Treaty 2 Territory: With this being National Indigenous History Month, it’s important that we take the time to learn more about our history, our culture, our language, our world view and our teachings. The Mishomis Book is an excellent resource as it is about the history, philosophy and teachings of the Ojibway people, as passed down to the present generation by parents, grandparents, and elders. It was written by Edward Benton-Banai (who referred to himself as a ‘messenger’) and illustrated by Joe Liles in 1988 and despite its age, it’s still used as a valuable resource, particularly in schools that focus on a culture-based curriculum. The Anishinaabeg nation lost a great leader when Edward died on November 30, 2020 at the age of 89. . The Mishomis Book contains material that came from oral tradition and is named “Mishomis,” the Ojibway word for grandfather.

The book starts with the Ojibway creation story and takes us on a journey through the important stories and traditions of the Ojibway people. It is a documentation of the oral stories passed down from grandfather, to father, to son. Benton-Banai said this is the first book written in the manner of the “oral tradition, and I hope it is only the beginning.”

Characters in this book include:

Mishomis

Mishomis is introduced as the narrator of The Mishomis Book. He identifies himself as an Ojibway Indian living in a cabin on the shores of Madeline Island.

Anishinaabe

Although Anishinaabe is now the name of the collective Ojibway tribes, in The Mishomis Book Anishinaabe is what the narrators call the character of the Original Man. When broken down “Ani” means “from whence”, “nishina” means “lowered” and “abe” means “the male of the species.” This is because the Great Creator lowered the first man to earth.

Nokomis

Nokomis is seen in two different ways in this book. She is first introduced as Anishinaabe’s (the first man) grandmother. He goes on a journey to find her and she teaches him about the ways of life. Nokomis is also the second narrator of The Mishomis Book. She is the woman of Mishomis and is named “Nokomis” to honor the grandmothers all the way back to the grandmother of the first man.

Gitchi Manito

Also known as The Great Mystery or Creator. He creates the first family, the earth and Original Man. He acts as a god-like figure throughout The Mishomis Book and Ojibway stories.

Waynaboozhoo

The later “version” of Anishinaabe or Original Man. Waynaboozhoo is the man who survived the major flood the Creator sent to purify the evil on earth. Some elders agree that Waynaboozhoo was not really a man, but a spirit who had many adventures during the early years of earth. Many people believe he was the link through which human form was gradually given to the spiritual beings of the earth.

Symbols

Symbols are important in any form of storytelling. “Symbols are protectors and reminders of the living universe; they bridge the gap between the spiritual and the physical realm.”

The number four

This number is very important in Ojibway storytelling and shows up repeatedly in myths. The number four is the inherent within nature. It relates to the four cardinal directions, the four seasons and the four sacred elements (earth, wind, fire, water). The number corresponds with the important and respect of nature within the Ojibway peoples.

The number seven

According to tradition, it is originally seven spirit beings who come to the Anishinaabe people and taught them the Midewiwin way of life. Later in the tradition, it is seven prophets who arrive and give the people seven predictions (or Fires) of the future.

The number seven is not only important to the Anishinaabe, but the number is also said to occur 360 times in the Hebrew scripture. There were also seven planets initially identified, seven pristine colors (ROYGBIV), seven chakras, and seven basic sins. The number is important in all religions and cultures.

Animals

Almost every animal in Ojibway myth has a purpose and special gift. This corresponds with the belief that people must live in harmony with the natural world because every being has a purpose and skill to contribute.

Colors

Red, yellow, black and white are the basic colors used in Ojibway teachings. They are part of the medicine wheel and are used to represent the four directions. The colors also represent the four colors of man, the four seasons, the four medicines, the four stages of life, and the four aspects of being (mind, body, heart, spirit).

Circle

The circle represents the balance of life, harmony and equality. The world and universe move in natural circles. The medicine wheel is depicted as a circle.

Water

Water is an important symbol because it has the power to give life. It is also a symbol of purification. Women are the keepers of water.

Symbols

Symbols are important in any form of storytelling. “Symbols are protectors and reminders of the living universe; they bridge the gap between the spiritual and the physical realm.”

The number four

The number seven

Animals

Colors

Circle

The circle represents the balance of life, harmony and equality. The world and universe move in natural circles. The medicine wheel is depicted as a circle.

Water

Water is an important symbol because it has the power to give life. It is also a symbol of purification. Women are the keepers of water.

Topics:

The Ojibway Creation Story
Original Man
The Earth’s First People
The Great Flood
Waynaboozhoo: Search for his Father and his Return to the People
The Seven Grandfathers and the Little boy
The Midewiwan Ceremony
The Clan System
The Pipe and the Eagle
The Sweat Lodge
The Seven Fires
The Migration of the Anishinaabe

THE MAIN MESSAGE

The buffalo is the guardian of the Ojibway people, still standing guarding its people, but it needs our help. People need to live in harmony, remember their past, and pass on their traditions and stories.

Miigwech Indinawemaaganidog

Submitted by Renée McGurry, Earth Lodge Development Helper

Earth Lodge website: lodge.fnt2t.com