In celebration of Angeline Boulley’s award-winning novel Firekeeper’s Daughter, the Vicksburg District Library, in collaboration with Gilbert and Ivy and the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center, is hosting events in October of 2023.
About Firekeeper’s Daughter
SUMMARY
“As a biracial, unenrolled tribal member and the product of a scandal, Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in—both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. When her family is struck by tragedy, Daunis puts her dreams on hold to care for her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother’s hockey team.
After Daunis witnesses a shocking murder that thrusts her into a criminal investigation, she agrees to go undercover. But the deceptions—and deaths—keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home. How far will she go to protect her community if it means tearing apart the only world she’s ever known?”
AWARDS & HONORS
TIME Magazine 100 Best YA Book of All Time
Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club YA Pick
Michael L. Printz Medal Winner
William C. Morris Award Winner
Walter Dean Myers Award Winner
American Indian Youth Literature YA Honor Book
Amazon Best YA Book of the Year So Far
Kids Indie Next List Pick
Entertainment Weekly Most Anticipated Book of the Year
POPSUGAR Best YA Book of the Month
Edgar Award Winner for Best Young Adult
Goodreads Choice Award Winner for Best Young Adult Fiction
Vicksburg District Library Book Clubs
ADULT BOOK CLUBS
Thursday, October 5 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Join the VDL’s traditional book club in discussion of Firekeeper’s Daughter. We have coffee, tea, and treats. Newcomers are always welcome.
Monday, October 9 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Come to this special book club meeting to discuss Firekeeper’s Daughter with other people who can’t make the morning meeting.
TEEN BOOK CLUBS
Wednesday, October 11 from 2:45 – 3:45 PM
Friday, October 13 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Wednesday, October 25 from 2:45 – 3:45 PM
All book clubs meet at the Vicksburg District Library, located at 215 S. Michigan Ave, Vicksburg, MI 49097.
Other Events
Angeline Boulley Author Visit
Monday, October 23, 2023
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Vicksburg Performing Arts Center, 501 E. Highway St, Vicksburg, MI 49097
Meet Angeline Boulley, author of Firekeeper’s Daughter, and get your book signed. The event is free, but registration is required. Register and reserve your copy of the book.
Panel Discussion
Saturday, October 21, 2023
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Vicksburg District Library – Lower Level, 215 S. Michigan, Vicksburg
Meet a panel of Tribal leaders as they discuss past and present challenges for their communities and share their creative approaches to bridging tradition and modernity.
First Nations Market
Saturday, October 21, 2023
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Community Pavilion, 300 N Richardson, Vicksburg
Tribal member artists and artisans from Tribes around the region will offer goods for sale. A Native food vendor will also be available.
Food Sovereignty
Saturday, October 21, 2023
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Community Center, 101 S. Main Street, Vicksburg
Participants will learn about Native American natural food sources and how food sovereignty was taken away by colonialism and genocide. What are tribal members doing today to fight for their rights to forage and sustain themselves on the land?
Youth Painting Project
Saturday, October 21, 2023
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Community Center, 101 S. Main Street, Vicksburg
Youth ages 6-18 will learn about the values of the NHBP culture, especially the sacred value of family. Learn how to paint trees and roots and a family values tree to take home. Reserve here: https://tinyurl.com/39fxx7jf
Pow Wow Exhibition
Saturday, October 21, 2023
4:15 – 5:45 PM
Community Pavilion, 300 N Richardson, Vicksburg
Viewers will learn about the Potawatomi culture by experiencing traditional dances, drumming, and songs. Following the ceremony, attendees can join a reception for casual questions and answers with Tribal representatives.
Civil War Anishinaabe Sharpshooters
Sunday, October 15, 2023
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Community Center, 101 S Main, Vicksburg
Discover the lost history of Company K and the Civil War story of Michigan’s Anishinaabe Sharpshooters with historian, Chris Czopek.
Grandmother’s Stories & Native Crafts
Saturday, October 21, 2023
11:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Prairie Ronde Gallery, 101 E Prairie, Vicksburg
In this family-friendly program, artist Dr. Lyles shares stories her great-grandmother told her about the Trail of Tears. Make and take home a traditional pouch and a talking stick. This event is family friendly.
Native Arts & Artifacts Exhibit
Opens Saturday, October 14, 2023
3:00 – 7:00 PM
Prairie Ronde Gallery, 101 E. Prairie, Vicksburg
Collection of paintings and Native American handicrafts by American Native Dr. Pamela Lyles. Runs through October 28, Tuesday-Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.