The story follows the seasons. Tommy describes the different ways he explores his world during the spring (harvest ziinzibaakwadwaatig and go fishing), summer (harvest wiigwaas, play lacrosse, participate in pow wows) , fall (hunt, harvest manoomin) and winter.

• Are there activities you like to do during the different seasons?

When Tommy and his father go fishing, they have to make sure not to take too many big fish. The fish they catch are measured by a warden at the end of the night.

• Why might this be?

• How does this regulation protect the fish population?

Tommy’s father says that by netting for fish in Mille Lacs Lake, they are exercising their treaty rights.

• What do you know about treaties and treaty rights?

• What do you think these rights might be?

Tommy is learning to play baaga’adowe, or lacrosse.

• Have you ever played lacrosse?

• How is it similar to or different from baseball?

Music and dance are an important part of many cultures. Tommy dances traditional Ojibwe dances at pow-wows.

• How do the dances you do and the music you listen to express your culture?

When Tommy and his family gather manoomin, or wild rice, they do not harvest all of the rice in the field. Why is this?

• How can you follow the example of Tommy's family in your life and use resources carefully?

Read the next installment of Growing up Ojibwe: Spearfishing Adventures.

Read The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway (2010) by Edward Benton-Banai. The book documents the history, traditions, and culture of the Ojibwe people through stories passed down through generations.

Read Bird Talk by Lenore Keeshig-Tobias (1994). The book describes a young Ojibwe girl's struggle with bullying at school, offering valuable insight into Ojibwe life and language.

Read Shannon: An Ojibwe Dancer (We Are Still Here) by Sandra King, a book about a young Ojibwe shawl dancer in Minneapolis.

Learn more on Ojibwe.net - chock full of lessons by level, stories by season, songs, projects, resources.