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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When does the author describe "a tsunami of disease" sweeping the Oregon coast in "Burning Cascade Head" (293)?

2. What is the word used to mean South in the author's native language?

3. What does the second row represent in the author's metaphor for basket weaving in "Wisgaak Gokpenagen: A Black Ash Basket"?

4. What is referred to as the "bellybutton" of bean pods in "The Three Sisters" (164)?

5. What is the Anishinaabe new year, or Maple Sugar Moon called, among the author's people?

Short Essay Questions

1. Under what types of conditions do black ash trees grow?

2. What metaphor does Kimmerer offer for the braiding of a basket in “Wisgaak Gokpenagen: A Black Ash Basket”?

3. What reassured the author as her field trip with her students concluded in “The Sound of Silverbells”?

4. How is individuality treated by the author's people? Why is it important?

5. What was Nanabozho's first work, as described in “In the Footsteps of Nanabozho: Becoming Indigenous to Place"?

6. What findings did Laurie's thesis produce in “Mishkos Kenomagwen: The Teachings of Grass”?

7. What preconceptions did the author have about Lionel? How were they proven wrong?

8. Why do polycultures often succeed above monocultures?

9. What lessons did Nanabozho learn from the animals, according to the narrative in “In the Footsteps of Nanabozho: Becoming Indigenous to Place"?

10. How did Laurie's advisors respond to her thesis subject in “Mishkos Kenomagwen: The Teachings of Grass”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the botany and relationship of lichen. What is lichen comprised of? How does it interact and complement its different parts? What lesson is taught through lichen in Braiding Sweetgrass?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the meaning of gifts in Native American culture. How was this concept misinterpreted by white settlers in the New World? How do gift economies differ from market economies? How can we go about reconciling the two?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the Three Sisters. Who are the Three Sisters? Who is the eldest, middle, and youngest of the sisters? How do they complement one another and what lesson do they teach?

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