"Thunder Song" by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe is a powerful collection of essays that resists the erasure of Indigenous cultural heritage, offering a poignant exploration of resilience, healing, and self-acceptance. LaPointe's essays serve as a testament to her great-grandmother's efforts to preserve their native Lushootseed language, weaving together narratives of music, identity, and activism.

Throughout the book, LaPointe navigates the complexities of her identity as a queer Coastal Salish person, shedding light on the impacts of racism and colorism on her life. With a reverent and grateful tone, she documents her journey of reclaiming lost cultural practices and traditions, while also advocating for solidarity between movements.

"Thunder Song" is not merely a reflection on personal experiences; it is a fervent reminder of the need to end Indigenous erasure and colonial violence. LaPointe courageously confronts issues such as substance abuse, sexual violence, intergenerational trauma, and suicide, shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities in the aftermath of centuries of oppression.

Among the standout essays are "First Salmon Ceremony," where LaPointe explores the process of decolonizing her diet, and "River Silt," a poignant reflection on body, sexuality, and their connection to the wildness of the land. These essays wonderfully exemplify the book's themes of resilience, healing, and the communal wildness shared between humans and the natural world.

Overall, "Thunder Song" is a beautifully written and deeply moving exploration of identity, activism, and cultural preservation. LaPointe's essays offer a compelling blend of personal narrative, cultural critique, and advocacy, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in Indigenous perspectives and the ongoing fight for justice and liberation.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates for Indigenous Rights and Decolonization, Readers Interested in Personal and Cultural Narratives of Resilience, Fans of Billy-Ray Belcourt.

🔑 Key Themes: Resistance Against Indigenous Erasure, Healing through Cultural Reclamation, Exploration of Queer Indigenous Identity, Anticolonialism and Decolonialism.