as water conversation, astronomy, and medicine. The text of this book is interspersed with traditional stories. This book has gorgeous photograph and illustrations driving home the importance of caring for the natural environment and the best suggestions to help it.

The book includes a glossary, bibliography, reading sources and index. It is a great book for libraries. The book is fascinating to read. I knew the Indigenous people were “in touch” with the natural earth but I discovered to my delight how much more they knew. It is also a good book to have in your home library.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was clearly looking forward to this book being a book about quotes or maybe tales from the Native American tribes so was clearly surprised that wasn't the case. Instead this is a book that explores the knowledge that the Indigenous people have right now from their ancestors and how they are using it to 1.) Make better lives for themselves and their communities, 2.) How they are preserving it for future generations, 3) To share the information with others who may not know it and 4.) How all the teachings are actually related to one another at the most basic level.

Since there is clearly so much information included to cover water practices, fire practices, history, modern day concepts and changes and so much more that it does make the book a bit text heavy for a children's book. There is also included: stories that the author is telling from his own tribe along with additional inserts to provide more information, the captions of the photographs, included artwork from other indigenous artists, fictional short stories to put the reader into the lives of some of these tribes and even scattered through Meet Person inserts that provide the reader with information about notable indigenous leaders, activists like Wilma Mankiller, professionals seeking to bring in more indigenous people to their field and so much more.

My only true main problem that I had with it was the fact that the author chose to use indigenous terms while also highlighting that so many native tongues are vanishing thus we need to do anything we can to stop that from going on. But even with all that inconsideration he didn't choose to include any type of pronunciation guide for those who may be reading it from a perspective where they have no concept of how to pronounce these names.

All in all I would most definitely recommend this book for any school library and not for any one particular subject since there is so much to explore within its pages.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to rate this higher simply because it's a kid's book and I'm an adult, but it's a solid 3.5 stars. I think it suffers for being a pan-Indigenous book from all of Turtle Island, as that feeds into my settler stuckness of viewpoint that tends to erase national differences. This also means that while there's some fantastic specific examples of Indigenous knowledge and resiliency, the book stays quite broad. I'd like more specificity and depth to help counter entrenched Western ways of knowing. All that said, I'd say this is a decent introduction for middle schoolers as part of a broader education on Indigenous strengths. It would be best with an adult guide in that case, however, as concepts like two-eyed knowing are mentioned but only given a sentence or two and not clearly defined, yet are foundational to TEK approaches, and somebody without that context will quickly miss it. The best part of this book is the Indigenous stories that are shared!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the two previous collaborations of Yellowhorn and Lowinger (Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People and What the Eagle Sees: Indigenous Stories of Rebellion and Renewal) and loved both, so I've been looking forward to reading Sky Wolf's Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge. It's an enjoyable, engaging, and informative read, and I would definitely recommend it. It covers Indigenous science, history, and philosophy, and it manages to be a very informative primer on the subject, as well as a great case for introducing these ideas into mainstream knowledge for the benefit of all (and especially Indigenous people). It's worth the read for sure, and I plan on continuing to read anything they put out.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book on how Indigenous peoples' oral traditions and knowledge have informed modern science, and the importance of keeping these traditions alive. I learned a lot about Indigenous peoples' history, cultures, and traditions, and the book is written in such an engaging way that the reader can't help but be interested! Any and all libraries would benefit from having this book, whether it's a public, school, or home library.

#SkyWolfsCall #NetGalley

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sky Wolf’s Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger is 120 jam packed pages showing the way that knowledge has been passed down over the centuries. So many beautiful photos and current information.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting approachable book showing how Native American approaches to land, water, history and environmentalism work within their traditions. Great pictures show both the past and current initiatives and methods.

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information contained within this book gives an important perspective on our place within the world. It is important for students to have knowledge of how Indigenous peoples across time have contributed and still contribute to humanity's worldview.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing worldview, powerful stories and concepts, introduction to an important way of looking at the world

[Juli Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to produce beautiful, thoughtful, accessible nonfiction about indigenous history and culture. Spot-on.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharing indigenous knowledge has always been more of an oral tradition. This was an interesting book and had some great information. Perfect for younger readers!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cursory look at indigenous peoples’ views on water, fire, food, healing, astronomy, and cultural knowledge. Includes an index, glossary, and selection of further readings.

[Jessica Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as I know this is the only book of its kind!

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Turtle Island by the same authors so I was excited to read Sky Wolf’s Call. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with this book.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The format for this title (and the series) incorporates traditional book elements (table of contents, index, picture captions, sidebars, chapter titles and subheadings, with back matter that includes glossary, bibliography, and added reading sources). The text itself is a readable and appealing blend of explanatory text, storytelling, and profiles of Indigenous knowledge leaders among past and contemporary communities.
By spanning many centuries through legendary tales, historical practices, modern applications, archival photos and modern images with photos, illustrations, and diagrams, these brief but potent chapters are very user-friendly and also invite questions and participation from readers.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Sky Wolf's Call is a well written, accessible, and respectful examination of the knowledge systems of the indigenous peoples of North America and how they have traditionally passed on knowledge to younger generations. Due out 5th April 2022 from Annick Press, it's 120 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

The authors, Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger, have written clearly and understandably. Although the book is aimed at young/middle school aged readers, I found it both interesting and educational. Potentially unfamiliar terms and names (indigenous, tribes, nations, Indian, Aboriginal, and many more) are defined clearly in context, and the book also contains an abbreviated glossary and index.

The material is arranged logically and thematically: the systems of passing knowledge (Sky Wolf's call), water knowledge, fire and smoke knowledge and uses, food and food security, healing, celestial physics/navigation/time, keeping and passing on traditional knowledge, and culture and the future. I am so impressed with how meticulously this book is researched and how respectfully written - the bibliography and resource links will provide readers with many hours of further exploration and learning.

The book is very well photographed throughout with lots of facsimile documents, paintings, charts, and objects in addition to the beautiful colour photography of animals, people, gatherings, and landscapes. It would make a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, classroom use, or for the home library.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Wolf's Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger is currently scheduled for release on April 5 2021. How do knowledge systems get passed down over generations? Through the knowledge inherited from their Elders and ancestors, Indigenous Peoples throughout North America have observed, practiced, experimented, and interacted with plants, animals, the sky, and the waters over millennia. Knowledge keepers have shared their wisdom with younger people through oral history, stories, ceremonies, and records that took many forms. In Sky Wolf’s Call, award-winning author team of Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger reveal how Indigenous knowledge comes from centuries of practices, experiences, and ideas gathered by people who have a long history with the natural world. Indigenous knowledge is explored through the use of fire and water, the acquisition of food, the study of astronomy, and healing practices.

Sky Wolf’s Call is a wonderful and enlightening look at the perspective and knowledge held by the Indigenous Peoples of North America. I enjoyed getting a better understanding of the variety of stories and beliefs, and the vast array of knowledge they hold. I found the writing to be accessible and compelling. The images and page formatting were well done, keeping the eye and attention of the reader focused on the pages. I think this book is a great addition to classroom, school, and personal libraries. It is a valuable resource on several levels and importantly reminds us all how easily stories, culture, knowledge, and history can be lost. I think I will take a second look at some sections, because there is simply so much that I did not know and I feel like I might have missed or forgotten details because of interruptions while I was reading or the sheer volume of information I want to remember. I really love that the authors included a glossary, index, and (my favorite) websites and books for further reading. This makes me happy every time.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors draw on the centuries old teachings of the North American Indigenous People that have been lovingly passed from one generation to the next in order to foster respect for nature, water, fire, food, buffalo, salmon. History , language and stories are woven into the text, along with information about contemporary knowledge keepers who share this information. Reading this book was like listening to a sacred hymn to Mother Earth. Highly recommend to middle grades through adult.
Thank you to Annick Press and NetGalley for the digital arc.