This project was inspired by the lack of materials and resources available for Ojibwe youth and those wanting to learn and understand the life around us—water, air, fire, rocks, plants, trees and animals. Without these beings, we could not exist.
We would like to thank our ancestors for protecting these gifts for generations to come. We would also like to thank those who courageously hang onto the language, knowledge of the plant beings, ceremonies and our traditional food systems.
Miigwech to those who seek to understand these things, and to those who have contributed to this project in some form or another. Lastly, we want to thank those yet to come who will carry on these ways of learning and knowing, they are who we had in mind when working on this project.
Although all dialects of the Ojibwe language are recognized and there is no right or wrong way of spelling it, the writing system used for this book is of the double vowel system. The dialect and spelling of Ojibwe words is based on the Leech Lake dialect and the elders that were spoken to at that time.
The stories shared in this book, as well as the order of the colors on the medicine wheel, are only one version, as they vary based on teachings and community. The order of color was determined based on input from several elders from the Leech Lake community.
Download Nando-gikenimindwaa Nindinawemaaganidog (100 pages; file size 19.5 MB)
What you'll learn
- Re-creation story
- The gift of Nibi (water)
- The gift of Ishkode (fire)
- The Gift of Noodin (wind)
- The Gift of Asiniig (Rocks)
- The Gift of Anangoog (stars)
- Water Lily Story
- Leech Lake Watersheds
- The Meeting Place
- Leech Lake Reservation
- Turtle Story
- Turtle Calendar
- Ethical Research
- Mitigoog (trees)
- Plants
- Flyers
- Crawlers
- Walkers
- Swimmers
- Mawinzowin (Harvesting Berries) & Berry Calendar
- Zhaaganaashiimowin (English Glossary)
- Ojibwemowin (Ojibwe Glossary)
- Recipes
Reviewed in 2023