My Name is LaMoosh

by Linda Meanus

My Name is LaMoosh is the life story of Warm Springs Tribal Elder Linda Meanus. She grew up with her grandma Flora Thompson and grandpa Chief Tommy Thompson near Celilo Falls, a mighty fishery on the Columbia that was flooded in 1957 by the construction of The Dalles Dam. Linda persevered through this historic trauma and life’s challenges to teach young people about the Indigenous ways of the Columbia River. Intended for early readers to learn more about Native American history through a first-hand account, the book is also a reminder that Indigenous people continue to maintain a cultural connection to the land and river that gave them their identity.

My Name is LaMoosh includes fact boxes that provide historical, cultural, and environmental context for Linda’s personal story. Hundreds of books exist about Lewis and Clark and their journey of “discovery.” This book balances our understanding of American history with the long-neglected voices of Indigenous people. Linda’s story is not just about historic trauma but also about resilience, perseverance, and reciprocity.

Published in cooperation with Confluence

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction

100 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2023

Reviews

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this engaging book by Tribal Elder Linda Meanus. Confluence is copublishing a children's book written by Elder Linda Meanus, My Name is LaMoosh tells the story of her life, growing up with her grandma and grandpa near Celilo Falls. This mighty fishery was flooded in 1957, yet Linda persevered to teach young people about the Indigenous ways of the Columbia River. The book will be released June 2023 and can be preordered today. The launch party is on June 20th, 2023!

This book arrived today and is a treasure. A must- have for classroom and school libraries, and for families to share together.

In 1956, a book called Linda’s Indian Home, featured Linda, who was a little girl at that time. Now a Tribal Elder, she shares her story of resilience, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to our communities.

The book was published in cooperation with Confluence, a community-supported nonprofit that connects people to history, living cultures, and ecology of the Columbia River system through Indigenous voices.

I recalled seeing Linda's Indian Home and Come to our Salmon Feast when I was a librarian. I have gone back and ordered these books so I will personally have the full circle. Enjoy stepping back in time and appreciate the stories shared.

[Kate Belt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a privilege to hear LaMoosh/Linda tell her story about her Warm Springs community. She honors her grandmother who gave her her name and insisted she pursue higher education. The story of Celilo Falls is one that should be shared with all. In 1957, the US Army Corps of Engineers flooded the village, including this sacred fishing spot and others. The Village has been relocated 6 times for various reasons, and most housing was not replaced until the early 2000s. Some housing still lacks basic amenities like running water.

[Ellen Pederson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, accessible reflections on Celilo Falls and growing up Warm Springs. I would recommend this book to anyone living in the northwest, from age 7 to 107. Only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is that the text is often broken up by captions etc, making it choppy and hard to follow at times. (The main text was edited from spoken word so it otherwise has a great flow.)

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seek out diverse reviews, especially those from Celilo Falls and Warms Springs Reservation.
This is middle grade non fiction, an autobiography of sorts of Linda’s life, focusing on her grandmother. The photos really add something special to these stories.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This documented oral history is a good introduction to the ways of the people of Warm Springs and Celio Falls. I am pretty sure I met the author many years ago when I worked on the Warm Springs Reservation.