Description
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message is a children's picture book by Chief Jake Swamp. This version of the Iroquois Thanksgiving Address or Ganohonyohk is written especially for children who want to know more about Six Nations Iroquois spirituality. The Thanksgiving Address is one of the key speeches of the Six Nations Iroquois. The Thanksgiving Address is given to open and close social and religious gatherings in traditional Iroquois communities. The Address varies in length and detail according to each speaker. Jake Swamp is a Mohawk Chief and has prepared a simplified text that young readers can appreciate. Each page of the text addresses one aspect of creation, beginning with the people and extending to all of creation, including the food plants, animals, plants, trees, water, birds, four winds, thunders, sun, moon, stars, and spirit protectors. Above all, the speech gives thanks to the Creator or Great Spirit for the wonderful gifts of Mother Earth. The stylized, full colour illustrations by Erwin Printup, Jr. enhance the text. The endnote gives a simplified Mohawk version of the Thanksgiving Address. This adapted version of the Thanksgiving Address allows young readers to understand the inherent interconnectedness and respect for the environment of the Six Nations Iroquois/Haudenosaunee. DRA: 30; Guided Reading Level: M; AR Level: 3.3; Lexile Level: 680.