Our Publications!

The Holy Hill Center, in conjunction with the University of Michigan Press, recently published a manuscript called "Keewaydinoquay, Stories from My Youth." This book is a remarkable account of what it was like to grow up as a young Native woman stuck between traditional native values and the newer western lifestyle. It lays out the foundation for the life of Keewaydinoquay (called by her friends and students "Nokomis" or grandmother as a term of respect) and tells how experiences helped her to become a caring teacher to both Natives and non-natives alike.

Keewaydinoquay, Stories from My Youth was made a Michigan Notable Book in 2007. If you haven't heard of Michigan Notable Books, according to the Michigan Notable Books' website, it is a governmentally-funded program, that "annually selects 20 of the most notable books published in the year. The selections are reflective of Michigan's diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experience. This program has roots stretching back to Michigan Week 1991. The Library of Michigan has had primary responsibility for this program since the 2002 awards. Before 2004, the program was called Read Michigan." The Holy Hill Center is humbly glad our book was the recipient of such an award, and hope that this wonderful tale can touch the lives of many as it has touched ours.

In addition, the writing of both books (Stories from my Youth, and our upcoming Adult Life) was also supported in part by a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council, which is a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

But don't just take my word on it, some of the reviewers on Amazon.com had this to say:

A lyrical tale of a native childhood by a great healer, April 25, 2007
By Karen Vaughan "Herblady" (Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY USA)

Keewaydinoquay, the Anishinaabeg medicine woman and ethnobotanist who recently died was a great inspiration to herbalists, Native and non-native alike. I had the good fortune to attend a workshop with her before she died and her stories have become an important part of my repertoire. This book, partially written by her and partially reconstructed from notes and recordings compiled by her apprentices is a lyrical tale of growing up between worlds. When the great depression hit her family lost money and was forced back to the woods, but for her it was a paradise with wild otters and wild places where she could find specimens to sell to the University for extra money. She tells of her apprenticeship to the venerable medicine woman Nodjimahkwe and the teachings that meant so much to her. I highly recommend it.

What was it like in the 1920s ?, March 26, 2006
By Robert L. Curtner "metaworker" (East Lansing, MI USA)

So much of what is published about living "native" in the 20th century focuses on events West of the Mississippi. This collection of Michigan stories explains the relationship of people to the natural environment from the point of view of a girl who was raised in a traditional way, to know balance and living the good life. Wonderful blending of events, healing, and what has come to be called supernatural.

Knowing Kee, September 7, 2008
By Ned S. Coates

Experiencing Kee was a life-changing experience for me and others. Her books, including this one, give us a sense of her power, knowledge, and heart.

The Holy Hill Center is very delighted to be able to share these wonderful stories with you! Don't forget! Keewaydinoquay, My Adult Life, is on its way! Keep a weathered eye out! If you have any questions about the book or Nokomis Kee's teachings, the Center would love to hear from you!