An illustrated glossary by Zhaawano Giizhik*
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The Universe of The Ojibwe <strong>An</strong>ishinaabeg <strong>by</strong> <strong>Zhaawano</strong> Giizhik - 2014<br />
E-BANGISHIMOG, also named Ningaabii`anong or Ningaabii’ani-noodin, is the Spirit Of<br />
the West. Bangishimog, the land in the west where at the end of the day Grandfather<br />
Sun sinks behind the horizon, is ruled <strong>by</strong> E-bangishimog, or Ningaabii`ani-noodin, the<br />
mighty West wind and the Father of all Winds; it is also the abode of E-bangishimog’s<br />
eldest son Majiikiwis who is chief of the Grizzly bear nation, and Ningaabii-anang, the<br />
star that sinks in the waters (the Evening Star). Bangishimog reminds the <strong>An</strong>ishinaabeg<br />
<strong>by</strong> the swiftness of the day how short life really is, as the red sky of sundown reminds<br />
them of human destiny. To see the sunrise and behold the sunset is a joy, and to know<br />
life from youth to old age is considered a sacred gift. According to tradition it was also<br />
here, on an island in the west, that two of E-bangishimog's illegitimate sons, half<br />
anishinaabe (human)-half manidoo(spirit) WIINABOZHO and his brother MA'IINGAN<br />
(wolf), found their last resting place, and a giant giizhikaatig (northern white cedar tree)<br />
is said to still grow from Wiinabozho's head...<br />
Click on image<br />
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The above image shows a detail of "Women's Healing Journey" acrylic on canvas <strong>by</strong> <strong>An</strong>ishinaabe<br />
artist Simone McLeod (Aki-egwaniizid). Simone McLeod uses her art for healing purposes,<br />
addressing the topic of cultural and social oppression on - and the ongoing sexual and mental<br />
abuse of women and children within - Native (First Nation) communities. The painting depicts<br />
three generations of women against the background of Bangishimog, the land in the west, the<br />
abode of the Grizzly Bear Nation and the deceased who arrive there via jiibay-miikana, the Path of<br />
Souls. Here, at the end of each day, Mishoomis Giizis (Grandfather Sun) sinks behind the horizon,<br />
as does, at the end of each night, the Evening Star. Ningaabii-anang, the Evening Star, also called<br />
"Star Sinking In Waters" or "Women's Star", is a powerful aadizokaan (grandfather), a wise<br />
medicine man and patron of all women, teaching healing and the need for moderation and<br />
patience. It is to him and Grandfather Sun sinking behind the western hills and to the spirits of the<br />
ancestors and the spirit of the Bear that the women turn to in search for healing and wisdom and<br />
strength.<br />
The Universe of The Ojibwe <strong>An</strong>ishinaabeg <strong>by</strong> <strong>Zhaawano</strong> Giizhik - 2014<br />
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