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 …