1. Keeper n’ Me Reading Response Questions #3 (pages 36 to 59)
1. What terms does Keeper use to describe the traditions of the [Ojibway] Anishanabe?
(p. 37)
The natural way, way of the universe, way of the bush and land. Nature is full of respect, honesty,
sharing, and kindness. They needed each other to survive. Looking at nature taught the old ones
that.
2. What does Keeper say about Garnet learning to keep the traditions? (p. 39)
You have to learn respect, honesty, kindness, and sharing before you can learn the singing,
dancing, tanning of the hide, and storytelling. Because these things are the core of the tradition.
3. What is Garnet’s sister’s name and how does she welcome him? (p. 41)
Jane is Garnet’s sister’s name. She welcomes him with a big hug and lots of tears and also woth
teasing.
4. Who is the “old man with so many wrinkles he looked like he was folded up wet and
left overnight?” (p. 41)
Keeper
5. What do you think it means when Stanley says to Garnet “We all want lots for you but
nothing from you?” (p. 44)
He wants what’s best for his brother, for his brother to find himself, to become one of the family of
that’s what he wants. They do not expect anything in return, no repayment at all. They will give
him the tools, no matter what food clothes etc. all he has to do is be and learn.
6. What do Jane and Stanley tell Garnet that indicates how much his mother loves him?
(p. 46-47)
That their mother loved a man after their father died very much. And this man wanted to marry her
but because he was a non status Indian that would mean that she would lose her status and all her
children under that age of 21 would also. Since Garnet was still under 21 she would not marry that
man because she did not want Garnet to lose his rights. This man did not understand so he left.
7. What happens to Garnet’s father after his children are taken away from him? (p. 56)
After the kids were taken he broke down. He never forgot or forgave what had been done to him.
He drank a lot. He felt like he had failed the children somehow. He was falling apart inside and
eventually died of this heart break.