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

The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
Traditionally, clan membership includes certain colors, songs, and ceremonies, along with
responsibilities that belong to the clan in question.
This clan system represents five basic needs and duties, on an individual as well as social
level. Below are listed five animals that represent these basic elementary functions:
Ajijaak, the Crane, also called Baswenaazhi, the Echo Maker, is responsible for
leadership and external communication because of his loud and clear voice.
Members of the Crane clan are traditionally noted for giving direction and for their
oratory skills. The Waabajijaak or White Crane clan provided for the traditional
hereditary chiefs, and some of the more powerful chiefs of the
Waabitigowininiwag met the first French explorers of Lake Superior.
Maang, or A' aawaa, the Loon, is a skillful fisher known for his loud, wild cry, and
his habit of assuming his role of subchief, sometimes executive-chief-of-birds,
with pomp and authority, definitely didn't make him very popular with the rest of
the birds. Loon believes that, since nature placed a collar around his neck
resembling the sacred miigis shells and also provided him with an eyedazzling
miigisiyesimiigan (wampum breastplate), he is entitled to a leading place
in council. However, this badge of honor is being openly denied by the Crane.
Nevertheless, the forefathers of the present-day Anishinaabeg became very fond
of him! Members of the Loon Clan are usually responsible for leadership and
internal communications; in the past, loon clan members often acted as subchiefs,
in conjunction with the ogimaag (chiefs) of the Crane clan. Loon clan
members are often charged with the community's council fires and help facilitate
dialogue on all internal and/or domestic issues. By working together and regularly
checking on each other, Maang doodem and Ajijaak doodem gave the Ojibweg a
balanced government.
Maanameg, or Awaasii, the Catfish, represents science and its members
represent the duty of teaching and the virtues of patience and generosity. Catfish
clan members are the intellectuals of the People and noted for their ability to
combine two forms of training: imparting skills and knowledge, and passing on
wisdom to the young. It was especially the Elders' task to teach about life through
storytelling, chants, and dances, and to prepare the young for a vision quest. Fish
clan members are also known to draw on their knowledge to solve disputes
between the leaders of the Crane and Loon Clans. Traditionally fish clan people
are known for long life and baldness in old age.
Waabizheshi, the Marten, was the progenitor of my own ancestors, who
belonged to the marten clan. Marten clan members are in charge of labor and
sustenance and they have always been the hunters and food gatherers of the
People. Marten clan members are also looked upon as OGICHIDAAG: warrior clan
people inclined to be great strategic logistic thinkers and defenders of MINO
BIMAADIZIWIN, the Good Way of the Heart (Midewiwin) and of
ANISHINAABEMOWIN, the language of the Ojibwe people. Their colors are yellow,
light brown and gold. In the old days, members of the Marten clan were master
strategists in planning the defense of their people and they often served as pipe
bearers and message carriers for the ogimaag (leaders). Waabizheshi fights for
change and today he defends those who commit themselves to the cultural and
educative values and the survival of the language, science and art of the
Anishinaabe People. On a personal level, a Marten helps others to reach their
potential.
Makwa, the Bear was selected for his fierceness and bravery and is therefore in
charge of defense. They are the police force and the medics of their Nation. Bear
clan members have always served and protected their communities and since they
traditionally spend much time outdoors they have great knowledge of medicinal
plants and herbs used for treating minor diseases and infections. Traditionally,
bear clan members are known for their thick black hair that never whitens even in
old age.
The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
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