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Books matching: ojibwe culture

9 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 9 of 9 
  1. #1

    Manitous: The Spiritual World Of The Ojibway by Basil Johnston
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    'Manitous: The Spiritual World Of The Ojibway' by Basil Johnston is a collection of short stories that encapsulate the belief system of the Ojibwe Anishinabe people. The book is described as beautifully written, charming, and capable of instilling cultural values into readers of all ages. The stories are set in a family ambience, with realistic portrayals of rivalries and conflicts, even when themed on mythical creatures like mermaids and dwarves.

    The book delves into Anishinaabe beliefs and traditions without unnecessary academic jargon, providing a fascinating look at their myths and moral teachings. It is praised for its humor, drama, heartbreak, and life lessons embedded within the stories, covering topics from biblical creation to monsters and mermaids. Johnston skillfully assembles stories from the oral traditions of his people, offering readers a valuable glimpse into a rich culture little recognized by mainstream society.


  2. #2

    Firekeeper's Daughter - Sugar Island by Angeline Boulley
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    Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley is a compelling coming-of-age mystery novel that delves into the life of Daunis Fontaine, a young woman navigating her Native American heritage and the complexities of her community. Through Daunis' journey, readers are exposed to themes of identity, family relationships, grief, discrimination, and the cultural richness of the Ojibwe tribe. The story intricately weaves together elements of mystery, Indigenous culture, and societal issues, offering a poignant exploration of tradition, resilience, and self-discovery.

    I start my day before sunrise, throwing on running clothes and laying a pinch of semaa at the eastern base of a tree, where sunlight will touch the tobacco first. Prayers begin with offering semaa and...

  3. #3

    Future Home of the Living God by Louise Erdrich
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    Set in a near dystopian world where nature has rebelled causing evolution to hit reverse, Cedar, a mother-to-be, attempts to find her real parents to gain insight into her baby's future. As society spirals into chaos with the government rounding up pregnant women, Cedar unravels the truth behind her family and adoption. The novel beautifully blends science fiction elements with Native American life, told through Cedar's journal entries as she navigates the challenges of protecting her pregnancy and discovering her roots.

    Future Home of the Living God explores themes of women's rights, environmental disaster, prejudice, and authoritarian government in a dystopian setting. The story follows Cedar, a young Ojibwe woman, as she grapples with the implications of a world where evolution is reversing and human reproduction is under strict control. Through Cedar's journey, the book delves into the bond between mother and child, reflecting on faith, heritage, and the resilience of marginalized communities.

    When I tell you that my white name is Cedar Hawk Songmaker and that I am the adopted child of Minneapolis liberals, and that when I went looking for my Ojibwe parents and found that I was born Mary Po...

  4. #4

    LaRose by Louise Erdrich
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    "LaRose" by Louise Erdrich is a poignant tale that delves into the lives of two families connected by tragedy and tradition. The story revolves around Landreaux, who accidentally shoots his neighbor's son, Dusty, and in an act of retribution, offers his own son, LaRose, to the grieving family. The narrative follows the intricate dynamics between the families, exploring themes of forgiveness, healing, and Native American traditions. Through rich descriptions and a weaving of past and present, Erdrich brings to life the struggles and strengths of a small community, immersing readers in a world of complex relationships and profound emotions.

    The book is praised for its compelling storytelling and vivid portrayal of Native American culture and history. Through the character of LaRose, the novel explores the impact of tragedy on families, the power of forgiveness, and the resilience of individuals facing adversity. With a blend of mystical elements and realistic portrayals, Louise Erdrich crafts a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, offering readers a glimpse into a world where tradition, grief, and redemption intersect.

    WHERE THE RESERVATION boundary invisibly bisected a stand of deep brush—chokecherry, popple, stunted oak—Landreaux waited. He said he was not drinking, and there was no sign later. Landreaux was a dev...

  5. #5

    The Birchbark House - Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
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    The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich is a beautifully written book that offers a poignant and insightful look into the life of the Ojibwe family in the 1800s. Through the eyes of the main character, Omakayas, readers are taken on a journey filled with love, tragedy, and compassion, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of Native Americans during a time of transition. The author skillfully weaves in Ojibwa words and customs, providing a rich and immersive experience that transports readers into a world they may not be familiar with but will find deeply moving and relatable.


  6. 'The Walleye War: The Struggle for Ojibwe Spearfishing and Treaty Rights' by Larry Nesper is a detailed account of the legal battle over tribal sovereignty between the Ojibwe and the surrounding community. Nesper explores the conflict within the Lac du Flambeau band, showcasing the evolution of traditional ideas and the revival of the tribe during the battle. is praised for its lack of academic jargon, offering great stories and insights that appeal to casual readers, academics, and those interested in contemporary Indian issues.

    Nesper's work is commended for shedding light on the struggles of the Anishinaabeg people to practice their traditional rights without shame, resonating with readers who appreciate the recognition of First Nation people's long-standing challenges. is described as a historical and informational piece that presents a side of Wisconsin not commonly known, providing a balanced view of the complex issues surrounding Ojibwe spearfishing and treaty rights.


  7. #7

    The Round House by Louise Erdrich
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    'The Round House' by Louise Erdrich is a powerful coming-of-age story set on an Ojibwe reservation in North Dakota. The narrative follows 13-year-old Joe Coutts as he grapples with the aftermath of his mother's brutal rape and the challenges of seeking justice within the complex legal and social systems of the Native American community. Through Joe's perspective, the novel delves into themes of childhood innocence, family dynamics, cultural identity, and the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Native Americans. The story weaves together elements of mystery, social commentary, and Native American folklore, painting a rich and compelling portrait of reservation life in the 1980s.

    Small trees had attacked my parents’ house at the foundation. They were just seedlings with one or two rigid, healthy leaves. Nevertheless, the stalky shoots had managed to squeeze through knife crack...

  8. #8

    Warrior Girl Unearthed - Sugar Island by Angeline Boulley
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    Warrior Girl Unearthed follows Perry, a teenage girl who reluctantly joins an internship at a tribal museum with Cooper Turtle. As Perry becomes invested in repatriating Native bones and artifacts, she uncovers a dangerous heist involving grave robbers. The book delves into themes of Native women disappearing, US laws failing the Native community, and Perry's strong emotional connection to her Native community and the injustices they face.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sugar Island )

  9. #9
    The Painted Drum
    Book 8 in the series:Love Medicine

    The Painted Drum - Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
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    'The Painted Drum' by Louise Erdrich follows the story of Faye, an appraiser who discovers an Ojibwa drum at an estate and decides to take it home, leading her to find the original owner. The narrative intertwines intergenerational tales with First Nation tradition, lore, and modern Native life, exploring themes of loss, tradition, and recovery. delves into the significance of the drum, its healing power, and the connections it fosters among the characters, all while showcasing Erdrich's lyrical writing style and her ability to create complex relationships and communities.

    Shawnee sat her little brother down and pried the crayon from his strong, chubby fist—it was purple, it looked to him like something good to eat, the name of the crayon was even grape. The feel of the...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Love Medicine )

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