This is the story of the Ojibwe horses, told as a storyteller would describe the daily discussions between Noozhis (grandson) and Mishoomis (grandfather). Together they feed and care for a pregnant mare in the days leading up to the birth of her foal. It’s the kind of story that draws you into the boy’s excitement; the beautiful images connect us to the stories that Mishoomis tells.

Every morning Noozhis asks, “Is it time, Mishoomis?” Grandfather’s answer is typically “Not today, but soon.” Through these days of waiting, Mishoomis shares the story of the horses. Although the boy has heard them, they both enjoy the retelling. Mishoomis tells his grandson how these small strong horses “helped our people travel, haul wood and go trapping.” He tells Noozhis that when snow machines became more accessible, many people switched to the new technology, noting, “you feed a snow machine only when you use it.” You didn’t have to care for horses if you got snow machines. Over time there were more snow machines and fewer horses.

This story is from Negwaakwaanizaaga’igan (Lac La Croix First Nation) located along the Ontario/Minnesota border in Treaty 3 territory. With the introduction of snowmobiles, the population of the Ojibwe horses dwindled to four mares and then they seemingly vanished. But the horses had been moved to a remote place where the population was slowly rebuilt. There are currently approximately 175 horses known to exist. The book is available in dual Anishinaabemowin- English or English-only versions.

Besides being a beautiful story focused on a relationship between a boy and his grandfather, this book would be at home in an Intermediate Anishinaabe language class for reading and modelling grammar. The Anishinaabemowin/English text would be great as a read-aloud in the classroom as well as in a classroom library to encourage learners to seek more stories told by Indigenous storytellers and authors.

Wiijibibamatoon Anangoonan/Runs with the Stars would be a great resource to stimulate a variety of questions and discussions on topics such as stewardship, relationship, responsibility, impacts of technology and loss of traditional practices. If you don’t feel equipped to do this, check with your school board’s Indigenous education department to see if they have resources to support you.

JoAnne Formanek Gustafson is a member of Rainy River Occasional Teacher Local