Indigenous ingenuity A celebration of traditional North American knowledge

Review by Booklist Review

When Europeans arrived in North America, they encountered cultures very different from their own and made racist assumptions that let them presume they had free reign over the land. Havrelock and Kay detail numerous innovations used by precontact Indigenous groups that were equal to (and in some cases superior to) European technology of the time. Following an introduction to Turtle Island, Indigenous worldviews, and traditional knowledge, individual chapters detail inventions in land management, transportation, communication, food technology, health sciences, textiles, architecture, hunting, mathematics, and the arts. A final chapter notes contemporary projects employing traditional ecological knowledge to create a sustainable future. Examples range from cultural burning (which ensures healthy ecosystems but was banned by the U.S. government) to coastal fish traps and weirs to brain surgery (successfully performed by Aztecs and Mayans). The authors describe these developments in the context of STEM and Western science; simple activities and process descriptions are also included along with some recipes. Black-andwhite art includes archival photos, drawings, inset captions, mechanical drawings, and illustrative charts. Lists of "Cultural Areas and Peoples Referenced," contemporary Indigenous science organizations, and source notes are appended. Engaging and informative, this will be welcomed by both STEM and social studies curricula to help to correct prevailing narratives about Indigenous technology.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

In this approachable work, Saddle Lake Cree Nation author Havrelock (Buffalo Wild!) and Kay (the Gross Science series) focus on "precontact North American Indigenous STEM. That is, the traditional knowledge that Indigenous people were already using before 1492." Via authoritative, meticulously researched prose, the creators detail Native peoples' significant strides in scientific pursuits. Outlining ongoing advancements and detailing informational STEM practices, chapters cover sustainable land management and ecology, communications technology, transportation, health sciences, architecture and civil engineering, and more. In a chapter highlighting agriculture and food technology, the authors note how, 9,000 years ago, Mesoamerican Indigenous farmers genetically engineered select grass seeds to create corn as it is known today. By connecting Indigenous peoples' overlooked endeavors to the concepts' modern-day counterparts--for example, coats made of animal intestines, which the Inuit called annuraaq, were eventually adopted by British colonizers, who called them anoraks--Havrelock and Kay showcase Native tribes' continual and enduring impact. Photographs, as well as interactive activities detailing recipes and science experiments, feature throughout, lending a hands-on approach to this clear and concise work. Back matter includes tribal territories, a glossary, a list of Indigenous science organizations, and more. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8--12. Agent: Amy Tompkins, Transatlantic Literary. (May)

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Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 5 Up--Havrelock (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) and Kay present an extraordinarily comprehensive history of Indigenous peoples of North America and their important contributions to the world of STEM. Throughout the eras, Indigenous peoples have positively added to the realms of ecology, transportation, communications, agriculture, textile technology, mathematics, and more. In North America, those identifying as Indigenous number 25 million, from over 1,000 nations, each with its own culture, language, oral traditions, and traditional knowledge. Written in a conversational tone with interesting prompts and important, little-known historical facts, this book will amaze readers and teachers as it demonstrates how pervasive and crucial the history of Indigenous people is. The title is accessible, with tie-ins students can relate to, such as the dogsled teams that brought anti-diphtheria serum to remote Alaska comparing to similar extreme efforts during the COVID-19 era. Black-and-white photos, both modern and historical, are peppered throughout, as are simple yet fun experiments and activities. Readers are called upon to reciprocate and focus on a sustainable future for their generation and those yet to come. The book contains an authors' note explaining their vision to celebrate North American Indigenous innovations in STEM, along with a glossary, bibliography, notes, and an index. VERDICT A completely unique and important narrative not to be missed; readers and teachers will come away with a new appreciation for the myriad contributions Indigenous people have made.--Michele Shaw

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Review by Kirkus Book Review

A comprehensive unveiling of the "rich scientific legacy" of Indigenous Peoples. Havrelock (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) and Kay address misunderstandings about Indigenous Peoples and their ways of knowing. They reveal significant Indigenous contributions in the areas of ecology and sustainability, transportation, health sciences, mathematics, and more. Readers are called to action "to come together and build a mutually respectful and healthier future." A conversational tone invites readers to engage with this monumental collection and explore the forward thinking of numerous Indigenous nations, each credited for their ideas by name. Curious readers will learn facts unique to individual tribal groups while gaining knowledge of STEM/STEAM concepts such as friction, biochemistry, papermaking, musical instruments, and more. Each chapter highlights how Indigenous inventions have long-lasting legacies. For example, the authors explore how Indigenous designers created the continent's first metal fishhooks along with the precursors to anoraks and crampons, to name a few. Modern and historical photographs adorn the text seamlessly, enhancing the reading experience. An ancient counting system is hidden in plain sight throughout, which observant readers discover in a later chapter. Minibiographies of contemporary Indigenous role models shine in sidebars, including artists, scientists, and other innovators. Young readers will delight in simple science experiments sprinkled throughout. Final art not seen. An ambitious, appealing, and accessible work documenting and protecting valuable knowledge. (cultural areas and peoples referenced, glossary, Indigenous science organizations, bibliography, source notes, index) (Nonfiction. 9-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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