Upriver to Morning
My daughter attends Willow Wind and participated in Ashland Reads with her first grade class. Song of the Redwing was her absolute, hands-down favorite book she read with her class. She says it’s a poem. Thank you for the work you do to bring such beauty and joy into the lives and hearts of your young students and readers. ~ Christina, Ashland OR
“The Upriver to Morning curriculum is a true work of art; not only is it beautifully
crafted, but also inspires all types of learners to connect deeper with the special
places of Southwest Oregon and Indigenous ways of understanding our world. It is a
great tribute to a great woman – preserving the enduring teachings of Takelma Elder,
Grandma Aggie.” ~ Jeanine Moy, Director, Vesper Meadow Education Program
“Upriver to Morning is a journey to wisdom story that connects children of all ages to
the lessons of the past that need to be kept alive today and for the next seven
generations. As we strive to live in right relations with the land and the people of the
land, this narrative reminds us of the life force in all things. Upriver to Morning weaves
music, drama, strong imagery, animal friends, historical knowledge, and cultural
wisdom into a story that captivates audiences young and old.
“Tish brought this tale to life in my primary grade classroom with dancing, music,
interactive storytelling – the students got cast as the characters – and pure joy. She is
committed to following in the footsteps of the ancestors who so generously shared
their stories with her to guide this work. Thank you Grandma Aggie and Thomas Doty.
“I give Upriver to Morning my whole-hearted recommendation and I am grateful that
the stories of the past will continue to be the stories of today. May the legacy of the
first people be lifted up, shared and remembered so that we can learn from them
and honor them in our thoughts, words and actions.” ~ Tia McLean, So. Oregon
Teacher of the Year 2020, Helman Elementary School, Ashland, Oregon
“Tish is a truly gifted storyteller! The students were deeply engaged by her story,
and as she read, they were mesmerized by the themes and symbolism in Upriver
to Morning. Now more than ever, the connectedness to local Native cultures and
appreciation for the wisdom of Indigenous elders is of upmost importance.
“Her beautiful story perfectly weaves information about the Takelma tribe, local
geography, and themes of friendship and caring for one another, which is perfect
for elementary aged children. Thank you for offering your book and reading to my
class. We absolutely loved your book!” ~ Dylana Garfas, 4th Grade Teacher,
Walker Elementary, Ashland, Oregon
“Indigenous wisdom jumps off the pages and into young hearts and minds right
along with Salmon and friends as they journey courageously into their future.
Through story, song, and gorgeous illustration, children are engaged at all levels
with lessons of kindness and responsibility, patience and perseverance, care for
their communities and the earth.
“Since every journey is, in the end, an interior journey toward growth, Upriver to
Morning, and the Takelma teaching on which it is based, helps young people make
sense of their own passages.” ~ Jennifer E. Joss, Ph.D., San Francisco, California
“Upriver to Morning sings! The language is rich and purposeful, the story is Native
and true. Supplemented with story theatre, Upriver to Morning can be used to
build fluency and deepen comprehension. Songs accompanying each chapter ring
out, are catchy, and seep into your heart.
“Upriver to Morning is a multipurpose text, used across the curriculum to enhance
learning. Children need story and music and Tish offers them both. Children will grow
with Upriver to Morning. They will ripple it out.” ~ Michele Warrence-Schreiber,
Ashland School District Literacy Coach, Ashland, Oregon
“Thank you so much for coming in and sharing your amazing story, Upriver to
Morning, and its songs with my class. What a gift! I so appreciate your ability to
engage students – with your clever characters, the excitement of the story, and the
movements you included.” ~ Amy Kneeland, 2nd Grade Teacher, Walker Elementary,
Ashland, Oregon
“Upriver to Morning is a journey into interiors. As readers, we travel with Salmon
through the interior landscape of the wild Rogue River world of the Takelmas – the
lifeblood of their homeland – with all the wonder that getting to know an ancient place
has to teach us.
“It is also a journey into the interior of each reader, guided by Salmon and his
friends who know the way. The journey awakens universal life lessons that live in
each of us, eager to emerge, there at journey’s end, in the wise light of Morning
Star.” ~ Thomas Doty, Award-Winning Storyteller, Author, Cultural Consultant,
Ashland, Oregon
“Listening to stories is how we are built to learn. The nuggets of wisdom in Upriver to
Morning sink in and help us know how to live as Earthlings.” ~ Julie Norman, M.A.,
Environmental Educator, Secretary of Agnes Pilgrim Legacy Fund, Ashland, OR.
“This lyrical wisdom teaching is a book of beauty. It entertains with its captivating
tales of the adventures of Salmon and his animal companions, it informs with its
depiction of Takelma culture, local geography and bilingual education, it transforms
with its place based environmental activism and themes of friendship and caring.
“Most importantly it will have children and families looking to the stars, the plants,
animals and all of nature as guides and allies. This is a book our customers are
hungry for. We know this book will fly from our shelves.” ~ Jane Almquist & Cynthia
Salbato, TreeHouse Books, Ashland, Oregon
“Tish McFadden and Thomas Doty’s presentation at our 2019 Forest and Farm
Nature Camp was engaging, educational, fun and important! Thomas shared
traditional Native Takelma stories and Tish delivered songs and excerpts from her
new book, Upriver to Morning: A Journey to Wisdom, inspired by the teachings of
local Takelma elder, Agnes Baker Pilgrim. The campers were attentive and eager to
participate.” ~ Suzanne Willow & Lanita Witt, Willow-Witt Ranch, Ashland, Oregon
“Gold Hill Friends of the Library was honored to recently host author Tish McFadden
and storyteller Thomas Doty at the Gold Hill Library. A large and enthusiastic
audience was excited to hear about this upcoming journey to wisdom story based
on the universal teachings of Takelma elder Agnes Baker Pilgrim. We look forward to
the completion of the Upriver to Morning project so we can have them return and
share its success.” ~ Gold Hill Friends of the Library, Gold Hill, OR.
