Внучки поэтессы Рут Бронсон издали книгу о её борьбе за права коренных народов

TAHLEQUAH – The great-great nieces of Cherokee poet, educator and activist Ruth Muskrat Bronson bring her story to life in the young-reader book “Ruth Muskrat and the So-Called Indian Problem.” Award-winning filmmaker and TV host Jen Loren and Caldecott Medalist Rebecca Lee Kunz, both Cherokee Nation citizens, write and illustrate about the woman who fought for Native American civil rights in the 20th century, when the United States government termed it as the “Indian Problem.” Loren said she always heard about Bronson growing up and what she did on behalf of Native people, but not everyone knew who she was and what she did. “My sister and I both felt like she did so much great work that wasn’t being recognized, like many women throughout history, and we wanted to do whatever we could do to raise her profile and elevate her story and posthumously give her the credit that she is due,” Loren said. In the many tales of Bronson’s fight for social justice and Indian rights, her strength and resilience are what stands out the most. Through her work in activism, Bronson gave a voice to Indian Country for better educational institutions and racial equality. She also had a part in founding the oldest standing organization that serves the broad interests of tribal government and community – the National Congress of American Indians – where she served as director from 1945-1955. Loren said she learned more information about Bronson through the writing process and research for the book. “I talked to people who actually knew Ruth. I was too young to remember her, but in talking with people who worked with her and remembered her, I learned a lot about her tenacity. I read letters that she’s written, and I try to picture what her voice would sound like,” Loren said. “I didn’t realize that the idea for NCAI and the formation of it happened around her kitchen table. I just loved that idea of her bringing all these people together into her home and having these grand ideas.” Loren said the book got its push into existence through her sister, as Kunz previously worked with the book’s publisher, and both sisters worked with their mother to gather family history. “Ruth was a trailblazer, and I’m overjoyed that more people will learn about her incredible life,” Kunz said. “Working on this book with my sister, Jen, was a dream come true. Together as a team, I believe we crafted a legacy book. This story wouldn’t be possible without our mom and family historian, Janet Gann, who told us many funny and amazing stories about Ruth.” Kunz said as she read each page spread, she would start “dreaming” into the imagery to create the illustrations. “I would ask myself ‘how can I best tell this story through image? How would Ruth want to be represented? What colors and textures best represent the mood of each page, and bring emotion to life?’ I used layered textures, collage, along with Cherokee symbols and motifs to tell the story,” Kunz said. Kunz said her favorite image for the book is seen on the cover, of Bronson in a business suit moving forward as she looks back into the past. “This image also represents the two very different worlds she was trying to straddle: her traditional Cherokee roots versus the Western world where she was an activist and leader,” Kunz said. “A Cherokee serpent motif symbolizes her struggle, and the pain she felt for her people. Despite her inner conflict, she boldly walks toward the future.” Loren said the more she learned about Bronson, the more inspired and proud she became of her relative. “The more I learned about her through this process, the more I felt a kinship and an inspiration to continue her work in my own capacity,” Loren said. The book is available for pre-order now on Amazon and will be available everywhere on Oct. 6.