Nanabosho and the Cranberries

Lois Provost Turchetti is a professional children’s storyteller (in
English and Caribbean Creole), who also conducts educational workshops
in Toronto.

Both Nokomis (grandmother) and Nimishomis (grandfather) teach Winona
stories that she will someday teach her grandchildren. It is Nokomis,
however, who visits Winona’s school to tell a story for a science
lesson on “reflections.” Nokomis tells of Nanabosho’s hunger for
the unreachable cranberries that are both high in the air and below the
still surface of the water.

The McClellans have fashioned a “nesting” story that provides an
opportunity to deepen childhood perspectives. On first reading, the
story will be incomprehensible to the child who is unfamiliar with
Native imagery and metaphors. The role of the grandmother, the life that
is found in all things, the cranberries, Nanabosho’s hunger and his
broken nose, and the birds’ flight reflect Ojibway–Cree aboriginal
values and attitudes as they speak of the interconnectedness of all life
through time.

For the non-Native teacher, reader, or listener, Nanabosho and the
Cranberries provides a glimpse into the world of Native culture as well
as an opportunity for building bridges. Recommended.