"My Powerful Hair" Cover
"My Powerful Hair" is a picture book for elementary age students, but the message and history behind it is deep, and powerful. The story is told from a young Native girl's point of view, and she explains how she wants to grow out her hair, because it holds memories and strength for Native peoples. The book explains the cultural significance of growing one's hair and connecting to earth, how braiding a loved one's hair is a symbol of love, and the act of cutting one's hair and putting it in a loved one's grave. All of these actions are important to Native American culture, and it was something I did not understand as a child personally. I did not truly learn about these traditions and symbols until I was in college and made friends with native people who are still involved with their tribes.
At the back of the book, the author provides a backstory to the book. The author's family went through the Native Boarding Schools where their hair was cut off, and they were forced to assimilate into white American society. The goal of these boarding schools was to eliminate Native culture and beliefs, and children were forced to attend them, often by gunpoint. The author explained how her grandparent's attendance to these schools led to a generational trauma- where no one would grow out their hair for fear of looking "wild" or "savage". She also explains her decision to grow her own hair out eventually, as a way to take back her identity.
This is a beautiful, picturesque book. I think even very young students could enjoy the art work and understand the story from images. I feel this would be a great addition to Social Studies classes, as well as something to discuss around Indigenous People's Day.
Comments
Post a Comment