This coloring book teaches young growers that our food, energy, and water systems (FEWS) are living relatives that need our care. When we protect the land, rivers, and sunlight that sustain us, we protect the future for all beings. These pages invite kids to slow down, observe, and imagine themselves as part of the living systems that stretches across land, air, and generations.
Each page encourages young readers to see themselves as future farmers, scientists, caretakers, and leaders. By coloring, imagining, and learning, we hope children (and readers of all ages) practice the values that will guide them to grow: respect, responsibility, and a deep appreciation & love for the land.
Created by two Diné women, Chelsie Begoody and Bree Lameman, with support from the Indigenous Resilience Center, Intermountain West Transformation Network, Native FEWS Alliance, and Nurturing Plants, this book invites and brings together Indigenous knowledge, science, and art to help children learn through reciprocity, relationship, and balance.
Artist's Statement
"I was inspired by the idea that Indigenous knowledge systems in today's world can sometimes feel larger than life, like an idea that’s too complicated to begin because of the many technological advancements that make it easier for us to grow food. But I think when we do immerse ourselves in practicing and living these Indigenous teachings, in combination with modern practices, the beauty of it all can be revealed through joy, simplicity, and connection. This is where I think we can learn from young people because they already carry this kind of energy naturally, and when we engage young people in growing food, they already have that sense of belonging. I hope each coloring page conveys this message that everyone belongs and are deserving of experiencing these teachings provided by mother earth."
- Chelsie Begoody
Chelsie Begoody, Diné Artist
Chelsie Begoody is Tsénahabiłnii (Sleepy Rock), born for Tsénijikini (Honeycomb Rock). Her maternal grandfather is Ashįįh (Salt Clan), and her paternal grandfather is Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). She is a Diné woman from Burnside, Navajo Nation. She’s an emerging artist working in acrylic painting, digital illustration, and murals. Most of her artwork centers Indigenous youth, whom she describes as “little medicine people” because they bring joy, healing, and hope into the world. Through her art, she hopes to inspire empowerment amongst young people and k’é which are the relationships we hold with ourselves, one another, and the universe. Chelsie is currently living and painting near Dookʼoʼoosłííd (“the summit that never thaws”) which is the west sacred mountain for Diné people.
Bree Lameman, Diné Researcher & Farmer
Bree Lameman is Diné (Navajo) from Shiprock, Navajo Nation. Her clans are Táchii’nii (Red Running into Water Clan), Nidáá Diné (Corn People), Bit'ahnii (Within her Cover Clan), and Tódích’íí’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She is a third-year PhD student in the Health Behavior Health Promotion program at the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH), with a focus on Indigenous food, energy, and water systems (FEWS).
Her life’s work and passion are rooted in the land, Diné culture, language, and lived experience. From a young age, Bree cares for the land by reclaiming and revitalizing traditional agricultural practices, which nurtured a deep relationship with food and ancestral foodways. Through her roles as a farmer, community member, relative, and aunty, she has come to understand the interconnectedness of ancestral foods, the land, water, animals, and her community.
Her current focus and heart work are in Indigenous food sovereignty, health, and data sovereignty/governance. She is committed to community-led research that uplifts Indigenous knowledge and food systems. Her aim is to advance health and wellbeing through culturally grounded, collaborative approaches. She is also deeply dedicated to building ethical, reciprocal research relationships with Indigenous communities.
