Napako, Our Journey (Hardcover)

Napakō, the Coahuiltecan word for “our journey,” is the captivating and authentic Indigenous creation story of how people came to be on Mother Earth. Napakō, Our Journey: The Coahuiltecan Creation Story and the Sacred Springs is based on the creation tale of the Coahuiltecan people who for 14,000 years have occupied the surrounding lands of what is now known as San Marcos, Texas. The book is a retelling in written words and illustrations of the oral tradition as it has been told by Indigenous storyteller María Rocha.

As seen from a child’s perspective, the main story tells of spirits who once lived in the lower world, but when they became people, they needed to live in the upper world. It follows their journey as they are guided by animal spirits to the upper world, traveling through a portal of water to live above on the surface of Mother Earth. With facts about the Coahuiltecan people, the San Marcos Springs and Spring Lake, and the animals who live in the surrounding area, Napakō, Our Journey is an inspiring and educational introduction to the creation beliefs of one of the most widespread Indigenous peoples in Texas and northern Mexico.

MARÍA F. ROCHA is a member of the Miakan-Garza tribe of the Coahuiltecan people. She cofounded the Indigenous Cultures Institute, formed by the tribe to inform about Native American cultures indigenous to Texas. She has published articles in Routledge collections, and cowritten two plays. CLEMENTE GUZMAN III was a staff artist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for nearly three decades, where he provided illustrations for a variety of department memorabilia and publications. Guzman is a centennial painter in The Art of Texas Parks project, celebrating 100 years of the Texas State Parks System. REGINA ALLEN is a retired school librarian and classroom teacher. Her years as an educator enhanced her lifelong love and knowledge of children’s literature. She also served as an administrative assistant for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.