Keeper'n Me

Keeper explains that the drum is “the heartbeat of Mother Earth” and connects people to the “universal heartbeat” (163). It urges them to respect and remember female power, which sustains life like the Earth does. Each person carries two gifts inside them, their mother’s and their father’s. The main principles of an Indigenous way of life are simplicity and balance, and the drum is a reminder of that value.

Garnet feels bored and recalls the fact-paced living of the city. He feels torn, thinking that one part of himself is reconnecting to Ojibwe culture, while the other, “scared” part longs for the outside world. To bring modern energy to the community, he tells Wally that they could start a radio station, since radio is a big part of their entertainment as a community. Wally becomes excited and spreads the word.

The community starts preparing the White Dog One Network Radio. Keeper is suspicious, saying that they will have things to learn. Wally, who proclaims himself the station’s manager, makes the big announcement, saying that every household will have their own radio for $5 a month. Everybody is excited about the start of the radio network that will bring the modern world in the community.