The Universe Of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg, an illustrated glossary by Zhaawano Giizhik*

The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
forms; a trickster that by his foolish and humorous actions holds a mirror up to
humankind, constantly showing them that things aren’t always what they seem; a very
skillful hunter with supernatural powers, and a great adventurer, always looking for
equally powerful adversaries in order to test his own strength. Building the first
midewigaan (lodge of the Midewiwin) is an act accredited to him – although not all
traditionalist sources agree that he was actually the founder of the Anishinaabe Medicine
Society. However, both Midewiwin and Waabanowin Elders trace the origins of their
lodges or societies to the original teachings of Wiinabozho. The aadizookaanan (sacred
stories or parables - myth is a European concept! -) of Wiinabozho are used in the
ceremonies and teachings of both societies. Waabanowin, the Society of the Dawn, is the
counterpart of the – much more prominent - Midewiwin.
In these aadizookaanan, metamorphosis occurs with noticeably frequency
where manidoog (manitous or spirit beings) change their form. Wiinabozho,
undoubtedly the most beloved of all aadizoogaanag and manidoog, is the
pinnacle of all that is good in the Anishinaabeg. Yet, paradoxically,
Wiinabozho also opens a dark window on the soul, revealing all that is bad
in human nature. He is basically a manidoo in nature and essence before
anything else; outward appearance is only an incidental attribute of his
incorporeal being. One of the many good deeds Wiinabozho performed for
the good of the People was that he had blessed Wiigwaas, their beloved birch tree.
The principal lesson that Wiinabozho, through his many adventures and his often foolish,
sometimes heroic, and sometimes wise actions, teaches mankind is that one can outgrow
or overcome childish behavior and learn to act wisely and with maturity – and to live
according the guiding principles of Anishinaabe bimaadiziwin: how to live a good and
honest life. His original name (Nanabozho) is possibly derived from an Ojibwe word that
is a corruption of naning, which means “trembling”, combined with ozho (ozo), shortened
from ozhowaa (ozowaa), which means “having a tail”. If this is true, it is not unthinkable
that the name Nanabozho fits Wiinabozho’s capacity of a contrary and thus holds up a
mirror to people who are timid and unwilling to take risks or responsibility.*
Left: “Spirit For Each Day” bich bark painting by Mishibinijima (Click on image to see his blog). Right: image of Wiinabozho.
The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
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