Firekeeper's Daughter Sparknotes

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Angeline Boulley’s novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter (2021) approaches many issues within the Ojibwe Tribe, which is targeted in the book. Some issues include drug use, gun violence, sexual assault, and racism. Many of these issues are bad, but the novel mainly focuses on drug use and addictions. Angeline Boulley is an enrolled member of the Ojibwe Tribe. Her former job title was the Director of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education, but now she is a full-time author. Angeline’s father was a traditional firekeeper, who lights ceremonial fires at spiritual events in their community. About 223,800 Ojibwe people are living in the United States according to the 2020 Census (“Britannica Kids”). They traditionally live around the Great Lakes and Canada, where there are about seven Ojibwe reservations located in the United States. …show more content…

Marie Island, Michigan, where the story takes place (“Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians”). The novel takes place in Angeline’s hometown, Sault Ste. Marie. Marie Island, Michigan, where many members of the Ojibwe Tribe live. Daunis Fontaine, the main character, is surrounded by many blood members of the Ojibwe Tribe, but she herself is not documented as a member. She lives with her mother and is close to one of her deceased father's sons, Levi, who is about her age. Daunis becomes close friends with another “member” of the tribe, named Lily. When Lily, Levi, and Daunis are at a party one summer night, Lily is murdered by her crazy, druggie ex-boyfriend. “A brave hand reaches for the gun”. Lily’s fingers are outstretched. Demanding. The. Give it a go.

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