Firekeeper's Daughter

The Humble Horse is a non-profit based in River Falls, Wisconsin that is dedicated to reviving the rare breed of Ojibwe Horse known as the Lac La Croix pony. In “Return of Rare Ojibwe Horse Lifts Spirits—But Still Needs Help,” Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) talks with Em Loerzel, founder of The Humble Horse, on the main reason she created the organization:

“But for Em Loerzel, it’s about more than maintaining a critically endangered breed. She said it’s important to her for Ojibwe people to have their horses back. Because the Ojibwe Horse’s story, she said, parallels the story of Anishinaabe people. ‘They were forcefully removed from their families. They were almost exterminated by the government. The population dwindled. And now we're coming back. And now we're thriving.’”

Having read Firekeeper’s Daughter, discuss what you’ve learned about how animal-human connections are important to the Ojibwe, and how the Ojibwe commune with nature at large. How does oneness with animals and/or the natural world help build Community for Daunis and in the among the Ojibwe community at large?  

Teaching Suggestion: As students discuss the MPR article, ask guiding questions that will help lead students to see the connection between animals/the natural world and the Ojibwe’s sense of community.