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Selections from The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin

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Selections from The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin

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Goal: Gain a general understanding of the novel the core text is based on; compare key differences between the texts

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, excerpts 2

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Goal: Understand key vocabulary term, code-switching, present in the novel

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I’ve been code-switching since kindergarten – Chalkbeat

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Changing my mannerisms and voice requires agility. It’s a skill and a burden, writes Student Voices Fellow Enoch Naklen.

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Goal: Build background knowledge of minstrel shows

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Who was Jim Crow? Race laws in the U.S. were called by that name

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More than 50 years ago, the civil rights movement tried to end racist Jim Crow laws in the United States. Here’s where that strange name came from.

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Goal: Analyze lyrics and explore significance of music as a means of history

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Burl Ives - The Blue Tail Fly – lyrics 1964

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Documentary footage on Native American boarding school

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Documentary footage on Native American boarding school

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Utah History
KUED takes a moving and insightful look into the history, operation, and legacy of the federal Indian Boarding School system, whose goal was total assimilation of Native Americans at the cost of stripping away Native culture, tradition, and language.

Aired: 02/16/16

Rating: NR

Problems Playing Video? Report a Problem |

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Utah History | Unspoken: America's Native American Boarding Schools | PBS

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Utah History KUED takes a moving and insightful look into the history, operation, and legacy of the federal Indian Boarding School system, whose goal was total assimilation of Native Americans at the cost of stripping away Native culture, tradition, and language. Aired: 02/16/16 Rating: NR Problems Playing Video?

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Map of Tuscarora reservation and information

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Map of Tuscarora reservation and information

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The Tuscarora Reservation is located in Niagara County, New York about 10 minutes outside of Niagara Falls, and 20 minutes from Buffalo, New York. The Tuscarora Reservation is home to Tuscarora Nation and their Iroquois relatives and guests. The governing body of the tribe is the Tuscarora Chiefs Council. The tribe still maintains its traditional form of government, despite earlier U.S. Policy to eliminate traditional practices and replace them with constitutional democracies under the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) in the early part of the twentieth century. The Tuscarora Nation is among a handful of federally acknowledged tribes that has kept its original form of governing. This governing body, the Council of Chiefs, is federally acknowledged which means a government-to-government relationship exists between the United States and the Tuscarora Nation. See John’s Statement on Tribal Governance if you have any questions about this issue.

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Goal: Gain an understanding of Fitzgerald's troubled life, dreams and aspirations as a writer during the Roaring Twenties and the Lost Generation.

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MRSA is deadly. This new approach turns it to stone

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In mice, the pioneering technique entombs the bacteria in a calcium shell that destroys MRSA’s resistance to antibiotics

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Paul McCartney - If I Ever Get Out Of Here (Full Song Edited)

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In 2021, the median household income for American Indian households on reservations in the lower 48 states was $42,224, lower than that of Mississippi, the poorest state in the U.S. at $52,719. This striking figure underscores the economic hardship that continues to shape daily life on many Native American reservations.

However, life on Native American reservations cannot be defined by hardship alone. It is complex, layered, and often misunderstood. While the challenges are real, ranging from poverty and health disparities to underfunded infrastructure, so too are the stories of cultural preservation, grassroots leadership, and community-driven progress.

Reservations were not created to empower Native people; they were the result of centuries of forced displacement and restrictive federal policy. This legacy set the stage for long-term socioeconomic barriers, many of which persist today.

Yet despite these conditions, Native communities continue to build toward a more equitable future. From expanding food sovereignty to restoring language and culture, Native-led programs are reclaiming power and creating opportunities for the next generation.

This resource explores what life on a reservation truly looks like today-acknowledging the hardships, highlighting the resilience, and sharing the progress being made on the ground.

What Is Life Like on Native American Reservations?

Life on a Native American reservation is shaped by far more than statistics. These are vibrant communities grounded in ancestral traditions, social cohesion, and a shared sense of identity. Across the country, Native families continue to uphold cultural practices through language revitalization, traditional ceremonies, and community gatherings that preserve heritage.

Reservations are not monolithic. Some are located in rural, isolated areas with limited infrastructure, while others are situated near or within urban regions and have access to broader economic and educational resources. This diversity creates a wide range of lived experiences among Native residents.

In many communities, progress is driven from within. Native entrepreneurs are opening small businesses, launching farms, and building networks that keep wealth within tribal economies. Our Dreamstarter® Grants support these efforts by empowering Native youth to lead community-based projects focused on health, art, education, and economic development.

Food sovereignty is another growing movement. Through initiatives like Running Strong's Organic Gardens and Food Programs, communities are reclaiming traditional foods, improving access to healthy meals, and building skills in sustainable agriculture.

Youth empowerment is central to this work. Programs like SmileStrong and WičhičhaǧA create space for young Native leaders, especially girls and young women, to grow in confidence and lead change from within their own communities.

Key Issues Facing Native Americans Living on Reservations

While Native American reservations are rich in culture and community strength, many residents face persistent challenges tied to historical displacement and ongoing underinvestment. For those asking, "Why is life on an Indian reservation so difficult?" The answer lies in a combination of limited economic opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and systemic barriers that continue to affect generations. Issues related to employment, housing, healthcare, and education continue to shape daily life for millions.

Job opportunities on reservations are often limited, especially in remote areas with few local industries. Many communities face high unemployment or underemployment rates, which can contribute to cycles of poverty and make economic mobility more difficult. Housing shortages, aging infrastructure, and overcrowded homes remain common, especially in regions with limited access to construction resources or funding.

Healthcare access is another key concern. Native populations experience disproportionately high rates of chronic illness, including diabetes and cancer, yet many reservation-based clinics remain underfunded or understaffed. Similarly, schools serving Native youth often lack the resources found in other districts, making it harder to support academic success and cultural learning.

Reservations operate under a unique governance structure. Tribal nations are sovereign entities that manage their own legal systems, leadership, and programs. Tribal councils play a central role in decision-making, setting policies that reflect community priorities and cultural values. Native-led organizations also serve as essential partners, helping deliver health services, education programs, food systems, and cultural initiatives that strengthen local infrastructure.

These governance systems are not just administrative; they are vital tools for self-determination. Through tribal leadership and grassroots organizing, Native communities continue to push for equitable solutions that reflect their values and support their long-term well-being.

Economic Challenges & Employment Barriers

Unemployment remains a significant issue on many Native American reservations, rooted in both historical injustice and ongoing systemic barriers. Forced relocations, land seizures, and restrictive federal policies have limited access to resources and constrained economic development for generations.

Today, Native Americans experience an a verage unemployment rate of 7.9%, one of the highest among racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Per capita income on reservations is approximately $9,000 lower than in surrounding counties, reflecting the economic disparity that persists in many tribal communities.

Geographic isolation plays a major role. Many reservations are located in remote areas with limited public transportation and few nearby industries, making it difficult for residents to find and maintain employment. Even when jobs are available off-reservation, long commutes pose a challenge for individuals with limited access to vehicles or childcare.

Economic infrastructure is often underdeveloped. Many communities lack stable industries, large employers, or access to the digital economy. For Native entrepreneurs, starting a business presents unique hurdles. Because most reservation land is held in trust by the federal government, it cannot be easily used as collateral for loans, making access to credit far more difficult.

Educational disparities contribute to these economic challenges. Schools on reservations are often underfunded, resulting in lower graduation rates and fewer pathways to high-wage careers. Systemic discrimination and hiring bias further limit opportunities, while a lack of banking services prevents many families from building credit or saving for long-term goals.

While some tribes have developed successful casinos, tourism ventures, or tribally owned enterprises, these economic successes are not universal. Urban-adjacent reservations often benefit more from tourism and commercial development, while rural communities face significant hurdles in attracting visitors and investment.

Despite these obstacles, many Native communities are creating solutions through entrepreneurship, education, and local innovation. With greater support and policy reform, sustainable economic growth is possible.

Housing Crisis & Overcrowding

Overcrowded housing is a common reality on many Native American reservations. Multi-generational families often share small homes, not by choice, but out of necessity. This crisis stems from a chronic shortage of affordable, adequate housing.

Several key factors contribute to the problem:

Limited Funding: Federal housing programs are underfunded and often face long delays in building or repairing homes.

Tribal Land Policies: Because reservation land is held in trust, individuals cannot hold title to property. This makes securing a mortgage or financing for home construction extremely difficult.

Long Wait Times: Housing assistance programs are frequently backlogged, forcing families to live in overcrowded or substandard conditions for years.

The effects of overcrowding go beyond inconvenience. Lack of personal space can strain family relationships, increase exposure to communicable diseases, and make it harder for children to focus on homework or rest. These conditions impact long-term health, education, and overall quality of life.

Access to Basic Needs (Water, Healthcare & Food Security)

Meeting basic needs remains a daily challenge on many reservations, where access to clean water, healthcare, and nutritious food is far from guaranteed.

Water Access & Sanitation Crisis

Thousands of Native households still lack reliable running water. This crisis is not due to distance from infrastructure; in many cases, families live within 100 feet of water lines but cannot afford the high costs of connection.

Without piped water, families must haul water over long distances, a physically demanding and time-consuming task. This lack of sanitation contributes to higher rates of illness, including gastrointestinal infections and skin conditions, particularly among children and elders.

Running Strong's Mni Wiconi program offers a clear solution. By funding water line connections, storage tanks, and sanitation upgrades, the program has helped hundreds of Native families gain access to clean, running water-transforming lives in the process.

Health Disparities & Indian Health Service (IHS)

Native American communities face some of the highest rates of preventable diseases in the United States. According to the Office of Minority Health:

In 2023, American Indian and Alaska Native adults were 1.5 times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes.

American Indian and Alaska Native males were almost twice as likely to have, and more than twice as likely to die from, stomach cancer compared to non-Hispanic white males.

These disparities are deeply connected to generations of systemic neglect, lack of access to care, and underfunded healthcare systems, most notably the Indian Health Service (IHS).

IHS is chronically underfunded. Many clinics operate with limited staff and outdated equipment, and some run out of funding before the fiscal year ends. Patients often face long wait times or are referred hours away for basic care. For rural communities, this can mean going without necessary treatment altogether.

To help close this gap, Running Strong offers programs that meet immediate health needs. The SmileStrong and WičhičhaǧA program provides dental and hygiene kits to families who can't afford essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, or soap. Maternal care kits offer crucial supplies to expecting mothers, helping improve birth outcomes and promote maternal well-being.

These efforts not only address urgent needs but also reflect a broader commitment to restoring health equity in Native communities.

Food Insecurity & Nutrition Struggles

Many Native American reservations are classified as food deserts, areas with little to no access to full-service grocery stores. With few markets nearby, families often rely on gas stations or convenience stores for meals, which limits options and drives up costs.

Federal food assistance programs, while necessary, have also contributed to long-term health issues. Historically, these programs introduced highly processed items like canned meats, white flour, and government-issued cheese into Native diets. As traditional food systems were disrupted, health outcomes worsened. Today, American Indian and Alaska Native adults are almost three times more likely to have type 2 diabetes compared to white adults.

To help reclaim food sovereignty and improve community health, Running Strong's Organic Gardens and Food Programs provide seeds, tools, and education for Native families. These initiatives empower individuals to grow fresh produce, reconnect with traditional food practices, and create healthier futures for the next generation.

Cultural Resilience & The Future

Native Language & Cultural Preservation

Language is at the heart of cultural identity, but many Native communities are facing a crisis of language loss. As fluent elders pass away and fewer children grow up speaking their ancestral languages, the connection between generations begins to fade.

When Native youth lose access to their language, they also lose a vital link to traditional stories, ceremonies, and worldviews. Revitalizing language is more than preservation, it's an act of cultural survival.

Running Strong's cultural initiatives are helping to address this urgent need. Through support for Native language programs, cultural workshops, and youth education, these efforts aim to keep Indigenous languages alive and thriving in the communities where they belong.

Youth Empowerment & Education

Native youth face steep educational barriers. Many attend underfunded schools with limited resources, outdated materials, and high teacher turnover. Economic hardship and poverty on American Indian reservations often force students to leave school early to support their families, contributing to a cycle that is difficult to break.

Despite these challenges, young Native leaders are stepping forward. From organizing community events to advocating for cultural preservation and climate justice, today's Native youth are driving change with resilience and purpose.

At Running Strong for American Indian Youth®, our Dreamstarter® program supports this momentum by funding young visionaries who are launching projects rooted in culture, service, and leadership. From language revitalization to mental health initiatives, these youth-led efforts reflect the strength and potential of the next generation.

While life on Native American reservations presents real challenges, Native communities are not defined by hardship alone. Across the country, individuals are building solutions rooted in cultural pride, community strength, and long-term sustainability.

You can support this movement. Learn more about Native history and culture, support Native-owned businesses, and explore how your donations can help sustain vital programs like Dreamstarter®, clean water access, and food sovereignty. Every step makes a difference.
Support RS programs by donating "

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Life on Native American Reservations | Indian Youth

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Explore life in Native American reservations-the challenges, history, and resilience. Learn about real solutions empowering communities. Click here to read.

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Usually, back-to-school season means excitement for children. Back to school means buying school supplies and new clothes for the school year, plus the benefit of seeing their friends again. However, for many Native Americans, it is a time filled with anxiety and stress because of negative school experiences. Not only is this an effect of family historical trauma but also an effect of low self-esteem and a lack of cultural identity. There are numerous factors, but one deeply rooted issue goes unaddressed, year after year. The boarding school era (the 1860s-1960s) failed to offer the opportunities it promised Native people but succeeding in stripping them of their culture.
Native American boarding school history: a deep-rooted trauma

The issues surrounding Native American education are rooted in a history of upheaval, beginning with the government relocation of Native children from their families and tribal way of life to long-term boarding schools. It was a common practice at the time for this type of school to allow disciplinary punishment, such as physical beatings or starvation, of Native American children for speaking their Native language or practicing their spiritual beliefs. These schools, however, would later be exposed and dismantled for allowing such excessive forms of abuse. The circumstances that Native children faced during this time in history have continued to have deep-rooted ramifications on the way American Indians relate to mainstream education. Many of those who attended boarding schools still suffer from mental health issues, depression, and anxiety.

The 1969 U.S. Senate Report entitled "Indian Education-A National Tragedy, A National Challenge" highlighted the disastrous effects that forced assimilation placed on the education of Native American children. The specific failures of the education system at that time were noted as

1. "The classroom and the school becoming a kind of battleground where the Indian child attempts to protect his integrity and identity as an individual by defeating the purposes of the school.

2. Schools [that] fail to understand or adapt to, and in fact often denigrate, cultural differences.

3. Schools [that] blame their own failures on the Indian student and reinforce his defensiveness.

4. Schools which fail to recognize the importance and validity of the Indian community. The community and child retaliate by treating the school as an alien institution.

5. A dismal record of absenteeism, dropouts, negative self-image, low achievement, and, ultimately, academic failure for many Indian children.

6. A perpetuation of the cycle of poverty which undermines the success of all other Federal programs."

This failure is a direct result of a derogatory attitude held by some Americans toward Native people and communities. Most people in the U.S. held negative stereotypes of Natives labeling them alcoholics, lazy, and much more. These stereotypes have followed children into the classroom causing low self-esteem and a disconnect from the curriculum-one that doesn't recognize the true history of Indigenous Americans but a one-sided colonial account.

Thus, it stands to reason that many Native students a negative attitude toward education has been transferred down through generations and affects children today. In fact, Native American children have the highest dropout rates of any ethnic group in the United States. Recent statistics from the Bureau of Indian Affairs have noted that 29% to 36% of all Native American students drop out of school, mostly between the 7th and 12th grades. These numbers are even higher in areas where the parents complain of a major lack of understanding of Native culture within the school/community. This means only 75 percent of Native students graduate high school-this is the lowest graduation rate among American students. The post-secondary success rate is more disparaging with only 9.3 percent of all Native Americans earning a college degree.

Walking in two worlds

Native Hope recognizes this crisis among young Natives who struggle to walk in two worlds: the Native world and the contemporary world. These are two very different places-especially in the world of education. While the federally-funded boarding schools of the past are gone, its effects linger. Native students are confronted with a world that does not understand them nor their customs. Consequently, they are enveloped in an environment of isolation and self-doubt.

Other issues hindering Native American Education

Many tribes in South Dakota live in poverty. Five of America's poorest counties house Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Sioux tribes.

The median household income for those living on these reservations ranges from $11,000-$29,000. Surprisingly, 20 percent of Native American households make less than $5,000 annually. This level of poverty simply should not exist in America.

Because of the impoverished economies of many reservations, many Native American children attend underfunded schools. This means their educational opportunities are insufficient-schools, programs, and teachers do not receive adequate funds. Even the federal government's Impact Aide program, in place to serve underprivileged children, is far from adequate.

Another issue hindering the success of Native American students stems from a lack of early childhood education. When many Native American students reach the kindergarten classroom, they lack fine motor skills and face language deficits.

When children are raised in poverty, early childhood development is often delayed. Simple skills that many five-year-olds possess like holding a crayon, looking at a book, and counting to 10 have not been developed. Letters and numbers are simply foreign to them.

Why? The parents of these children are often in survival mode; they spend their time and energy on the foundational needs of their family: food and shelter. Understandably, a family who is struggling to survive does not have the resources nor the ability to work on educational needs.

In turn, language delays occur as a result of a lack of interaction with books and imaginative play. Other behavioral issues arise as well due to the lack of routine and stimulation that encourage intellectual growth.

Every child deserves the tools needed to succeed in school

Education is part of the fabric that weaves the future and opens up doors of opportunities to accomplish dreams. For generations, however, the educational rights of Native Americans have been deteriorating under the weight of historical trauma and cultural contempt.

Native Hope recognizes the importance of healing these historical wounds and restoring trust.

We also respect the sovereignty of Native nations. Their leaders and communities know what is best for their people. Today, despite limited funding, tribes strive to rebuild a strong foundation and achieve sustainability. These resilient people are on a journey of rediscovery and healing.

Native Hope is a resource helping Native communities meet their needs. We talk with community members, listen to their needs, and partner with tribal entities-in a unified effort to dismantle barriers, inspire empowerment, and give hope for a promising tomorrow.
Your gift today will provide HOPE to Native American children in need.
You can help create a future full of hope and promise!

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The issues surrounding Native American Education

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There are numerous factors, but one deeply rooted issue goes unaddressed, year after year. The boarding school era failed to offer the opportunities it promised Native people but succeeding in stripping them of their culture.

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Goal: gain understanding of how antibiotic resistance occurs and spreads between microbes; better understand the danger of MRSA

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The Indian Reorganization Act in Minnesota

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Native America Tribal Nations Mini-lesson: The Ojibwe

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Goal: Understand the time-period of the United States during the 1920's and contextualize it within the novel.

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Roaring Twenties: Flappers, Prohibition & Jazz Age - HISTORY

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The Roaring Twenties were a Jazz Age burst of prosperity and freedom for flappers and others during the Prohibition era, until the economy crashed in 1929.

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The Ojibwe tribe , also known as the Chippewa or Saulteaux, have historically lived in what's now southern Canada, the northern Midwestern United States, and Northern Plains. Known for their trademark birchbark canoes, copper mining, and maple syrup , they significantly shaped their region for several centuries.

The history of the Ojibwe people is fascinating. Like most other tribes, their story is one of tragedy and conflict-but also triumph, perseverance, and great accomplishments.

The History of the Ojibwe People

Along the Great Lakes, the forests were teeming with game, and the water was abundant with fish. The Ojibwe were able to create a thriving trade economy and enjoyed a healthy lifestyle fueled by the area's natural resources. Fishing, trapping, and hunting provided everything the Ojibwe people needed, plus a surplus they could trade with settlers in exchange for clothing, medicine, guns, and more.

While spread out across a great area, the lakes connected the Ojibwe people, who were able to create a shared sense of identity and community. The Ojibwe people moved westward along the Great Lakes because of a prophecy that they were to go find "the land where food grows on water." This food was wild rice, also called manoomin .

Alliances With Other Tribes and the Council of the Three Fires

The Ojibwe tribe was part of the Council of the Three Fires , an alliance between themselves, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi tribes. These three tribes were originally considered one people, and their unique ethnic identities were developed after the Anishinaabe arrived at Michilimackinac in Michigan on their journey west.

Within the Council of the Three Fires, the Ojibwe were addressed as the "older brothers," and the Odawa tribe represented the "middle brother," with the Potawatomi tribe named the "younger brother."

After America's founding, the council transitioned into the Western Lakes Confederacy, or the Great Lakes Confederacy, along with the Wyandots, Algonquins, Nipissuy, Sacs, Meskuraki, and more tribes.

Treaties and Contention with American Settlers and the United States Government

Like most other Native American tribes, the Ojibwe were forced to sign many treaties with the American government and U.S. settlers . One of the most notable and detrimental treaties for the Ojibwe people was the Treaty of Washington, signed in 1855.

For the Ojibwe tribe living in Minnesota, this agreement added a large part of Ojibwe land to the U.S. government and created the Leech Lake and Millelaces reservations.

Image source: MNOpedia

The previous two land treaties (the treaties of St. Peters in 1837 and the treaty of La Pointe in 1854) from the government had already taken most of the Ojibwe land and given payments and goods in return.

The Treaty of Washington forced the Ojibwe people to shift their food source to mainly agriculture, as the government now owned most of the land the Ojibwe were used to hunting on.

The Ojibwe Language

Stemming from the Algonquian language family, the Ojibwe language has a series of dialects and writing systems. This language and its dialects are the 2nd most commonly spoken First Nations language in Canada and the 4th most widely spoken First Nations language in the United States.

Yet even with the devastation caused by the assimilation attempts, there are many initiatives to revitalize and reintegrate the Ojibwe language into more of the community and younger generations. From dictionaries to computer learning programs to whole college programs designed around language learning and appreciation, there's a strong desire to rebuild what was stolen from the Ojibwe people.

Etymology and Origins of the Ojibwe Name

Also called Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language calls back to the Ojibwe creation story. "Anishinaabe" means "the Spirit that is lowered from above," "-mo" means "expression through speaking," and the ending "-win" means "the life energy within that which is used to speak." The Ojibwe people are also called "the true people" or "the original ones ."

This same term for the language, Anishinaabe, can be used to describe various indigenous people groups in North America or reference the shared languages of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes.

The terms "Ojibwe" and "Chippewa" both come from traits of the tribe itself. They translate to "puckered up" and are thought to refer to the way that Ojibwe people make their moccasins with puckered seams. Another translation seems to refer to the signature birch bark boats of the Ojibwe.

Ojibwe Culture and Spiritual Beliefs

The Ojibwe have traditionally organized themselves into groups known as bands. These bands settled along rivers and near forests, as their knowledge of the wildlife aided their hunting and fishing. They were only semi-nomadic and would move around more in the colder seasons as they adjusted their hunting and fishing tactics for the weather.

In the summer, the women gathered wild foods such as berries and roots and planted corn, beans, and squash when they could. In the late summer and early fall, the Obijwe harvested rice from the water and land. Ojibwe moved further into the woods in the winter to hunt bigger game. They also implemented ice fishing in the colder months. In the spring, the Ojibwe bands harvested maple sap to make sugar for year-round use.

Image source: Library of Congress

The bands of Ojibwe lived in dome-shaped wigwams and used woven mats and birchbark to secure them. In the summer months, bands would form small summer villages of several families, and all lived and hunted together. In the winter, these groups would disperse so they could move and hunt elusive game more freely. Some bands ranged in size from 20 to 50 people who were related by blood, marriage, or kinship. Clans were designated by what clan the family's father was part of. Usually named after an animal, each clan took care of different responsibilities within community life.

Ojibwe have a culturally-specific form of pictorial writing, which they used in their religious rites. They wrote on birch bark scrolls and on rock. Their pictures conveyed Ojibwe history and geometrical and mathematical knowledge. Much of the ancient writings are considered sacred, so little is known about them outside of tribes.

The Ojibwe have influenced modern culture in many ways, one of which is the presence of dreamcatchers in culture today. According to history, dreamcatchers originated with Asibaikaashi, the Spider Woman. She helped to care for Ojibwe infants and adults. But as members of the tribe moved around North America, it became hard for her to care for everyone.

As a result, Ojibwe women started to make magical webs for their infants to protect them. These webs would catch bad dreams and release them in the daytime, while the feathers at the bottom would let the good dreams be passed along to the children.

While there are still dreamcatchers today, the meaning has been disconnected for many non-native people who buy them, and the authenticity of the objects is lost to mass production in most cases.

Like many other Native tribes, the Ojibwe relied on oral tradition to pass on their histories and beliefs. They told only specific stories in the winter due to their belief that the snakes and frogs were evil and not allowed to listen to stories.

The Ojibwe Creation Story

The Ojibwe story of creation picks up at the end of a story where Wenebojo has just defeated evil spirits ( maji-manidoo).

After Wenebojo tricks the maji-manidoo , he gets stranded in a pine tree. Water rises to meet him, and by the time he gets to the top of the tree, the water has reached just under his nose. He sees animals swimming around him, and he asks each one to take turns diving down to the bottom of the water and bringing up a little earth so they can all survive.

A loon, an otter, and a beaver all try to help him with his request, but they all drown before they can bring back any dry land. The muskrat goes last, but he passes out as he reaches the surface.

Wenejobo praises the muskrat's effort and mourns his death, but then he realizes he is holding a few grains of sand and a little bit of mud.

Wenebojo brings the muskrat back to life with his breath and then rolls the mud in his hands. He makes a large enough surface for the animals to climb out of the water, and from the small island, he sends a huge bird to fly around the island and make it bigger. After flying around for four days (a magic number), the bird returns, and Wenebojo says the island is still not big enough, so he sends an eagle to make it bigger.

Once the earth is created, Wenebojo decides it is where all his relatives can make their home. He cuts up the body of one of the evil wolves he defeated, distributes it, and makes some into oil or fat. Now the animals can eat meat instead of just grass if they want.

Some animals drank the fat from the evil wolf and are turned into guardian spirits of every Native who fasts. Finally, Wenebojo names all the growing things and lets the Natives know which they can use and how.

Where are the Ojibwe Today?

Those living in Canada primarily live in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Those living in the United States typically live in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Each new band has its own history, flag, and government, as well as cultural differences and unique needs.

Ojibwe people are making their impact on pop culture as well, with Care Gee , a stage, film, and television actress, landing roles in Strange Empire and The Expanse . Another famous Ojibwe actor is Adam Beach , known for his roles in Smoke Signals and Windtalkers.

Louise Erdrich joins the work of a lot of Native authors in setting the record of history straight. Her works shed light on her own tribe's history and conflicts with the United States government. Her writing has won two National Book Critics Circle Awards and the PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction.

Want to learn more about Native American history?

Grab our guide, Reflecting on Our Foundations, to learn about:

Different tribes and where they lived

Native American values and spirituality

How learning and culture were passed down through generations

How colonization impacted and disrupted Native American life

And much more!

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The History and Culture of the Ojibwe (Chippewa) Tribe

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The history of the Ojibwe people is fascinating. Like most other tribes, their story is one of tragedy and conflict-but also triumph and perseverance.

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goal: understand how drugs can target specifically

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(PLUS JOY & HUMOR)

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Spirit's Guide to Being Your Best Self | Reservation Dogs | FX

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Goal: understand the limitations of current findings and the role of model organisms; understanding the next steps. This paper will help contextualize the results.

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Mouse as a Model Organism: Benefits & Limitations | Boster Bio

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Discover why the mouse is a key model organism in genetics, disease research, and drug development. Learn its advantages, limitations, and research applications