Flight of the Hummingbird: A Parable for the Environment [Michael Yahgulanaas]

Flight of the Hummingbird: A Parable for the Environment [Michael Yahgulanaas]

Courtesy of Douglas & McIntyre 

The hummingbird parable, with origins in the Quechuan people of South America, has become a talisman for environmentalists and activists who are committed to making meaningful change in the world. In this inspiring story, the determined hummingbird does everything she can to put out a raging fire that threatens her forest home. The hummingbird—symbol of wisdom and courage—demonstrates that doing something is better than doing nothing at all. 

The parable is embraced by two of the world’s most influential leaders: Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Peace Prize winner from Kenya who launched the Green Belt Movement, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has spoken widely about his commitment to preserving the environment. This courageous little book features artwork by internationally renowned artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas. His distinct and lively Haida Manga style engages perfectly with this inspirational story that encourages every individual to act on behalf of the world’s limited and precious resources. 

Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas challenges native stereotypes through illustrative story telling. The stories of the trickster Raven, as told by Yahgulanaas, are what most people would call comics, and they are fun, humorous and sometimes rude. Yahgulanaas takes traditional Haida stories and turns them into manga (Japanese-style comics). He has dropped the traditional rectangular boxes and voice balloons associated with the North American comics of Marvel and DC. Instead, he has developed a flowing style that uses a bold line stretched almost to the breaking point - a motif strongly associated with Haida art - to link the images in the narrative. 

About the Author

Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas has worked on finding progressive solutions to contemporary social and environmental issues in the Pacific archipelago of Haida Gwaii. Recalling that substantive changes depended historically on the deeds and voices of people from small villages, he echoes the hummingbird's message by saying, "Only the unlikely become heroes." His artwork is published and exhibited in Asia and North America and a full-length Haida Manga book will be released in 2009. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

---

More information

• Author Site: Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas 
• Douglas & McIntyre  | Chapters.ca | Amazon.com

Product Details

• 5 copies available  This book is CLAIMED
• Hardcover: 64 pages 
• Publisher: Greystone Books(July 28, 2008) 
• ISBN-10: 1553653726 
• ISBN-13: 978-1553653721

  Shipping in Canada & US sponsored by Douglas & McIntyre