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

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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 94
The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014 This prophecy, along with the other six, would initiate the biggest mass migration in the history of Turtle Island, or North America, and it was a miigis shell that played a crucial role in it. “While our forefathers were living on the great salt water toward the rising sun, the great Megis (miigis; sea-shell) showed itself above the surface of the great water, and the rays of the sun for a long period were reflected from its glossy back. It gave warmth and light to the An-is-in-aub-ag. All at once it sank into the deep, and for a time our ancestors were not blessed with its light. It rose to the surface and appeared again on the great river which drains the waters of the Great Lakes, and again for a long time it gave life to our forefathers, and reflected back the rays of the sun. Again it disappeared from sight and it rose not, till it appeared to the eyes of the An-is-in-aub-ag on the shores of the first great lake. Again it sank from sight, and death daily visited the wigwams of our forefathers, till it showed its back, and reflected the rays of the sun once more at Bow-e-ting (Baawiting; Sault Ste. Marie). Here it remained for a long time, but once more, and for the last time, it disappeared, and the An-ish-in-aub-ag was left in darkness and misery, till it floated and once more showed its bright back at Mo-ningwun-a-kaun-ing (La Pointe Island), where it has ever since reflected back the rays of the sun, and blessed our ancestors with life, light, and wisdom. Its rays reach the remotest village of the wide-spread Ojibways." -William W. Warren `The Great Migration`by Michael Kinoshameg; click on image to view more of his work _______________________________________________________________ The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014 95
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The Universe Of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg, an illustrated glossary by Zhaawano Giizhik*

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