We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know

There’s a lot to say about We Are Still Here! and it’s hard to know where to begin. The format and structure of the story are very clever and accessible. Rather than a linear history of Native Nations under the colonization of the United States, the book relates information from the perspective of student presentations. The setting is a celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day at a Native-operated school in what appears to be an urban environment. This was a wonderful choice because it dispels the notion that Native Americans only live on reservations. The choice of setting has deeper meaning––one of the presentations is about relocation, the federal policy of moving Indigenous Peoples from their tribal lands.

Sorell contrasts these painful policies with the vibrancy of different Native Nations’ cultures, pride, activism, and self-determination. Each presentation double-spread page ends with “We are still here!” As Sorell explains, “We are still here because we have survived. We seek opportunities to thrive and work alongside other to protect the land, water and other resources everyone depends on to exist on this planet.” The book is illustrated by Frane Lessac. The illustrations are bright and vibrant, and they are drawn from historical scenes and current events. I also appreciated the timeline, notes, and resources section at the end of the book.