Kauman Sama Online is a pen name that specifically represents works written and published within the program of a language and culture website for the Sama people, Sinama.org. Kauman Sama means Sama community. In a broader sense, the Kauman Sama Online seeks to be a place where Sama community can find its place on the internet. Published works are a joint effort of storytellers, elders, young people, common knowledge and linguistic researchers. Luke is both friend and in-law to the Sama people, seafarers of Southeast Asia. He has lived with them on a stilt house over the ocean, dove with them to 20 fathoms, danced at their weddings, mourned at their funerals, and served as an ambassador for Sama culture to the online world through the language & culture initiative Kauman Sama Online. While raising his family with his wife Ruth, a Sama from Siasi, Sulu, Luke has pursued a mission of providing lasting help for Sama people. Part of this involves producing engaging educational material in the Sinama language for use in Sama homes and Filipino schools. His training in linguistics, anthropology, and research is just enough to be dangerous and hopefully interesting as well. Filipino artist from General Santos City.
The story has universal appeal and the values within it are cross-cultural. The excellent illustrations are vibrant and lively, and the overall format of the book is very reader-friendly. I strongly recommend this delightful little book to teachers and children alike whether they are Sama or members of other ethnicities. --- H. Arlo Nimmo