An illustrated glossary by Zhaawano Giizhik*

The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
Anishinaabe tradition dictates that life, including everyday actions, rituals, and taboos, is
always enacted around and directed towards preserving the sacredness and balance of
creation. The natural world provides the means for sustenance, clothing, and shelter in
exchange for man’s admittance that the fulfilment of his primary needs and his cultural
intervention in the physical as well as spiritual world often disrupt the sacred web of life
and the natural order imposed by GICHI-MANIDOO. Therefore, rituals to appease the
spirits of slain animals are common practice. To this day, Anishinaabe tradition also
dictates leaving sacrificial offerings - such as the sacred asemaa, or tobacco - when a
person collects plants; similarly, offerings are left in particular known places - mostly
distinct features of the land such as massive rock formations along shorelines or grottoes
or small inland lakes - where potentially dangerous manidoog might become offended by
the presence of humans.
A
An image of an Agawa rock painting of Mishibizhiw, the Great Horned Underwater Lynx. Mishibizhiw is
associated with the water realm, and revered by the Anishinaabeg and Cree as one who controls the moods of
the Lake and a sometimese dangerous guard of rapids and swift or troubled waters. Like other
manidoog, Mishibizhiw has the power to shapeshift into various animal forms. Mishibizhiw is said to aid those
who seek to cross dangerous water, provided that a suitable offer is made.
The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
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