Father and son publish children's book to preserve Indigenous languages

David G. Lewis and his son, Saghaley Lewis, published a children's book titled "Kalapuya-Chinuk wawa Ikanum" to preserve and share regional Indigenous languages in Oregon.

David G. Lewis, an anthropology professor, provided the research and writing for the 26-page book. Saghaley Lewis, an artist, created the illustrations and designed the layout. The book features double-page spreads showing animals and plants in natural settings. Each page includes the names of the subjects in three languages: English, Kalapuya, and Chinuk wawa.

The duo worked with linguistic experts to ensure accurate spellings and included historical context about the languages, noting that the last Kalapuyan speaker died in the 1960s. The creators intended the book for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde but also made it available to the general public. They have distributed copies to various shops and museums across Oregon, including the Springfield History Museum and the Chehalem Cultural Center.

The authors plan to appear at holiday markets to sell the book and other works regarding the history of Indigenous people in the Willamette Valley.