Omakayas is a seven-year-old Anishinabe girl living on an island in Lake Superior. She has a deep affinity for nature and animals, frequently experiencing spiritual connections that set her apart from her peers. While she loves her family deeply, she often harbors typical childhood resentments toward her siblings and dislikes tedious chores like scraping moose hides.

Nokomis is the nurturing grandmother of the family and a respected elder within the community. She provides spiritual guidance, frequently offering tobacco to the spirits and recounting traditional winter stories. Her deep understanding of natural medicines makes her a vital teacher for her granddaughter's developing abilities.

Mama is a strong, observant woman who anchors the household with a quick temper but an unfailingly generous spirit. She works tirelessly to provide for her children and craft beautiful clothing for them. Her deep affection for her family shows in the careful attention she pays to their daily needs.

Deydey is a half-white fur trader whose periodic returns bring order and excitement to the birchbark house, along with various gifts. He possesses a sharp intelligence and a keen sense of humor, though his strict expectations can make him intimidating. He balances his traditional Ojibwa identity with skills learned from European settlers.

Old Tallow is an imposing woman who lives on the edge of town surrounded by a pack of fierce dogs. She prefers hunting and masculine tasks over traditional women's work, dressing in a heavily patched coat. Despite her gruff exterior and general disdain for most children, she harbors a deeply protective affection for Omakayas.

Pinch is a rambunctious five-year-old boy with a talent for mischief. He frequently shirks his responsibilities and occasionally lies to avoid punishment, acting as a constant source of annoyance for Omakayas. Beneath his difficult exterior, he possesses a latent sense of humor that brings levity to the household.

Angeline is Omakayas's older sister, renowned in the community for her striking beauty. She displays a growing interest in the outside world, expressing a desire to attend the local mission school to learn how to read. Her relationship with her younger sister shifts constantly between playful conspiracy and typical sibling rivalry.

Neewo is the youngest sibling in the family, an infant whose name simply means "Fourth" because the community has not yet dreamed a formal name for him. He spends his days swaddled in a cradleboard, though he experiences great joy when allowed to play freely in the sun.

Andeg is a young crow rescued from a trap and integrated into the family's daily life. He proves his worth by chasing away pests and alerting the household to hidden food sources, becoming a surprisingly loyal companion.

Fishtail is a tall, serious Anishinabe man who carries his traditional pipe with pride. He harbors deep suspicions about the expanding European presence and actively studies reading at the mission school to protect his people from fraudulent treaties.

Albert LaPautre is a comical, part-white friend of the family known for his earnest gullibility. He frequently recounts meaningless visions, making him a reliable target for Deydey's teasing and bringing entertainment to the community.

Ten Snow is an unfailingly generous woman renowned for her beautiful beadwork. She spends significant time with the family, offering encouragement and supplies to Omakayas as the young girl learns to sew.

Two Strike Girl is Omakayas's tomboy cousin who excels at hunting and fighting. She firmly rejects traditional women's work, instead securing permission to perform the male-dominated task of dancing the rice.