Origin: An Illuminating Look at Indigenous Peoples and Their Connection to the Natural World.

By Nat Cardozo

Portraits of Indigenous children and their communities from around the world in a stunning presentation emphasizing community and a connection to the land and the environment

We are all one. We all inhabit the same planet, and we all have a common human origin.

This is the core theme of this important book. Each double-page spread presents a contemporary and fascinating look at more than 20 Indigenous peoples from across the globe. These first nations were the first humans to inhabit their territories, which are under threat today from "civilization" that seeks to profit from them and their lands.

In these societies, a sense of community life prevails, based on reciprocity, solidarity, mutual aid, avoiding excess, and honoring what nature provides. Indigenous peoples are also the guardians of 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity--they are the first conservationists of the natural environment.

Franco-Uruguayan author Nat Cardozo has created a unique book with beautiful illustrations that blur the lines between humans and their environment and present a wide variety of ways of life from little-known cultures. In addition to collecting 22 first-person stories, this informative book is about the past and present of Indigenous peoples, recounting a long history of struggle and resistance and of defense--not only of their territories but also of their languages and traditional ways of life.

This book provides a unique opportunity to acknowledge our common origin and reflect on how we might create a new unity for humanity to reconnect us to living things and bind us together again as one.

Native tribes featured in the book are from all five continents and include: Kung, Orang Rimba, Inuit, Tuareg, Moken, Anangu, Bijago, Evenki, Bribri, Cherokee, Mosuo, Uru Chipaya, Tz'utujil, Ngati Hau, Wayuu, Q'ero, Sami, Mbuti, Juchiteca, Gitxsan, Dongria Kondh, Yanomami

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1636551556
• ISBN13: 9781636551555
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Red Comet Press
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.5" x 12.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Excellent book to read again and again and to share

I think that the beauty of this book really needs to be experienced as a print copy! Beautifully illustrated in a very creative way are the specific characteristics, general location, and some cultural aspects of 22 different but often similar Indigenous peoples living in every corner of the world we share regardless of their color, creed, or state of freedom. Some are nomads, some are fisherfolk, some venerate bird or dogs or other fauna. Most continue with the oral traditions and beliefs but some use writing, tattoos, or tapestry to pass along their histories, some must be defiant against those who live under governments that are hostile to their ways and beliefs. The stories are inspired by direct testimonies and data obtained from various documentary sources. I took notes and made lists so I would remember, but that's not good enough. Great for gifting to EVERYone, but especially to a school or your local public library! I preordered a copy for myself. We are all one. "If there is a forest, there will be flowers. If there are flowers, there will be gods." Orang Rimba, Sumatra. I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Publisher Spotlight | Red Comet Press via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 09, 2025 #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph #librarything #Origin by #NatCardozo @nat.ilustradora @redcometpressbooks @pubspotlight #translated #illuminatedbook #indigenous #fantasticbook #culturalexplorations #documentary