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

The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
“Return After The Flood” by the late Norval Morrisseau/MiskwaabikAnimikii, Ojibwe visionary/artist
According to an old Midewiwin allegory, a great many strings of life ago a large group of
Anishinaabeg left their homeland in the Great Lakes area in search for a land of
Abundance, which they presumed was in the east. After many years of travelling the
migrants came to the northern shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and so long did they remain
that most forgot their origin, and they began to refer to themselves as WAABANAKI,
People Of The Dawn Land. For many years these Waabanaki People were seemingly living
a life undisturbed by strife, turmoil, or disagreement. One day six Omishoomisimaag
(Grandfathers) - or Midemiigis-gaa-niigaani-gikendangig (Cowry Shell Prophets) -
emerged from the ocean, and they established a system of kinship based
on odoodeman (clans or totems). After sharing their message to eight gaa-niigaanigikendangig
(prophets), seven of these prophets asked their mizhinawe (messenger) to
see if he could find ways to improve the condition and wellbeing of the Waabanaki
People. The messenger began a quest that would lead him to an abinoojiinh (child), and
after receiving approval from the Seven Grandfathers, the mizhinawe tutored the child
in mino-bimaadiziwin (how to live a full and healthy life). Each of the Grandfathers then
instructed the child with a principle, a guideline that honored one of the basic virtues
intrinsic to mino-bimaadiziwin. These Nizhwaaswi Gagiikwewin (Seven Sacred Teachings,
or laws) became the foundation of Midewiwin spiritual practice (see: MIDEWIWIN).
Along with a set of moral values and a new form of kinship, the Grandfathers left the
Waabanaki People with seven predictions of what the future would bring, warning them
of a time when a light-skinned race would arrive at the shores and bring death and
destruction. If the People would not leave, the shadow of illness would befall on them,
their once happy world befouled, and the waters would forever turn bitter by disrespect.
One of these seven prophecies said that "the Nation will rise up and follow the sacred
shell of the Midewiwin Lodge, and each time a radiating shell emerges from the water of
a lake or appears in the sand at its shores, they will know where to stop and establish a
settlement. This Mide Miigis (Sacred Seashell) will lead the way to the chosen ground of
the Anishinaabeg. You are to look for a turtle-shaped island that is linked to the
purification of the earth. The Midewiwin Lodge will serve as a rallying point for the Nation
and its traditional ways will be the source of great strength."
The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
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