Keeper'n Me

Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and analyzes the source text’s treatment of racism, colonialism, and alcohol addiction. This section of the guide also quotes the source text’s use of the term “Indian” to convey the tone of the text but not as an acceptable characterization term.

Keeper begins with a prologue to the story. He explains that the young Ojibwe people are torn between traditional life and white culture. However, Keeper notes that the old ways are not gone, because people always listen to the old storytellers. The storytellers pass on the traditional Ojibwe teachings. He notes that Garnet has stories to tell about his people and his country. Keeper notes that white men have “lost touch with the rhythm of the earth” (3). He also notes that Garnet returned to the reserve not realizing that he was Anishinaabe. However, he learned a lot, and his story shows the reality of being a contemporary “Indyun.”

Garnet Raven, now 30 years old, begins his story by describing the area of White Dog, land of the Ojibwe, which feels like a different world.