Elizabeth Whitmer

Chippewa Caw Caw: Ojibwe Mazitaagozi' Elizabeth Whitmer

November 10th, 1975 - storm clouds covered the sunset, and The Edmund Fitzgerald sailed into history. The long bulk freighter fought The Witch of November all evening. Other ships were also at the mercy of the storm but kept in constant radio contact - until three sister waves hit. Broken in half, The Fitzgerald carried her 29-crewmen to their graves at the bottom of icy Lake Superior. Legends said there were animals aboard. The captain's huge American Crow 'Caw Caw' witnessed everything. As the stern's huge propellers hit the air, he swooped across the long midship, snatched a tiny cat off the rigging, and flew into the witch clouds. The animals heard ancient Ottawa drums toll the death count. The Ojibwe heard them too. Sadly, The Fitzgerald's death count did not break any records. However, the next year a young Canadian sang his haunting ballad 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' It remained popular, and nothing has done more to shed light on inland maritime safety. Chippewa Caw Caw delights young and old, with its historical and mythical details. Crew lists, illustrations, maps, photos, and actual ship-to-ship radio transmissions breathe life into this fictional adventure. Caw Caw's journey shows us sorrow and hope - and a crow who is much revered by The First Nation People, The Chippewa (Ojibwe).