Jim Northrup (writer) facts for kids

Jim Northrup (born April 28, 1943 – died August 1, 2016) was an Anishinaabe (a Native American people) writer, poet, and performer. He was known for his newspaper columns and stories. Jim lived on the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation in Minnesota. His Anishinaabe name was "Chibenashi," which means "Big little-bird."

About Jim Northrup

Jim Northrup wrote a popular newspaper column called The Fond du Lac Follies. This column was shared with many Native American newspapers. Some of these papers included The Circle and News From Indian Country. His column won many awards because it was funny and also shared important political ideas.

Jim often told stories about his own family. Many of his family members, like him, lived a traditional Anishinaabe way of life. He used a friendly, down-to-earth style to talk about how Native Americans and the United States interacted. Fond du Lac Follies was named Best Column in 1999. This award came from the Native American Journalists Association.

Jim's Work and Contributions

From 1990 to 1992, Jim worked with the COMPAS Writer in the Schools Program. He helped young writers as a mentor in the Loft Inroads Program. He also judged writing contests like the Lake Superior Contemporary Writers Series. Jim was a member of the Minnesota State Arts Board Prose Panel.

Jim also shared his thoughts on the radio. He gave commentaries on the Superior Radio Network and National Public Radio. He also appeared on Fresh Air Radio and BBC-Scotland.

His books, like Walking the Rez Road and Rez Road Follies, were written in the same style as his columns. These books were praised for showing what life was like on the reservation. Jim often included jokes in his columns and books. He also used words from his tribal language, Ojibwemowin. He was learning this language himself.

Early Life and Experiences

Jim Northrup was born in a hospital on the Fond du Lac reservation. He grew up at the Pipestone Indian School. Life there was difficult, and he learned to be tough. Later, he served in the Vietnam War. These experiences, along with family challenges, helped shape his strong and humorous writing voice. He was not afraid to talk about the harder parts of life.

Traditional Anishinaabe Life

Jim and his family lived a traditional Anishinaabe lifestyle in northern Minnesota. They lived on the Fond du Lac reservation. Throughout the year, they made winnowing baskets. They also harvested wild rice and maple syrup. Even with his traditional life, Jim took part in events like the Taos Film Festival.

Jim Northrup passed away on August 1, 2016. He was 73 years old. He died due to problems from kidney cancer.

Awards and Recognition

Jim Northrup received many awards for his writing and films.

• In 2001, he was named Writer of the Year for his column The Fond du Lac Follies. This award came from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writer's and Storytellers.
• His book Walking the Rez Road won a Minnesota Book Award. It also won a Northeast Minnesota Book Award.
• In 1987, Jim was honored as the writer of the Best Feature Story. This was for his story "Jeremiah, Jesse and Dan." The award was given by the Native American Press Association.
• Also in 1987, he won the Lake Superior Contemporary Writers Series for his work "Culture Clash."
• The film Jim Northrup: With Reservations won several awards. It received an award at the Dreamspeakers Native Film Festival '97. It was named Best of Show at Red Earth '97. It also won Best Short Film at the Native American Voices Showcase in 2002. This was at the Fargo Film Festival. The film was also shown at the 1997 Native American Film & Video Festival in New York City.
• His book The Rez Road Follies was nominated for a Minnesota Book Award in 1995.
• His column Fond du Lac Follies was named Best Column at the 1999 Native American Journalists Association convention.

See also

• List of writers from peoples indigenous to the Americas
• Native American Studies