Family & Home
Where does Janessa live—name the tiny town and the nearby river she mentions.
Keller, Washington — near the San Poil River.
What is the name of the reservation where Janessa lives?
The Colville Reservation.
What word on page 26 is defined as “an unfair dislike of a group of people”?
Prejudice
What traditional activities did Janessa do with her family throughout the year? (one short answer)
Gathering roots in spring, picking berries in summer, and attending winter ceremonies (dancing, singing, praying).
What does Janessa say she misses most when she leaves home?
The mountains and the water.
Which two rivers are near the Colville Reservation according to the text?
The San Poil River and the Columbia River.
Why did Janessa’s mom struggle in school according to the memoir?
She faced prejudice and was treated badly by teachers; many teachers were non‑Native and refused to work with Native student
What did Janessa’s great-great-great-grandmother do when Lewis and Clark passed through the Columbia Plateau?
She went south to meet them along with other leaders.
How many siblings does Janessa say she has?
She has six siblings (Janessa is one of seven children).
Where did the reservation get its name?
It was named after nearby Fort Colville, which was named for Andrew Colville of the Hudson Bay Company.
Who in Janessa’s family was involved in the American Indian Movement and what is one protest mentioned?
Her relative Stella (her mom’s grandmother) was involved; one protest mentioned is the occupation of Alcatraz (also Wounded Knee is mentioned).
What is the main idea of Janessa's memoir? Summarize the memoir in 1–2 sentences.
Janessa’s memoir tells about growing up as a Native American on the Colville Reservation, her family and traditions, the challenges her family faced with prejudice, and her return after college to learn from elders and help her community.