Oyate

Oyate is a word from the Indigenous languages of the Great Plains, notably Lakota, meaning "the people." It is also the name of a Native American–led nonprofit organization devoted to Indigenous literature and representation in education. The organization focuses on works about Indigenous peoples and aims to promote accurate and respectful portrayals in published material.

The core mission of Oyate is to encourage authentic portrayals of Indigenous cultures, languages, and histories in children's and young adult literature. It reviews published books for cultural accuracy, the presence of stereotypes, and the overall quality of Indigenous representation. Oyate also seeks to empower Indigenous voices in storytelling and to provide guidance for educators, librarians, and publishers on selecting and using Indigenous-themed material.

Activities commonly associated with Oyate include publishing independent reviews, maintaining a catalog or list of recommended titles, and offering resources for teachers and librarians to evaluate and choose appropriate materials. The organization emphasizes consultation with Indigenous communities and authors to ensure that cultural content is represented with respect and accuracy.

Impact and reception of Oyate’s work vary, but it is frequently used by educators and librarians as a resource for making informed choices about Indigenous literature. By highlighting both strong and problematic examples, Oyate contributes to ongoing discussions about representation, cultural sensitivity, and the visibility of Indigenous authors in the realm of children’s and young adult books.