I have some history of these people, and some stuff that I've learned from my grandmother but that's more what her life was like when she was young.
I'd like to learn more about the realities of my people and how they lived, as opposed to pop culture understanding of them.
Any solid resources beyond general Internet research to learn would be greatly beneficial in my search.
Thank you!
My favorite, solid introductory text for the Anishinaabeg is McDonnell's Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America. This book is immensely readable, well sourced to direct you to further sources, and does an amazing job of centering the story in the Great Lakes (instead of facing west from English or French colonial lands). Seriously one of my favorite books.
Going out to the whole West, Calloway's One Vast Winter Count: The Native American West before Lewis and Clark gives a great overview, and Rushforth's Bonds of Alliance: Indigenous and Atlantic Slaveries in New France deals with the repercussions of the Indian slave trade in the region. Rushforth may be too focused for an intro, but it is fascinating to examine the slave trade as you dive into the history of the region. White's The Middle Ground: Indians, Empires, and Republics in the Great Lakes Region, 1650-1815 used to be the go-to source, but might be a little dated now. If you start with White go to McDonnell next to get an updated perspective.
Hope this helps. Happy reading!
Can I ask a followup? What is the general opinion of 1491 by Charles Mann?