The Game of Silence

In the fall season, Omakayas and her family move to their winter lodging, a log cabin that is closer to the white-populated town of LaPointe. Omakayas worries that this will be their last time moving between their seasonal homes. Nokomis makes a rabbit blanket as a gift for Omakayas. Omakayas and Nokomis have a special relationship. Omakayas knows that her grandmother has a special love for her because Nokomis teaches her about plants, roots, and medicine.

Nokomis tells Omakayas a story about the memegwesiwag, or the little people. As a child, Nokomis got lost in the woods and came upon a little person who made her feel better. That same little person helped Nokomis again during one particularly brutal winter. The little person brought Nokomis to a dead bear; Nokomis then ate the meat, and to this day, she still uses its fur for warmth. Omakayas recognizes that Nokomis is sharing this story because it will soon be “time for Omakayas to go and seek instruction and protection from her own spirits” (110).

Angeline wants Omakayas’s help in catching more fish. Omakayas is tired and refuses to help unless Angeline tells her why she needs more fish.