Firekeeper's Daughter

by Angeline Boulley

I keep telling Levi that my longer, bigger, and therefore vastly superior muscles require more intensive preparation for peak performance.

“Every atom has subatomic parts. Her regalia includes a dress, belt, moccasins, and a lot of other items. Dancers don’t start out with their full regalia; they get it bit by bit. Each piece is a connection to her family, her teachers, and even to ancestors generations back. If you know the story of her regalia—who and where and why each item came to be—then you know her.”

Mom sits at GrandMary’s bedside, reading Pride and Prejudice aloud. Jane Austen has mediated their tumultuous relationship my entire lifetime.

a long day trip with Ron and Jamie to Marquette,

If you, as an agent of the law, obtain evidence illegally, then the information is inadmissible in court under the Fourth Amendment. It’s called fruit of the poisonous tree.

Since today is Friday—euchre day—Granny and Minnie sit opposite each other at a card table, blinking secret codes to let the other know what suit they’re holding and if they’ve got any bowers.

Since I’m on my Moon, I don’t set down any semaa with my morning prayer. Women are at their most powerful during menstruation, connected to life-giving forces. Auntie gave me teachings: The reason we don’t use traditional medicines and we’re not around ceremonial fires during this time is that we carry our own medicine and fire within. Others may act as if it’s something annoying or unclean, but even the way we refer to menstruation is respectful. Auntie said, None of this “being on the rag” or “the red curse.” Your Moon is a mighty time, Kwe.

Her voice cracks. “It’s hard when someone says they love you, but they need to contain and control the things that make you you.”

A patch of mashkodewashk grows. I wonder if it’s the male or female version of sage.

she does this often: introduce a native word, then indirectly ezplain it in English somehow.