• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 8

A collection of original legends told in a strong rhythmic language, this new revised edition of Kou-Skelowh/We Are the People features the Okanagan language and uses stories to teach readers about the values of sharing, self-sacrifice and reverence for life in all forms.

Barbara Marchand is a published author and editor and an illustrator of children's books and young adult books. Her credits include Kou-Skelowh/We are the People: A Trilogy of Okanagan Legends (new bilingual edition), We are the People: A Trilogy of Okanagan Legends, Kou-Skelowh/We Are the People: How Food Was Given and How Names Were Given & How Tu: A Trilogy of Okanagan Legends.

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Barb Marchand's vital, expressive watercolours bring the creatures alive. Her adroit portrayal of self-important Coyote in the telling but hilarious How Names Were Given adds to his personality. The touching humanity of this story is the stuff of great legends. And Marchand's illustrations echo the compassionate but musical voice that tells this story.

Elizabeth MacCallum, Children's Book Reviewer, The Globe and Mail

Kou-Skelowh / We Are the People: A Trilogy of Okanagan Legends

First published together in 2009, this is a delightful collection of three original native legends: How Food Was Given, How Names Were Given, and How Turtle Set the Animals Free. Each legend, told in English and the Okanagan Language, reveals strong native values of humbleness, giving, sharing, loyalty and respect, as told through the central ‘chief’ animal characters. The colour illustrations further bring the legends to life. Includes a glossary.

Originally, these legends were shared orally by elders from the Okanagan Elders Council (OEC). First translated into English, then published in 1984, they were shared in traditional Okanagan Culture Protocol. The OEC later agreed that no individual could claim ownership of these legends, nor profit from the sales of the book.

This title is also recommended for ELL.