Night Flying Woman: An Ojibway Narrative

Oona’s small community finally made the decision to leave the forest and move to White Earth Reservation’s main village. Upon surveying the new land, Oona reported that she had dreamt of it and its eight lodges. Oona’s mother was surprised by this dream because there were only six families left in their group. The group continued to live in the forest until their homes were ready. E-Quay’s brother, the child who had been sent to the village school, returned home able to speak the settlers’ language. In this language, he was called “David.”

The leaders of Oona’s village, including her father, planted food back in the forest. A “man called Soldier” (79) informed them that it was time for E-Quay’s brother “David” to return to school, and that the other children should attend too. A few more children were sent to the main village for schooling. After winter, the group left their home in the forest for good. In the village, they found hunger, sickness and despair: The settlers had not delivered the foods that they had promised.

Oona’s mother was eager to learn the settlers’ new ways. She approached the reservation’s government agent and asked if she could see his home.