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myNotes
Omakayas is an Ojibwe girl who lives with
1
her family on Lake Superior. It is 1850, and
members of a neighboring tribe have just
recently arrived after being forced from their
land. They have traveled a long way and they
are tired, hungry, and “raggedy.” Omakayas
and her brother are at home with their
grandmother, Nokomis. They begin to play a
silent game while they wait for others to arrive
so the adults can discuss what is happening
to their people.
2 Words. Words. Words. Pressing up from her stomach,
trembling on her lips. Words buzzing in her throat like caught
bees. Banging in her head. Harsh words. Angry words. Sounds
boiling up in her like sap. Wild things she couldn’t let out.
3 Yow! A kick from her brother almost caused Omakayas to
blurt an exclamation.
4 No! Omakayas sealed her lips together in a firm line and
glared at her brother with all of the force pent up inside. If the
fire from her eyes could scorch him, Pinch would be the first to
yell out. Then he would lose the game of silence. But Pinch was
used to receiving furious looks from his family. He knew just
how to respond. First he looked innocently at Omakayas (as
though he was ever innocent!). He pretended he was unaware
of the raging energy stuffed up inside of his sister. Then, as
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