The Birchbark House, by Louise Erdrich

"Raising a block of wood high, she brought it down on his head with all her strength. He crumpled to the ground. Omakayas sobbed as she dragged his blankets to him and covered him. He was too heavy to drag near the fire. For a long time she kneeled next to him, praying for him to live. She loved him, her DeyDey" (Erdrich, 1999, p. 152).

SUMMARY

For as long as Omakayas can remember, she and her family have lived on the land her people call the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. Although the white people encroach more on their land everyday, Omakayas and her family continue to live life as they always have. But the satisfying rhythms of their lives are shattered when a visitor comes to their lodge one winter night, bringing with him an invisible enemy that will change things forever.

CURRICULUM TIES

1. Higher level cognitive discussions
2. Mission schools- purpose and influence on Native Americans
3. Small pox and other epidemics
4. Ojibwa culture in the 1800s
5. Seasonal preparation and survival of Native Americans

LET'S EXPLORE

Louise Erdrich does a fantastic job at incorporating Ojibwa terms throughout The Birchbark House. Although pronouncing a different language can be challenging and embarrassing at times, the main idea is to expose ourselves to their dialect so we can better understand the Ojibwa culture. Explore the following link to hear actual pronunciations of several Ojibwa words.