The negosek (stars) and their constellations help steer our thoughts and teachings, as much of our ancient knowledge originates from the sky. Each season the sky changes and familiar constellations are seen again. Hole in the Sky refers to jiské (shaking tent), one of our oldest healing ceremonies. To cure the sick, a jiskyéwnene (medicine person) must communicate and connect …
The negosek (stars) and their constellations help steer our thoughts and teachings, as much of our ancient knowledge originates from the sky. Each season the sky changes and familiar constellations are seen again. During mnokme, the mdodowgemek (sweat lodge) constellation can be seen within the Roman constellation, Corona Borealis. The stars create the dome-shaped structure we recognize as our sweat …
“You will find the path to the chosen ground, a land in the west where food grows on water.” Migrating from the east and led by our sacred Megis shell, our ancestors established a new home in the Great Lakes. Here they found the prophesized food on water, mnomen (the good seed) or wild rice. A sacred and essential food, …
Marking the end of summer is Mnomneké-Gizes (Ricing Moon), when Bodéwadmi and other Nishnabé travel to their annual wild rice camps for harvest. Harvest is a time to strengthen community bonds, connect with and bring balance to Segmekwé (Mother Earth). A sacred and essential food, mnomen was and is still eaten throughout the year. Highly nutritious, it was traditionally the …
Wabaunsee was a powerful and influential headman among the Potawatomi, Odawa and Ojibwe villages of Illinois and Indiana. With a reputation that preceded him, Wabaunsee was not only a noted veteran of the Osage War, Battle of Tippecanoe and War of 1812, but an esteemed religious leader within the ancient Mdéwen Medicine Society. Openly opposed to American expansion, yet understanding …
15in W x 40in L Loom-beaded central panel worked in bilateral angular arrangements of stylized floriforms. Central pattern is enclosed by zigzag bands and beaded yarn tassels. The bag strap has a similar worked style, over a black velvet and partial-beaded panel of vines and blossoms. Among the Bodéwadmi and other Nishnabé communities, bandolier bags are considered medicine bags. Worn …