by Constance Cappel (Author)
Andrew J. Blackbird and Raymond Kiogima share many similarities, even though they lived in different centuries. Both were Odawa, and they both cared about the customs and traditions of their people. Andrew J. Blackbird lived in Little Traverse, now Harbor Springs, Michigan, while Ray Kiogima lives there now. Both wrote dictionaries and grammars for their people, while also recounting legends. In Odawa Language and Legends: Andrew J. Blackbird and Raymond Kiogima, Blackbird's original 1887 book is followed by Kiogima's Odawa dictionary, grammar, translations of taped legends, and his own stories. This book is a resource for educators, historians, and all people interested in American Indian studies.
Author Biography
CONSTANCE CAPPEL, Ph.D. is a lifetime advocate and friend of the Odawa people and their culture. While living in Harbor Springs, Michigan, she has developed friendships with many Native Americans, both as a child and more recently as a full time resident of the town. Her book, Sweetgrass and Smoke, included many sections from Andrew J. Blackbird s book, History of the Odawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan. Hearing Ray Kiogima read from the Native texts and speak Odawa inspired her to bring out this unique book that contains the first Odawa language dictionary and grammar."