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.

Garnet is the protagonist and main narrator in the story. Garnet was born in White Dog, in the land across the lake that his family calls “Raven land.” He remained with his family until he was three years old. When he was born, Garnet’s family was still living a traditional Ojibwe life, and they were connected to nature: “The first words I spoke were Ojibway words and the first sounds I heard when I was born were the sound of the wind in the trees, water and the gentle murmur of Ojibway voices all around me” (12). At a young age, Garnet’s family was teaching him about The Power of Connection to the Land. His grandfather and father would take him along while trapping and they would talk to him about things like nature and family.