#Anishinaabe Warrior

[the-aila-test]

A friend of mine sent me this:

For those who are unaware, Angeline Boulley is the author of The Firekeeper's Daughter which did not pass The Ali Nahdee Test but was still an excellent read, especially as an Anishinaabekwe reader <3

Her next book, Warrior Girl Unearthed, comes out May 2nd!

[flagwars]

Native American and First Nations Flag Wars: Round 1

This tournament focuses on the flags of indigenous groups of the United States and Canada in honor of National American Indian Heritage Month. Thank you to everyone for your submissions! I think this is going to be a fun tournament with some great flags!

Round 1:

1. Huu-ay-aht First Nations vs. Miccosukee vs. Mashantucket Pequot Tribe vs. Teslin Tlingit Council

2. Nez Perce vs. Pimicikamak Cree Nation vs. United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians vs. Cahto

3. Anishinaabe vs. Clatsop vs. Métis vs. Upper Skagit Indian Tribe of Washington

4. Cherokee Peace Flag vs. Peguis First Nation vs. Haisla vs. Chief of the Secwépemc

5. Jatibonicu Taino Tribal Nation vs. Missisquoi Abenaki Tribe vs. Colorado River Indian Tribes vs. Nisga'a

6. Chinook Nation vs. Hopi Nation vs. Mi'kmaq (horizontal) vs. Pawnee Nation

7. Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation vs. Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation vs. Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People vs. Tłı̨chǫ

8. Inuvialuit vs. Seminole Tribe of Florida vs. Mohawk Warrior Society vs. Eel Ground First Nation

9. American Indian Movement vs. Navajo vs. Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana

10. Secwépemc vs. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation vs. Arctic Athabaskan Council

11. Tahltan Nation vs. Blackfeet Nation vs. Musqueam

12. Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians vs. Haudenosaunee/Iroquois vs. Poarch Band of Creek Indians

13. Haida vs. Piapot First Nation vs. Ninilchik

14. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami vs. Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation vs. Arapaho

15. Mi'kmaq Nation vs. Lax Kw'alaams Band vs. Pascua Yaqui Tribe

16. Cherokee vs. Ute Indian Tribe vs. Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California

[cynicalrosebud]

Writing Ojibwe Characters: A Basic Guide

Creating well-rounded, respectful Ojibwe characters takes a bit of research and consideration. This guide gives a quick overview of things to think about when writing Ojibwe people and incorporates some context to avoid common pitfalls. Writing any Indigenous character means approaching with care, so let’s dive in!

1. Understand Ojibwe Culture and Community

Get to know the basics of Ojibwe culture, beliefs, and values. My people, the Ojibwe (also spelled Ojibwa, Ojibway, or Chippewa) are part of the Anishinaabe people. We are present across Canada and the northern U.S. Midwest, with diverse communities that each have their own practices and perspectives.

Community-centered thinking: Many Ojibwe people have a strong sense of connection to community and family. Recognize that we tend to prioritize our connections and often have a deep relationship with our elders and youth.

Language and terminology: Use respectful terms. The Ojibwe language (Anishinaabemowin) is central to identity, even if a character doesn’t speak it fluently.

2. Avoid “Spiritual Mysticism” Stereotypes

Steer clear of clichés about Indigenous mysticism. Instead, focus on how Ojibwe spirituality is lived in everyday ways—whether through ceremonies like smudging, seasonal celebrations, or even just respecting the land and ancestors. Characters don’t need to be “shamans” or mystical guides to show their culture.

Spirituality in balance: While many Ojibwe people honor spirituality, each person practices differently. Just as in any culture, some may be very connected to it, while others are more secular.

3. Use Realistic Names and Nicknames

Ojibwe names often have meaning and are given in specific cultural contexts, sometimes in ceremonies or after significant events. If using an Ojibwe name, make sure it’s well-researched, and consider including a backstory on how it was given to your character.

Nicknames are common and can range from family names to personal traits. Think about nicknames that resonate with your character’s personality and family background rather than something “exotified.”

4. Research Traditional Roles, Not “Warrior” Stereotypes

Ojibwe people are often cast as “warriors” or “stoic fighters,” which is limiting. In reality, Ojibwe communities have had diverse roles throughout history, including diplomats, healers, artisans, teachers, and more.

Consider what makes sense for the time and place your character lives in—an Ojibwe character could be a modern-day artist, teacher, software developer, veteran, or lawyer. Complex portrayals highlight our adaptability and contemporary lives.

5. Acknowledge History Without Making Trauma the Focus

Many Indigenous communities, including Ojibwe, have endured hardships like colonization, boarding schools, and loss of land. However, it’s essential not to reduce characters to trauma alone. Show their resilience, joy, humor, and everyday experiences alongside their histories.

Avoid “tragic backstory syndrome”: A good character is multidimensional. Balance struggles with strengths, showing how they thrive in the modern world while honoring their roots.

6. Respect Language and Use It Thoughtfully

If your character speaks or knows Anishinaabemowin, use it respectfully and sparingly unless you're fluent. Small phrases or words can add depth without risking inaccuracies. If they use Ojibwe words, provide a translation for context.

Resource suggestion: Check out the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary for phrases, pronunciation, and examples of how the language fits into daily life.

7. Research and Connect With Indigenous Resources

For non-Indigenous writers, it’s important to engage with authentic sources and, if possible, speak with Ojibwe individuals or consult books, articles, or online resources created by Ojibwe authors and scholars.

Media to check out: Look for books, films, and articles by Ojibwe creators (such as works by Louise Erdrich or Gerald Vizenor) for direct perspectives.

8. Show Ojibwe Humor and Resilience

Ojibwe humor is a big part of the culture—often dry, sarcastic, and shared among family and friends. Including humor adds authenticity and breaks away from “stoic” stereotypes. Remember, we laugh, joke, and enjoy life as much as anyone else!

9. Give Credit and Respect Acknowledgments

Mention that you’ve researched Ojibwe culture and language if possible, and consider a small acknowledgment to the sources you used. It shows respect for our culture and the people who helped make the character accurate and relatable.

Sample Character Traits for Inspiration:

Joyful and witty, known for quick humor but deeply thoughtful.

Family-oriented, regularly calling or visiting relatives or helping out in the community.

Resourceful and resilient, finding creative ways to navigate the modern world while honoring traditional values.

Quietly proud, choosing to celebrate their heritage subtly but meaningfully, like wearing Ojibwe beadwork or carrying traditional items.

Writing an Ojibwe character respectfully and fully means creating someone real and complex. Remember, the best portrayals come from genuine understanding and thoughtful depiction. Happy writing, and Chi miigwech (thank you very much) for taking the time to represent us well! 🪶✨

And if you are ever confused, ask! I love answering questions about my culture!

[richincolor]

Crystal's Favorite 2023 Books

This year there were a lot of excellent books that came my way. Here are the ones that were the most memorable and are the most likely to be re-reads in the future.

Rez Ball by Byron Graves Heartdrum [My Review]

These days, Tre Brun is happiest when he is playing basketball on the Red Lake Reservation high school team—even though he can’t help but be constantly gut-punched with memories of his big brother, Jaxon, who died in an accident.

When Jaxon’s former teammates on the varsity team offer to take Tre under their wing, he sees this as his shot to represent his Ojibwe rez all the way to their first state championship. This is the first step toward his dream of playing in the NBA, no matter how much the odds are stacked against him.

But stepping into his brother’s shoes as a star player means that Tre can’t mess up. Not on the court, not at school, and not with his new friend, gamer Khiana, who he is definitely not falling in love with.

After decades of rez teams almost making it, Tre needs to take his team to state. Because if he can live up to Jaxon’s dreams, their story isn’t over yet.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley Henry Holt and Company [My Review]

Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is – the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her aspirations won’t ever take her far from home, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. But as the rising number of missing Indigenous women starts circling closer to home, as her family becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation, and as greedy grave robbers seek to profit off of what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything.

In order to reclaim this inheritance for her people, Perry has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She can only count on her friends and allies, including her overachieving twin and a charming new boy in town with unwavering morals. Old rivalries, sister secrets, and botched heists cannot – will not – stop her from uncovering the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever.

Sometimes, the truth shouldn’t stay buried.

Gloria Buenrostro is Not My Girlfriend by Brandon Hoàng Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) [My Review]

Gary Võ is one of the few Vietnamese kids in his school and has been shy for as long as he can remember—being ignored and excluded by his classmates comes with the territory. So when the most popular guy in his grade offers Gary the opportunity to break into his inner circle, Gary jumps at the chance. All he needs to do is steal the prized possession of the most beautiful and untouchable girl they know—Gloria Buenrostro.

But as Gary gets to know Gloria, he’s taken in by her authenticity and genuine interest in who he really is. Soon, they’re best friends. Being part of the “in crowd” has always been Gary’s dream, but as he comes closer to achieving infamy, he risks losing the first person who recognizes his true self. Gary must consider if any amount of popularity is worth losing a true friend.

Throwback by Maurene Goo Zando Young Readers [My Review]

Back to the Future meets The Joy Luck Club in this YA contemporary romance about a Korean American girl sent back to the ’90s to (reluctantly) help her teenage mom win Homecoming Queen.

Being a first-generation Asian American immigrant is hard. You know what’s harder? Being the daughter of one. Samantha Kang has never gotten along with her mother, Priscilla—and has never understood her bougie-nightmare, John Hughes high school expectations. After a huge fight between them, Sam is desperate to move forward—but instead, finds herself thrown back. Way back.

To her shock, Sam finds herself back in high school . . . in the ’90s . . . with a 17-year-old Priscilla. Now this Gen Z girl must try to fit into an analog world. She’s got the fashion down, but everything else is baffling. What is “microfiche”? What’s with the casual racism and misogyny? And why does it feel like Priscilla is someone she could actually be . . . friends with?

Sam’s blast to the past has her finding the right romance in the wrong time while questioning everything she thought she knew about her mom . . . and herself. Will Sam figure out what she needs to do to fix things for her mom so that she can go back to a time she understands? Brimming with heart and humor, Maurene Goo’s time-travel romance asks big questions about what exactly one inherits and loses in the immigrant experience.

Reggie & Delilah by Elise Bryant Harper Collins [My Review]

Delilah always keeps her messy, gooey insides hidden behind a wall of shrugs and yeah, whatevers. She goes with the flow—which is how she ends up singing in her friends’ punk band as a favor, even though she’d prefer to hide at the merch table.

Reggie is a D&D Dungeon Master and self-declared Blerd. He spends his free time leading quests and writing essays critiquing the game under a pseudonym, keeping it all under wraps from his disapproving family.

These two, who have practically nothing in common, meet for the first time on New Year’s Eve. And then again on Valentine’s Day. And then again on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s almost like the universe is pushing them together for a reason.

Delilah wishes she were more like Reggie—open about what she likes and who she is, even if it’s not cool. Except . . . it’s all a front. Reggie is just role-playing someone confident. The kind of guy who could be with a girl like Delilah.

As their holiday meetings continue, the two begin to fall for each other. But what happens once they realize they’ve each fallen for a version of the other that doesn’t really exist?

[laresearchette]

Friday, November 10, 2023 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: FOR ALL MANKIND (Apple TV+) THE CURSE (Paramount +) EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS (W Network) 9:00pm

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT? AFTER THE BLAST: THE WILL TO SURVIVE (ABC Feed) BELLE COLLECTIVE (TBD - OWN Canada) THE CURSE (TBD)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA 007: ROAD TO A MILLION DINA HASHEM: DARK WHISPERS KANDAHAR TREVOR WALLACE: PTERODACTYL

CBC GEM CRIME (Season 2) LE COYOTE TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (starts today, goes until November 12th)

CRAVE TV A CHANCE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND THE FIRE HORSE FOUR CHRISTMASES GODFATHER OF HARLEM (Season 3, Episode 1) INTO THE DEEP THE JOURNEY HOME LAMBORGHINI: THE MAN, THE LEGEND MIRACLE IN MOTOR CITY ONE WEEK PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH SISU STILL MINE VIOLENT NIGHT

DISNEY + STAR BOBI WINE: THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT

NETFLIX CANADA AT THE MOMENT (TW) THE KILLER TEAM NINJA WARRIOR (Season 2)

2023 FIFA MEN'S U17 WORLD CUP (TSN/TSN4) 6:48am: Spain vs. Canada

GRAND SLAM OF CURLING (SN) 11:00am: National - Draw 14 (SN) 3:00pm: National - Draw 15 (SN) 7:00pm: National - Draw 16

NHL HOCKEY (SNWest/TSN4) 7:00pm: Flames vs. Leafs (SN1) 7:00pm: Wild vs. Sabres (SN) 10:00pm: Sharks vs. Knights

NBA BASKETBALL (TSN/TSN3/TSN5) 7:30pm: Nets vs. Celtics (SN Now) 8:30pm: Clippers vs. Stars (TSN/TSN3/TSN5) 10:00pm: Lakers vs. Suns

AMPLIFY (APTN) 7:30pm: Anishinaabe electro-pop artist Wolf Saga draws inspiration for his music from a painting his grandmother bought, which connects him to his culture. This episode features Richard Gracious, Janis Monture, Elder Mary Lou Smoke and Betty Albert.

THE FATHER (CTV2) 8:00pm: A man refuses assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and the fabric of his reality.

7TH GEN (APTN) 8:00pm: Matthew Monias - Mattmac: Many people know Matthew Monias by his stage name, Mattmac. Discover how this Oji-Cree blind recording artist from Garden Hill First Nation is taking the world by storm with his music and blazing a trail with his advocacy work.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF JERSEY (Slice) 8:00pm: La Finn

PLANET WONDER (CBC) 8:30pm: How the language used about climate change affects the motivation to do something about it.

A DASH OF CHRISTMAS (CTV Life) 8:00pm: To apply for her dream job at a foodie startup, an executive must learn to bake. When she recruits a handsome baker to help her, she inadvertently ends up in a Christmas Bakeoff.

FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER (APTN) 8:30pm: The inaugural NASCAR Pinty's race finally arrives at Ohsweken Speedway and Aaron Turkey proves to be a hometown hero in the historic event. Meanwhile, Joshua Hill hustles to get his car back on the track after getting into a wreck the night before.

THE FIFTH ESTATE (CBC) 9:00pm: The Girls Around Robert G. Miller: In partnership with Radio-Canada's investigative program, "Enquête," "The Fifth Estate" examines troubling claims that a Canadian billionaire had a long history of paying teenagers for sex.

TRANSPLANT (CTV) 9:00pm: Bash reconnects with the man who got him to Canada.

BEAT BOBBY FLAY: HOLIDAY THROWDOWN (Food Network Canada) 9:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): Katie Lee Biegel cracks the wishbone with Turkey Day classics and makes this holiday reunion a surprise family affair. Chefs Darnell Ferguson, Bryan Voltaggio and Michael Voltaggio attempt to squash Bobby Flay with a new turkey tradition.

CATWOMAN: HUNTED (Cartoon Network Canada) 9:00pm: Catwoman attempts to steal a priceless jewel.

VIOLENT NIGHT (Crave) 9:00pm: An elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage inside. However, they aren't prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this Nick is no saint.

W5 (CTV) 10:00pm: The Mystery Bomber: "W5" investigates the identity of a would-be bank robber who exploded in a dramatic heist.

CRIME BEAT (Global) 10:00pm: Nothing is What it Seems: Part 1: A man walking his dog comes upon a neighbor's garage engulfed in flames; when the smoke clears, a woman is found dead with drug paraphernalia nearby; nothing is what it seems, and police are left combing through a web of lies to find the killer.

[the-cosmos-withinus]

Just so you know, the term w****go comes from a closed culture (Anishinaabe mythology) and it is considered extremely offensive for outsiders to use it, especially considering that many people following those beliefs don't feel comfortable even speaking or typing it themselves

Yeah, no, buddy, we're not doing this.

Use of the Wendigo being "offensive" is a take I have only seen from online (usually white) "social justice warriors" speaking over ingenious people in order to be offended on their behalf. What I have read from actual indigenous people and anthropological studies is that opinions range from "we don't mind as long as you respect our culture" to real and valid offense at Hollywood portrayals of the Wendigo. I'm not from an area that has this spirit as part of their belief system, so I can't speak for them, but the indigenous people in my area are proud of their culture and stories, and are happy to have them shared with respect.

I've done my research, on both the Folklore and the cultures, and if I had to guess, I'd say this belief that using the Wendigo is offensive is the result of a merger between the superstition that saying the name of the Wendigo will draw the spirit to you (this is also dependent on the folklore by the way, just saying the name isn't enough in some cultures), the real offense taken by indengionous people at the attemps by big Hollywood trying to turn the Wendigo into just another pop culture cannible monster for an easy scare, or internat users claiming to have a "real encounter" with one for clout and of course internet obession with making assumptions and spreading misinformation.

By the way, the Anishinaabe are not a singular tribe, they are a group of culturally related peoples, there is no direct source of mythology behind the Wendigo which is why there are varying tales on what the spirit is, some of which don't even include actual physical cannibalism. It's all dependent on which culture any version of the story originates from. In short terms, it's a cautionary legend about the perils of selfishness and a reminder for communities to watch out for one another, which is a reoccurring theme in this AU and at the center of several characters' arcs and the impact that Belos and the Boiling Isles had on one another. That's in short terms, please go read up on the folklore yourself and see what Indigenous people themselves have to say about them

For this AU I lean more toward the variation where a Wendigo is largely indistinguishable from a human, the exception being when Belos hasn't fed, but I've also tried work in bits of ToH wonkiness and even explain the Hollywood aesthetic of his monster form as part of his struggle to maintain his humanity by clinging to the image of his childhood mask, which was supposed to be a deer. Its not a perfect representation of the Wendigo, by any means but I've put a lot of care into putting the cultural significance of the Wendigo legends at the forefront, and minimize the Hollywood influence as much as possible.

I will not answer any other asks of this nature. Everyone else, please be sure you know what you're talking about before you start preaching about what other people find offensive.

[ogimaawab]

The Anishinaabe people have clans and a system of governing, and one of the clans is the Fish Clan. Members of the Fish Clan traditionally have responsibilities related to fishing, such as ensuring the health of fish populations and teaching others how to fish. They also have spiritual connections to fish, and may participate in fish-related ceremonies. The Fish Clan is one of several clans within the Anishinaabe culture, each with its own unique traditions and responsibilities.

The Anishinaabe Fish Clan, like many Indigenous cultures, used the night sky as a way to navigate and mark the passage of time. They observed the movements of the stars and constellations, and developed their own systems for recording and interpreting this celestial information.

One example of this is the Anishinaabe Grand Medicine Society, a spiritual and cultural group that includes members from several different clans, including the Fish Clan. The Grand Medicine Society has a tradition of using the night sky to track the months and seasons, and to predict important events like the timing of the spring thaw or the start of the fall harvest. Stories of Milky Way as a path, jiibay miikana the fish swimming in the night sky.

The Fish Clan also has its own unique system for recording celestial information. According to some Anishinaabe scholars, the clan uses a system of symbols and patterns to represent different constellations and stars. These symbols may be used in storytelling and art, as well as in more practical applications like navigation and timekeeping.

Overall, the Anishinaabe Fish Clan, like many Indigenous cultures, has a deep connection to the natural world and uses the stars and other celestial bodies as a way to understand and interact with the universe around them.

There are many Anishinaabe Aadaazookaanan scared stories that involve fish, but one of the most well-known is the story of the Mishipizheu, or "water panther" spirit. According to the Aadaazookaanan, the Mishipizheu lived in the depths of Lake Superior and could take the form of any creature, but most often appeared as a giant cat with fish scales and spikes on its back. This creature was said to be created by Wenabozho to help the jiibay wondering spirits back home.

The Ojibwe people believed that the Mishipizheu was a powerful and unpredictable spirit, and that encountering it was both dangerous and potentially rewarding. Some legends describe fishermen who were swallowed whole by the Mishipizheu, only to be released unharmed days later with the knowledge of how to catch more fish than ever before.

Other stories tell of brave warriors who sought out the Mishipizheu to gain its favor and protection in battle. In these tales, the warriors would journey to the bottom of Lake Superior to face the Great Lynx spirit in combat. Those who emerged victorious were said to be blessed with extraordinary strength and resilience. Some stories showed that Mishipizheu was kind and loving and gave the women medicine such as copper.

Today, the Mishipizheu remains an important part of Anishinaabeg culture, and is often depicted in art and storytelling as a symbol of wisdom, power, and the mysteries of the natural world.

Another clan the mermaid clan Bwaananaabekwe.

The Anishinaabe people, also known as the Ojibwe or Chippewa, have a rich tradition of storytelling and Aadaazookaanan that includes many different supernatural creatures. One such creature is the mermaid, who is said to be associated with a specific clan in some versions of the legends.

The Anishinaabe mermaid clan is said to have a special connection to water and to the spirit world. Members of the clan are said to have the ability to communicate with water spirits and to control the tides and currents. They are also said to be able to shape-shift into mermaids or other aquatic creatures.

In some stories, the Anishinaabe mermaid clan is associated with a specific location, such as a particular lake or river. They are said to protect and care for the water in their territory, and to be able to communicate with other water spirits and creatures.

Overall, the Anishinaabe mermaid clan is just one example of the rich and diverse Aadaazookaanan of the Anishinaabe people, and reflects their deep connection to the natural world and the spirits that inhabit it.

There are many varieties of fish clans they all have their unique purpose and origin story and they are told in ceremony and in the winter months. The night sky was utilized in the storytelling. Anishinaabe people have a rich heritage that involves the environment the night sky and the waters, Anishinaabe perspective these things hold life.

[missbookiverse]

Neuerscheinungen im Mai 2023

The Endless Vessel von Charles Soule In der Zukunft ist die Welt beherrscht von einer “Depressionsplage”, die unzählige Menschenleben auslöscht. Wissenschaftlerin Lily versucht sich ihr inneres Licht in diesen düsteren Zeiten zu bewahren und begibt sich dabei auf einen unbestimmten Pfad.

Menacing Manor von Kiersten White Teil 4 und damit der vorletzte aus der fabelhaften Sinister-Summer-Reihe. Diesmal begeben die Geschwister sich ins Wissenschaftscamp von Mr. Frank und Dr. Stein, um endlich mehr über die mysteriöse Vergangenheit ihrer Eltern herauszufinden.

Yellowface von R. F. Kuang Kuangs erster nicht-fantastischer Roman über die weiße Schriftstellerin June, die nach dem Tod ihrer deutlich erfolgreicheren Autorinnenkollegin, Athena Liu, deren unveröffentlichtes Manuskript stiehlt und, unter asiatisch-amerikanisch klingendem Synonym, als ihr eigenes ausgibt. Nach Babel bin ich der Autorin gegenüber skeptisch, aber der Inhalt reizt mich und der Anfang hat mich direkt gepackt.

Nigeria Jones von Ibi Zoboi Nigeria wächst als Teil einer Schwarzen Separatistengruppierung in Philadelphia auf. Das bedeutet für sie Veganismus, Hausunterricht und das Praktizieren traditioneller Rituale ihrer Vorfahr*innen. Als Nigerias Mutter verschwindet, beginnt sie diesen Lebensstil infrage zu stellen und aus ihm auszubrechen.

The Celebrants von Steven Rowley Fünf Jahre nach ihrem letzten Zusammentreffen begegnen fünf langjährige Freund*innen sich wieder, um ihr gemeinsames Ritual zu ehren, nämlich die Veranstaltung “lebender Beerdigungen” füreinander, bei denen sie die kleinen und großen Erfolge ihrer Leben feiern. Doch dieses Mal verändert ein Geheimnis alles.

Warrior Girl Unearthed von Angeline Boulley Teenager Perry Firekeeper-Birch beschließt mithilfe ihrer Freund*innen die Überreste ihrer Anishinaabe-Vorfahrin aus dem örtlichen Museum zu befreien und zu ihrem Stamm zurückzubringen. Und wenn jeglicher legaler Protest nichts mehr bringt, hilft wohl nur noch ein selbstgeplanter Einbruch. 

To Shape a Dragon’s Breath von Moniquill Blackgoose Reihenauftakt. Die fünfzehnjährige indigene Anequs bondet mit einem frischgeschlüpften Drachen, dem ersten seit vielen Generationen. Da die Kolonisierer*innen alles andere als einverstanden mit den Bräuchen von Anequs’ Volk sind, sehen Mädchen und Drache sich gezwungen, die Drachenakademie der Kolonisierer zu besuchen.

The Salt Grows Heavy von Cassandra Khaw Das Märchen ist bekannt: Die kleine Meerjungfrau kommt an Land und heiratet den Prinzen. Doch danach tauchen ihre Töchter mit scharfen Zähnen auf und brennen das Königreich nieder. Gemeinsam mit einem Pestdoktor begibt sich die Meerjungfrau auf die Flucht und landet in einem verschneiten Dorf bevölkert von nach Blut lechzenden Kindern. 

Psyche & Eros von Luna McNamara Neuerzählung des gleichnamigen Mythos. Als die rebellische Psyche die Göttin Aphrodite verärgert, schickt diese den Gott Eros, um einen grausamen Fluch zu überbringen. Allerdings wird Eros selbst von diesem Fluch ereilt und verliebt sich in Psyche, die ihm entrissen werden wird sobald sie ihn erblickt. Vor der Kulisse des Trojanischen Krieges müssen die beiden herausfinden, ob sich hinter dem Fluch wahre Gefühle füreinander verbergen.

Witch King von Martha Wells Ein körperwechselnder Dämonenkönig namens Kai wird aus seinem Gefängnis befreit und soll sich einer Revolution anschließen. Erzählt wird auf zwei Zeitebenen.

Dragonfall von L. R. Lam Reihenauftakt. Vor langer Zeit haben die Menschen die Drachen verraten, sie verbannt und ihre Magie gestohlen. Inzwischen werden die Nachfahren der Drachen als Gottheiten verehrt, aber die Drachen haben nichts vergessen. In diesem Setting begleiten wir den*die Dieb*in Arcady und Everen, den letzten männlichen Drachen. Verbunden durch einen Zauber will Everen Arcady eigentlich nur ausnutzen, aber umso näher die beiden sich kommen, desto komplizierter wird das ganze. 

The Wishing Game von Meg Shaffer Seit ihrer Kindheit liebt die inzwischen 26-jährige Lucy die erfolgreiche Kinderbuchreihe Clock Island von Jack Masterson. Als der in der Versenkung verschwundene Masterson plötzlich ein neues Buch ankündigt, dessen einzige Ausgabe über einen einmaligen Wettbewerb gewonnen werden kann, muss Lucy selbstverständlich teilnehmen. Doch Masterson plant den ultimativen Plot Twist…

[yarrowstrike]

TEMP ABT ME

Hi! I’m alyssia, i’m 20 and i use she/her pronouns. i’m indigenous (anishinaabe) in canada. my blog is named after my warrior cats oc.

This blog is to contain all my hyperfixations away from my art blog and fanfic blog (that i will not be linking im embarrassed)

interests:

warrior cats

american dad

jschlatt

tamagotchi

kawaii pet megu

skyrim

webkinz

animal jam

[harmonyhealinghub]

Silent Sacrifice: The Story of an Indigenous Canadian Soldier Shaina Tranquilino November 8, 2024

John Standing Elk was a proud Anishinaabe warrior from a small, windswept reserve on the shores of Lake Superior. As a young man, he listened intently to the stories of his ancestors, tales woven with resilience and hope. When war swept across Europe, John, like many Indigenous men across Canada, felt the pull of duty—not just to defend the land he loved but to uphold the warrior spirit ingrained in his people. He enlisted, despite the whispers from the elders warning him of broken promises and mistreatment that came too easily from those who ruled the nation. In 1942, John found himself across the ocean, surrounded by mud, smoke, and the sharp scent of gunpowder. He stood shoulder to shoulder with men from all corners of Canada, his long black braid a testament to who he was and the people he fought for. The camaraderie was real; in the trenches, they were all brothers, sharing rations and hopes of seeing home again. John’s keen eyes and quiet determination earned him respect, and his comrades soon realized he could read the land and weather with an uncanny precision that saved their lives more than once.

But when the battles subsided and medals were pinned on chests, the chasm of inequality became stark. John, with a chest full of ribbons and a soldier’s battered heart, returned to Canada expecting, perhaps naively, a sense of belonging and gratitude. Instead, he was met with barriers. While non-Indigenous soldiers were given plots of land or assistance to rebuild their lives, John was told he couldn’t claim land on the reserve because it was held in trust by the government. He faced indifference when he tried to secure a job; too often, potential employers saw only the colour of his skin and not the bravery he had shown.

Veteran support services often turned him away or provided minimal help. He’d hear, “This isn’t for you,” as if the uniform he had worn was a borrowed costume rather than the fabric of his sacrifice. The pain stung sharper than any wound he had sustained in battle. His fellow Indigenous veterans faced similar struggles, trying to reintegrate into a society that pushed them to the margins despite their shared sacrifice.

Yet, in the face of rejection, John did what his ancestors had done: he persevered. With a resolve that mirrored the steady drumbeat of his community’s ceremonies, he told stories to the youth on the reserve. He spoke not only of the war but of what it meant to stand up, to defend, even when the reward was little more than pride. The stories became lessons; they reminded the next generation that their worth was not tied to the recognition of others but to the spirit they carried.

John’s struggle was shared by thousands of Indigenous soldiers who faced discrimination both before and after their service. Their courage had helped shape Canada’s history, yet their sacrifice was met too often with silence and forgotten promises.

Despite this, John harbored no resentment. In his heart, there was still love for the land and its people. He knew that in the eyes of his children and grandchildren, he was a hero. And in time, the country would begin to see it too. His life, though marked by hardship, inspired change. Movements grew, voices rose, and stories like his began to be acknowledged.

Today, Canada stands with a more honest understanding of its past, recognizing the brave service of Indigenous soldiers like John. And while wounds from those years linger, there is a collective gratitude that echoes through ceremonies, monuments, and moments of remembrance. It is gratitude for those who fought despite the odds, who proved that even in a flawed system, courage and honour could shine brighter than prejudice.

John Standing Elk’s memory, along with those of many other Indigenous warriors, lives on—not only as a reminder of the past but as a beacon of resilience for the future.

[kerrycoast]

Native Peoples Caravan, Parliament Hill, 1974

The Native Peoples Caravan arrived at Parliament Hill on Monday morning, September 30, 1974.

“The RCMP had the guns, the bayonets and the tear gas; we had a drum and a sheet of paper with our demands.” – Louis Cameron, Ojibway Warriors Society. On September 29, 1974, the Native Peoples Caravan arrived in Ottawa. From uprisings that summer at the Two Springs occupation in Secwepemc and the reoccupation of Anishinaabe Park by the Ojibway Warriors Society, the Caravan was joined by people…

[littlejoe59]

Chief Earth Woman was a nineteenth-century Ojibwa woman and a significant figure in Ojibwa history. She claimed that she had gained supernatural powers from a dream, and for this reason, accompanied the men on the warpath. While some Ojibwa warrior women responded to necessity, Chief Earth Woman chose to become a warrior, entering battle with the Sioux. Her dreams provided her fellow Ojibwa warriors with protection, and guided them through the battle. She confided with the leader that her dreams predicted the movements of the Sioux, aiding the Ojibwa in battle. In the battle, she succeeded in scalping an enemy, earning her traditional honors. Ruth Landes' research in the 1930s described Chief Earth Woman as one of few women to command a war party and receive the honors of a man, and later research by Colleen Sheryl McIvor places Chief Earth Woman within the tradition of the Anishinaabe Ogichidaakwe, or woman warrior.

She was born around 1878 near Waterloo, Ohio as Birtha Snyder, Snider or Snidow. She married a man named "White Owl" in 1893, and she frequently traveled from Ohio to Michigan. She lived in a place called "Old Man's Cave" while in Ohio.

Chief Earth Woman's story is often associated as a parallel to those stories of Lozen and Running Eagle.

[valkyries-things]

CHIEF EARTH WOMAN // WARRIOR

“She was a nineteenth-century Ojibwa woman and a significant figure in Ojibwa history. She claimed that she had gained supernatural powers from a dream, and for this reason, accompanied the men on the warpath. While some Ojibwa warrior women responded to necessity, Chief Earth Woman chose to become a warrior, entering battle with the Sioux. Her dreams provided her fellow Ojibwa warriors with protection, and guided them through the battle. She confided with the leader that her dreams predicted the movements of the Sioux, aiding the Ojibwa in battle. In the battle, she succeeded in scalping an enemy, earning her traditional honors. Ruth Landes' research in the 1930s described Chief Earth Woman as one of few women to command a war party and receive the honors of a man, and later research by Colleen Sheryl McIvor places Chief Earth Woman within the tradition of the Anishinaabe Ogichidaakwe, or woman warrior.”

[quoteablebooks]

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Content Warning: Kidnapping, Racism, Cultural appropriation, Murder, Rape, Violence, Sexual assault, Police brutality

Summary:

Perry Firekeeper-Birch was ready for her Summer of Slack but instead, after a fender bender that was entirely not her fault, she’s stuck working to pay back her Auntie Daunis for repairs to the Jeep.

Thankfully she has the other outcasts of the summer program, Team Misfit Toys, and even her twin sister Pauline. Together they ace obstacle courses, plan vigils for missing women in the community, and make sure summer doesn’t feel so lost after all.

But when she attends a meeting at a local university, Perry learns about the “Warrior Girl”, an ancestor whose bones and knife are stored in the museum archives, and everything changes. Perry has to return Warrior Girl to her tribe. Determined to help, she learns all she can about NAGPRA, the federal law that allows tribes to request the return of ancestral remains and sacred items. The university has been using legal loopholes to hold onto Warrior Girl and twelve other Anishinaabe ancestors’ remains, and Perry and the Misfits won’t let it go on any longer.

Using all of their skills and resources, the Misfits realize a heist is the only way to bring back the stolen artifacts and remains for good. But there is more to this repatriation than meets the eye as more women disappear and Pauline’s perfectionism takes a turn for the worse. As secrets and mysteries unfurl, Perry and the Misfits must fight to find a way to make things right – for the ancestors and for their community.

*Opinions*

Angeline Boulley’s first novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter, is one of my favorite novels and so this was one of my most anticipated novels of this year. I got even more excited when I found out that we were returning to Sugar Island and following Perry, one of the young twins that were such a force of good for Danius in Firekeeper’s Daughter. There is something about Boulley’s writing style that makes her characters seem alive and you root for them, even when they are making silly decisions. There is just so much love poured into Boulley’s novels that you can’t help but love them as well. 

Perry is such a lovable and believable character. While she is so smart in some ways, she also made decisions that made me scream at times, which feels really true for teenagers. While Pauline is seen as the “smart twin”, I think that Boulley does a great job of showing that intelligence doesn’t always mean book smarts and what individuals outside of the tribe believe is productive. Perry knows more about Sugar Island than a lot of the other residents and obviously cares about it, the people, the ancestors, and the skills learned from her tribe to be able to adapt and survive. Yet, she is also impulsive and hot-headed, which makes her real and frustrating at times. The one that made me so frustrated is all the times that Perry and Pauline leave the cellphones so they can’t be tracked, even though there are more and more indigenous women going missing. It makes sense for a teenage character, because what teenager doesn’t feel invincible, but as a reader I keep begging them to change their mind. 

I enjoyed Perry as a character, but I wish that the side characters were in the story a little bit more, especially Pauline. We are told a lot about her from Perry’s point of view but don’t get to see her in action all that much. It is clear that Pauline and Perry are not alike in many ways and while neither is perfect, I wish they would have interacted more. I enjoyed seeing Danius and the other characters from Firekeeper’s Daughter again, it just made me more curious about her than what was going on in this story. I wanted to know who her son’s father is if it is who we met in the first novel, and see more of her life outside of being a fierce protector all the time. It didn’t make sense as this is Perry’s story, but because there were so many call backs, I was expecting more about her. I was also surprised about how story goes in this novel. 

Warrior Girl Unearthed is also a really good dip of the toes into the fight for the repatriation of ancestors and items back to their tribes for proper burial. I knew vaguely about this issue, it comes up when stories are about other countries attempting to get their items back from museums, but had no idea how difficult it was for the tribes. As I am not part of the culture, I also didn’t understand the emotional toll and pain that not having their ancestors properly handled can be for members of the tribe. Due to the religious culture that I was raised in, bodies are not held in high regard after their death and the souls leave them, but that is obviously not the case with numerous other religions. While it is not the job of those in other cultures to teach others, I do appreciate the way that Boulley weaves so much information and heart into the tales that she shares with the world. 

While I enjoy this story and the characters, I still enjoy Firekeeper’s Daughter more. I think that plot was a little more cohesive and had a romantic subplot that was a little more prominent, even though it broke my heart. While that fit the two main characters well, Danius was focused on her goal as a secret squirrel and protecting her people and finding the truth, Perry was a little more chaotic and knew what she wanted, but now how to do it. Still, I feel as if there were maybe one too many plot points in this novel that didn’t make it bad but didn’t have the emotional hit that Firekeeper’s Daughter had for me. I can’t get into the biggest plot point I didn’t like in this novel as it is a huge spoiler, but I still don’t see why it and the subsequent arrest and acquittal was necessary, other than showing the strength of the women in this community. 

This is such a good and emotional story, but there were some stumbling blocks that kept it from being a five-star. That being said, it is a four and a half that I am rounding up to a five and I think that everyone should read it.

[richincolor]

Recommendations

So far this year I've enjoyed quite a few books and would recommend these for readers wondering what to pick up next.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley Heny Holt and Company [My review]

Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is – the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her aspirations won’t ever take her far from home, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. But as the rising number of missing Indigenous women starts circling closer to home, as her family becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation, and as greedy grave robbers seek to profit off of what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything.

In order to reclaim this inheritance for her people, Perry has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She can only count on her friends and allies, including her overachieving twin and a charming new boy in town with unwavering morals. Old rivalries, sister secrets, and botched heists cannot – will not – stop her from uncovering the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever.

Sometimes, the truth shouldn’t stay buried.

In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee First Second [Jessica's Review]

A debut YA graphic memoir about a Korean-American girl’s coming-of-age story—and a coming home story—set between a New Jersey suburb and Seoul, South Korea.

Deborah (Jung-Jin) Lee knows she’s different. Ever since her family emigrated from South Korea to the United States, she’s felt her Otherness. For a while, her English isn’t perfect. None of her teachers can pronounce her Korean name. Her face and her eyes—especially her eyes—stand out. As the pressures of high school ramp up, friendships change and end, and everything gets harder. Even home isn’t a safe place, as fights with her mom escalate. Deb is caught in a limbo, with nowhere to go, and her mental health plummets. But Deb is resilient. She discovers art and self-care, and gradually begins to start recovering. And during a return trip to South Korea, she realizes something that changes her perspective on her family, her heritage, and herself.

Gloria Buenrostro is Not My Girlfriend Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) [My Review]

Gary Võ is one of the few Vietnamese kids in his school and has been shy for as long as he can remember—being ignored and excluded by his classmates comes with the territory. So when the most popular guy in his grade offers Gary the opportunity to break into his inner circle, Gary jumps at the chance. All he needs to do is steal the prized possession of the most beautiful and untouchable girl they know—Gloria Buenrostro.

But as Gary gets to know Gloria, he’s taken in by her authenticity and genuine interest in who he really is. Soon, they’re best friends. Being part of the “in crowd” has always been Gary’s dream, but as he comes closer to achieving infamy, he risks losing the first person who recognizes his true self. Gary must consider if any amount of popularity is worth losing a true friend.

Next up, I am looking forward to reading Everyone Wants to Know by Kelly Loy Gilbert and Clementine and Danny Save the World (and each other) by Livia Blackburne. What's on your TBR?

[laresearchette]

Friday, December 01, 2023 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: FROG AND TOAD: CHRISTMAS EVE (Apple TV+) SHAPE ISLAND: THE WINTER BLUES (HGTV Canada) THE SNOOPY SHOW: HAPPINESS IS HOLIDAY TRADITIONS (Apple TV +) SPIRITED - SING ALONG VERSION (Apple TV+) IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE (Shudder) MY NORWEGIAN HOLIDAY (W Network) 8:00pm POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN (Starz Canada) 9:00pm THE UNBELIEVABLE WITH DAN AYKROYD (History Canada) 10:00pm

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT? SEXIEST SPLASH PADS (TBD - HGTV Canada)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA CANDY CANE LANE MY MAN IS CUPID

CBC GEM CALL THE MIDWIFE (Season 12 holiday specials) DAS BOOT (Season 4) THE NEXT STEP(Season 5) ODD SQUAD (Season 2B)

CRAVE TV THE ART OF WOO ATANARJUAT: THE FAST RUNNER BAD BOYS BAD BOYS II CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING (Season 3) CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR JOY RIDE KILL BILL VOL. 1 KILL BILL VOL. 2 THE KILLING KIND (Season 1) MUCH ADO ABOUT CHRISTMAS NEW YEAR’S EVE – STARZ NURSE FIGHTER BOY – STARZ THE O.C. (Seasons 1 - 4) A PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN (Season 3, Episode 1) SLEEPLESS IN SEATLE STORIES WE TELL THE TAKE BACK (SPECIAL PREMIERE)

DISNEY + STAR EXPLORER: LAKE OF FIRE INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY THE MILL THE SHEPHERD SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE TIMELESS HEROES: INDIANA JONES & HARRISON FORD

NETFLIX CANADA BAD BOYS II CHRONICLE CONFESS, FETCH THE CRAFT HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS IT’S COMPLICATED JULIE & JULIA MAY DECEMBER OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY PRIDE & PREJUDICE SHREK SWEET HOME (Season 2) (KR) TRANSPLANT (Seasons 1-3)

2023 FIFA MEN'S U17 WORLD CUP (TSN3) 6:48am: Third Place Match - Argentina vs. Mali

G LEAGUE BASKETBALL (TSN4) 11:00am: Maine vs. Raptors 905

NHL HOCKEY (SN) 7:00pm: Sharks vs. Devils (TSN5) 7:00pm: Sens vs. Blue Jackets

NLL LACROSSE (TSN) 7:00pm: Rush vs. Thunderbirds (TSN/TSN5) 10:00pm: Panther City vs. Warriors

NBA BASKETBALL (SN1) 7:30pm: 76ers vs. Celtics (TSN3/TSN4) 7:30pm: Knicks vs. Raptors (TSN3) 10:00pm: Nuggets vs. Suns

AMPLIFY (APTN) 7:30pm: Cree spoken word artist Zoey Roy meets with legendary Métis artist and activist Maria Campbell, who inspires a piece about the power of celebration. Zoey shares stories about her childhood and how her struggles helped inspire a rich creative spirit.

MARKETPLACE (CBC) 8:00pm: A Montreal lawyer discusses taking on the fight against Ticketmaster over its handling of concert ticket sales; a Canadian reseller shares how he scores tickets and resells them for a profit; the company's former CEO speaks out.

7TH GEN (APTN) 8:00pm: Melissa Brown is an Anishinaabe-Jamaican woman from Winnipeg who grew up in the inner city. Learn about how this entrepreneur, chef and mother is creating the change she wants to see in her community.

MY CHRISTMAS HERO (CTV Life) 8:00pm: An army reserve doctor tracks down her family's military history with the help of a new romance.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF JERSEY (Slice) 8:00pm: Raising the Stakes

A PRINCE AND PAUPER CHRISTMAS (Super Channel Heart & Home) 8:00pm: When a down-on-his luck confidential informant in a criminal investigation suddenly goes missing, a desperate young federal agent recruits his doppelgänger to play the role.

PLANET WONDER (CBC) 8:30pm: From farm to fork, petri dish to plate, Johanna seeks sustainability in food.

FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER (APTN) 8:30pm: Alex Hill has been out all season struggling with anxiety, but she decides to try one race before the season ends. With the help of her team and family, she overcomes her fears and gets in a night of racing at Devil's Bowl Speedway in Texas.

THE FIFTH ESTATE (CBC) 9:00pm

CHRISTMAS UNFILTERED (CTV2) 9:00pm: On Christmas Eve, Becky wishes that her family would truly hear her. All of her thoughts and frustrations begin to spill out as she inadvertently starts telling everyone what she really thinks.

JUSTICE LEAGUE X RWBY: SUPER HEROES & HUNTSMEN PART ONE (adult swim) 9:00pm: Members of the Justice League are transported to the world of Remnant and find themselves turned into teenagers. The Remnant heroes combine forces with the Justice League to uncover why their planet has been mysteriously altered.

CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (Crave) 9:00pm: Three quirky sisters enjoy some fun in the sun when they reunite with their estranged father in the Caribbean during the holidays.

W5 (CTV) 10:00pm: Searching for Sam; Boom Boom Chuvalo

CRIME BEAT (Global) 10:00pm: The Deadly Night Shift