When The Stars Came Home
Ojiig struggles after he moves to the city with his family. But, thanks to a special quilt filled with family memories, Ojiig is able to rediscover his roots and reconnect with his loved ones.
Themes: Urbanization, tradition, family, coming home
About the Author
“Dr. Brittany Luby (Anishinaabe-kwe, atik totem) is the many-greats granddaughter of Chief Kawitaskung, an Anishinaabe leader who signed the North-West Angle Treaty of 1873. With a pen stroke, Kawitaskung agreed to share parts of what is now northwestern Ontario with settlers and their descendants. Because of her many-greats grandfather, Brittany believes that ink is a powerful tool. The words we write lay the foundation for our future. Brittany writes for social justice. She is also a history professor at the University of Guelph, specializing in Indigenous history in North America,” – Bio taken from Good Minds
About the Illustrator
“Natasha Donovan is a Métis illustrator with a focus on comics and children’s illustration. She has illustrated several award-winning children’s books including The Sockeye Mother by Brett Huson and the graphic novel Surviving the City by Tasha Spillett-Sumner. She has a degree in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, and has worked in academic and magazine publishing. She currently lives in Bellingham, Washington,”
-Bio taken from Hachette Book Group
Our Honored Guest
Perry Ginwedibik Staples is a St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Tribal Member who has worked as a Certified Peer Specialist for four years. He has been a small business owner of Two Feathers Construction for the past 28 years, where he provides carpentry services to Tribal elders and community members. He is a serving member of the Burnett County Drug Court, as well as a former participant on the Burnett County Drug Court. Alongside his work responsibilities, he manages the Wings of Migizi recovery/peer support group through the St. Croix Human Services Department. He has been sober for 16 years, enjoys playing golf, and is married with six children and nine grandchildren. Perry is proud to be a member of the Big Drum, which is one of the highest honors within his Tribe.
-Bio provided by Perry Staples
Discussion Questions
After spending time in the city and trying a few times to find the stars, Ojiig realizes that he doesn’t know how to wish anymore. Has there ever been a time you felt without hope? What made you feel better?
Ojiig’s Mama had a familial story connected to each addition to the star quilt, why do you think that is?
The book ends with “Home is where you learn who came before you. Home is where you discover who you are. Home is where you imagine who you might become.” What do you think that means? What does ‘home’ mean to you?
Learning Activities
- What colors and stories would you choose to represent your home and your family history in a quilt? Draw and color a ‘quilt’ to tell your family history.
- What are ways that you could help someone feel at home in a new space? What could you do to help yourself feel at home?
Explore More
Interested in learning more about Urban Native people and the ‘Indian Relocation Program’? Check out the following resources:
A longer read from American Public Media Reports.
A shorter read from NPR.
Watch the short video from PBS available on the right.
To learn more about Boarding Schools and their impact on Native Communities explore these resources:
A short read from Wisconsin Public Radio.
A longer read that walks through one specific woman’s experiences in Boarding Schools.
A longer video from PBS.
Learn more about the power of Indigenous Kinship in this short read from The Walrus.