Kaya of the Neze Perce is a great story to introduce students to indigenous peoples of the plateau region.
Texto del Guión Gráfico
MEET KAYA OF THE NEZ PERCE
THE HORSE RACE
KIDNAPPED
A DARING ESCAPE
REUNITED
It is 1764 and young Kaya of the Nez Perce, or Nimiipuu, loves her land and her people. Kaya is adventurous and energetic. She loves to care for her horses Steps High and Sparks Flying.
Kaya dreams of becoming a skilled horsewoman. While trying to win a race to prove herself, Kaya acts rashly and endangers her brothers, Wing Feather and Sparrow. The children gave Kaya the nickname, Magpie, after a selfish bird. Frustrated, Kaya longs for the chance to prove them wrong.
One terrifying night, Kaya's village is attacked by a rival tribe who tries to steal their horses. Rather than hiding, Kaya tries to save her beloved horse Steps High and she and her blind sister, Speaking Rain, are kidnapped and taken far away.
In the middle of the night armed with her courage and strong knowledge of the land passed down from her people, Kaya and her sister make a daring escape. Kaya is guided by the spirits of her ancestors and manages to find the pathway home.
Relieved to be reunited with her family, Kaya works hard to live up to her potential to be like her heroes: wise and kind like her grandmother; brave and skillful like her mentor, warrior woman, Swans Circling.