Literary Devices/ Writing Process
What literary device is used here? “Well, he’s just another Lost Boy,” (Boulley 73).
Allusion
Who is the main protagonist?
Daunis Firekeeper
What does Daunis's daily routine consist of?
Daunis does daily prayers which includes laying tobacco at the eastern base of a tree.
How does Daunis's experience with trauma and loss affect her mental health in the book?
Daunis struggles with grief and stress after witnessing Lily's murder and uncovering the meth ring's ties to her community. She describes grieving as a "spiral" that hits unexpectedly, showing her ongoing struggle to process her losses.
How many years did the author spend researching for this novel?
10
What event serves as a cultural and emotional anchor for Daunis during her investigation?
Sugar Island Powwow
What does the Anishinaabe word "Nish kwe" mean?
It means Anishinaabe woman.
What role do cultural customs play in Daunis's healing process?
Daunis finds comfort and strength in Anishinaabe traditions, such as ceremonies and teachings, which help her reconnect with her identity and resilience during times of isolation and emotional stress.
What were the jobs of the two retired professionals the author worked with for research?
A retired Indigenous FBI agent and IRS agent.
Who is David?
He is Daunis's uncle who passed away, and he was a CI for the meth operation before his death.
What are the two sacred plants mentioned in the presentation?
Tobacco (semaa) and sweetgrass
How does the book connect Daunis's story to real-life issues faced by Indigenous women?
The book parallels real-life cases, like the murders of Helen Betty Osborne and Tina Fontaine, showing how systemic biases, indifference, and failures in justice systems contribute to the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
What literary technique does the author use here, in ADDITION to analogy?
I visualize frost spreading inside my nasal cavity like feathery ice crystals on a window, overtaking the inferior turbinate, closest to the tip of my nose, travelling up the medium turbinate and finally, covering the superior turbinate. I’m grateful — the cold keeps the pins and needles at bay . . . I inhale deeply, numbing frost spreading to coat my lungs, and look down at Lily. (Boulley 98)
imagery
What warning did Ron give Jaime?
Ron told Jaime to work on the mission and not get too attach to Daunis.
What are the Seven Grandfather Teachings?
love, humility, respect, honesty, bravery, wisdom and truth.
What systemic failures are highlighted in the book through Lily's murder and Daunis's investigation?
Lily's death is initially dismissed as a case of domestic abuse, reflecting how authorities often overlook or inadequately investigate crimes against Indigenous women. Daunis’s determination to uncover the truth mirrors real-life cases where families must advocate for justice.
What does the lilac symbolize in Daunis' thoughts?
It symbolizes strength, resilience, and renewal.
Who is Heather Nodin
She is a local teenager who went missing and Daunis discovered her body in the forest.
Why is it so difficult for Daunis to enrol in her community's Ojibwe tribe?
Because her GrandMary did not allow her mom to put her dads name on Daunis's birth certificate which resulted in lack of Indian status.
How does Daunis’s kidnapping underscore the vulnerability of Indigenous women?
The kidnapping emphasizes the dangers Indigenous women face, showcasing their heightened risk of violence and abuse due to systemic neglect and societal inequities. Despite this, Daunis demonstrates courage and resilience in her fight for justice.