Maude Kegg facts for kids

Maude Kegg (Ojibwa name Naawakamigookwe, meaning "Centered upon the Ground Woman") was an Ojibwa writer, artist, and cultural expert. She lived from 1904 to 1996. Maude was a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, a Native American group in central Minnesota. She helped share and preserve the traditions of her people.

Maude Kegg's Early Life

Maude Ellen Mitchell was born in August 1904. She was born in a traditional wigwam near Portage Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. This was during the "Ricing Moon" (Manoominike-giizis), when wild rice is harvested. Her father, Charles Mitchell, was part of the Adik-doodem (Caribou Clan). Her mother was Nancy Pine.

Growing Up with Her Grandmother

Maude's mother passed away when she was born. So, her maternal grandmother, Margaret Pine (also known as Aakogwan), raised her. Maude learned English from her aunts and white neighbors when she was very young.

Living the Traditional Ojibwe Way

Maude's family followed the traditional seasonal cycle of the Anishinaabeg people in Minnesota. In winter, they lived in a house. In spring, they moved to the "sugar bush" (iskigamiziganing) to make maple syrup. During summer, they camped near wild rice fields. They traveled by foot, horse, or birch bark canoe.

Maude chose August 26 as her birthday because her exact birth date was not known. She finished eighth grade at Esdon school. She was the only Native child there.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1917, Maude met Martin Kegg at a Midewiwin ceremony. They married in 1920 in a traditional Native American way. They had another church ceremony in 1922. In 1942, they moved to Shah-bush-kung Point on Mille Lacs with their children. They moved again in 1960. Martin Kegg passed away in 1968. They had eleven children together.

Maude Kegg's Career and Contributions

In 1968, Maude Kegg started working as a guide. She worked at the Trading Post and Museum. This museum is now part of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Sharing Stories and Language

Maude Kegg was not a writer herself. Instead, she told her stories to others. John D. Nichols wrote down her stories in both English and Ojibwe. In her book "Portage Lake," Maude shared memories of her childhood. She wrote about working with her female relatives.

She helped preserve many Ojibwe traditions. These included how to harvest and process wild rice. She also shared how to make maple sugar. Maude was one of the last people to fully master the Ojibwe language. She gave special Ojibwe words and language information to experts. This helped create the Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe in 1995.

Working with the Minnesota Historical Society

Maude Kegg worked for the Minnesota Historical Society at Mille Lacs for many years. She was a docent (a guide) and gave tours. She also helped create a large exhibit showing Ojibwe seasonal life. She made every item in the exhibit herself.

Skilled in Beadwork

Maude was very skilled in beadwork. She was a master of Ojibwe floral designs. She also excelled at geometric loom beadwork. She could create fully beaded traditional bandolier bags. These bags were often worn by tribal leaders.

Her artwork has been shown in the Smithsonian Institution's craft collection. One of her beaded bandoliers was part of a traveling art show.

Awards and Special Recognition

• In 1986, Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich honored Maude Kegg. He declared August 26, 1986, as "Maude Kegg Day" in Minnesota.
• In 1990, she received a National Heritage Fellowship. This award is from the National Endowment for the Arts. It recognized her efforts to preserve Ojibwe language, traditions, stories, culture, and crafts.

Later Life and Passing

Maude Kegg passed away on January 6, 1996. She was 91 years old.

See also

In Spanish: Maude Kegg para niños