Mother Earth Water Walk 2009

Miigwetch to my friend James who has informed me about his cousin's efforts to raise awareness of the dire situation facing the Great Lakes water. Josephine Mandamin is an elder from Thunder Bay who is originally from Manitoulin Island. She has walked 17,000 km over the past 6 years to raise Great Lakes awareness. Mandamin was moved by the spirits to speak out for the water and she felt it was natural for her to pick up her copper pail and start walking. Her message is that the water is sick and that people really need to fight for the water, to speak to the water and to love the water. Mandamin stops at every tributary and talks directly to the water, offering prayers, tobacco and thanks. She is doing it for the betterment of the next generations. To read more of her journey and the campaign of awareness including valuble water information please visit : www.motherearthwaterwalk.com . This year at our community school we plan to focus our activities on water (Nbiish) and to raise donations for Josephine.

Waawiindaasowin - Naming Ceremony

I had the pleasure of attending a Naming Ceremony in the community last week for 3 young children. The 2 boys and 1 girl were welcomed into the community with their Spirit Names with a traditional feast, pipe, 7 traditional colours,eagle whistle and little boy water drum. After smudging, each child was offered water from their father and strawberries from their mother and then they were given their names in the language. All of the ceremony participants faced the East and spoke the Spirit Name 4 times after which we turned to each of the 4 directions and repeated this process. It was beautiful and simple and was a powerful expression of Anishnaabek culture and tradition. Miigwetch to the families and to Dan for conducting the ceremony. if any families are interested in having this ceremony done please contact me and we can arrange future ones.

Nooziwinike - giizhigad : Naming Ceremony Day
Waawiindaasowin : Naming Ceremony
Manidoo - nooziwinan : Spirit Names