General Information on Maude Kegg

Maude Kegg, recipient of the National heritage Fellowship Award, (1990) and Maude Kegg Day on August 24th (1986), is known for her effort in preserving Ojibwe language, traditions, stories, culture, and crafts. She has done so by keeping the tradition of oral culture and Ojibwe art alive.

A member of the Mille Lacks Band of Ojibwe, Maude Kegg was born in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, in 1904. Because her exact date of birth was unknown, she chose her own birthdate as August 26th.

In order to best preserve Ojibwe tradition, Kegg kept the practice of oral culture alive. She told stories of her childhood and Ojibwe teachings to John D. Nichols, who then transcribed and translated her work. These transcriptions were then published in both Ojibwe and English. These books show the Ojibwe life, Kegg's experiences, Ojibwe stories and historical events.

Maude Kegg died on January 6, 1996, at the age of 94.