A Moving Meditation Through the Seasons

Stand Like a Cedar by Nicola I. Campbell and Carrielynn Victor stands as a reminder of the gifts of the land and our responsibility to her. It is a beautiful love letter and a call to respect the land and creatures around us.

Nicola I. Campbell effortlessly weaves traditional Salish words and phrases from several of the Salish dialects into this inspiring story of presence. We follow Indigenous children through all the seasons as they explore the land and the earth. Throughout readers are asked questions: “Who did you see?” and “Who did you hear?” Flowing from season to season, readers enjoy the lyrical text and the poignant illustrations, reminders of the traditions, new and old, of the Indigenous communities in British Columbia as well as whispers of the teaching of all the creatures big and small. The story is a moving meditation and a love letter to the life sustaining earth. It is a stark reminder of what will happen if we don’t honour Mother Earth and respect her as is our duty as guests and caretakers of the land.

Carrielynn Victor honours the flowing text through her gorgeous illustrations, inviting readers into the forests, mountains, rivers and communities of the British Columbia Interior. 

Stand Like a Cedar is a book brought to life by two women from Salish Nations. It is a reminder to readers everywhere to take a minute, head out into the wilderness, wherever you can find it, to listen and observe. You can do it regardless of where you live, rural countryside or large metropolitan city, there are wild places everywhere.

For educators and parents there is a pronunciation guide at the back of the book, with the different words and phrases from the different Salish dialects listed to help guide your reading. There is also a QR code that will take you to the Highwater Press website where you will have access to a teaching guide in spring 2021.