A Million Simple Miracles Family Sagas

Place: North America (Generation One)

Time: 0 - 100 AD

Character: Makwa Ojibwe

From a young age, Makwa was curious and adventurous. She followed the adults to learn how to identify edible plants, weave baskets, and tend to the fire. Her older brother often took her to observe the men hunting deer and trapping small animals.

Makwa's curious and adventurous spirit leads her on many solo adventures in the wilderness. She explores every nook and cranny she can find and returns home with many collectibles, such as fossils, from her expeditions.

Makwa oftentimes tags along with the adults on their daily chores. Her mother, who spends lots of time gathering nature's resources for the family, is more than happy to share with her the secrets of which plants are edible, such as the pears from this pear tree, and which ones are not.

Makha's mother also teaches her the traditional art of basket weaving. Baskets are an important part of the Ojibwe culture, and it is important that Makha learn to master this skill.

Makwa's father is not without his own lessons to teach Makwa. The firepit, being the central part of the family's household, must be carefully managed to ensure that the flames keep burning.

Makwa has a close relationship with her older brother, Dakwa, and the siblings often accompany their father on his deer hunts as observers. Makwa herself will not hunt, but it is important that she know where her food comes from.

Makwa and her brother share an excited glance as their father surveys the stream habitat for small animals to trap.