We spoke to some incredible activists in the community about their work and what they’d recommend checking out at this moment in time. Don’t miss the powerful picks in this series from writer, workshop leader and Indigenous rights activist Shuína Skó.
Photograph courtesy of Anonda Rae.
A connection to others and all things
Shuína Skó's foundation lies in their Indigenous Klamath culture. Their work centers around “spirituality and our connectedness to Spirit World. And through that is a deep connection to others and all things.” One of their goals is to “uplift vulnerable people in my community — feminine people, youth, our relatives, animals, [and] elements.”
Photograph courtesy of Anonda Rae.
After an education in civil engineering and architecture, they realized “community, not buildings, was my purpose.” Pivoting into psychology and child welfare, they “developed the skills and love for [reading, writing and presenting].” They started including poetry in presentations “to share the heart of my people” and inspire compassion. Many requested copies afterward, launching Skó's career in poetry. They started writing children’s books after a cultural renovation project at a Chiloquin school library, where they saw a “huge need for diverse children’s literature.” They’re appearing at the library for a spring event around their incredible new book, Little Lok Gets Lost. The plot comes from a traditional Klamath story about the grizzly bear.
“When you live your life dedicated to a purpose — whether it's one or many or whatever that looks like — it's more fulfilling,” Skó shares. “You have a more meaningful impact, which encourages you to continue in that way.”
Want to get involved? Skó recommends building “a connection with someone who is an elder to you ... Show up with a giving heart and the intention to connect, but not to receive. The wisdom and the wellness gifted by elders is just that — a gift. It's a gift that presents itself through the relationship. So when those stories or those little gifts are given, when they are offered, it’s our responsibility to be aware and accepting. But we don't ask for that. So show up in a humble way with the intent to connect and to serve.”
Skó’s recommendations:
For kids: Find Her by Ginger Reno
“A young [Indigenous] girl loses her mother, and it impacts her so much that she becomes an investigator to find missing pets and animals. ... I like this book because it centers action. This youth, it’s not just about her emotions, it’s about her emotions and actions. I think that’s powerful. Even when we talk about allies, we’re talking about their actions and how their actions can support the people that they're in allyship with. ... This one's really powerful and impactful.”
For adults: We Survived the Night by Julian Brave NoiseCat
“This memoir talks about [NoiseCat’s] experience as an Indigenous youth who is growing into his cultural identity, and he weaves together two separate forms of writing. It combines traditional storytelling ... woven into this journalistic style of writing that’s really informative. I love that the storytelling keeps you involved [and] flipping through the pages, keeps that emotion and relatability happening, and then the informative piece keeps you interested. It teaches quite a bit.”
For poetry fans: Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade
“A beautiful, simple, wonderful children's book. This, in my opinion, can be for all ages — it's just awesome. The illustrations are fantastic. Joy Harjo’s poetry is so beautiful. ... Because we are a culture that experiences colonization, removal from our culture, removal from identity and assimilation, much of what's spoken about within the Indigenous community now is not necessarily informing people on the harms that have happened, but informing people about who we are. Let's inform people the truth of who we are, the core of who we are, the spirit of who we are. It's also celebrating our culture and our strength and our wellness and all the things that make us united. ... [The book encourages you] to think about yourself in a more meaningful, grounded, connected way.”
These excellent recommendations are a fantastic place to get started. Make sure to check out the full series!
Feeling inspired? Want to dive into activism yourself? In February, you can learn how to make change happen in a civics for adults course.
If you’re itching for even more books to read, check out our community care and activism reading list.
Reading lists
Community care and activism
When the world asks you to step aside, these titles show you how to stand up. Care for your community and care for yourself in times like these.
Get inspired by community activist recommendations from Multcolib
We spoke to some incredible activists in the community about their work and what they’d recommend checking out at this moment in time. Don’t miss the powerful picks in this series.
