Of the Sun, A Poem for the Land's First Peoples

Of the Sun, A Poem for the Land's First Peoples
Words by Xelena González
Art by Emily Kewageshig

I stay pretty aware of what I'm listening to when I'm in the car and decide to leave the radio on. Versus locking in on an album or artist to stream while I drive, I still like to enjoy whatever's on the radio dials. I go back and forth from KTEP to KRWG alot and I love listening so it's never routine. On certain occasions there's a voice, or topic being discussed that really catches my attention and stays with me, especially if the conversation is connected to something to follow after. On this particular day, as the sun set out West of El Paso, I listened to Xelena González on tpr.org's Fronteras. At the website the convo is titled 'Of the Sun' encourages young readers to embrace Indigenous roots, ties to the land. After listening to her recite beautiful, powerful poetry, and speak on her literature, and the story of the origins of the book and topics connected to culture, border, identity, heritage, and her experiences, it stayed with me. I made a mental note to learn more about the book, to order the book, and to admire the amazing art by Emily Kewageshig. I've created a list of links below that connect me to this book, of which I look forward to reading and thinking about during this Year of Memory, 2026. 

Fronteras Program: 'Of the Sun' encourages young readers to embrace Indigenous roots, ties to the land CLICK HERE   

Barefoot Books Publishing to purchase Of the Sun, A Poem for the Land's First Peoples CLICK HERE **includes a book trailer.

Xelena González website: CLICK HERE

Emily Kewageshig website: CLICK HERE