Zhaawano Giizhik is a storyteller with mixed heritage; he is a member of the Waabizheshi clan of his ancestors, the Baawitigowinini Anishinaabeg from Upper Michigan. Zhaawano captivates through his unique blend of writing and non-commercial art, including paintings and jewelry. His work delves into the profound connections between humans, spirits, nature, and animals, reflecting the wisdom of his ancestors. By utilizing line drawings as teaching tools, he shares ancient stories that resonate across generations. Drawing inspiration from his personal dreams, Zhaawano's art and narratives carry the essence of Anishinaabe izhitwaawin (Ojibwe tradition), inviting universal appreciation and understanding.

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​Zhaawano's art and storytelling are a reflection of his personal dreams and life experiences, capturing a range of moods and emotions. Yet, central to his work is a deep connection to Ojibwe mazinaajimowinan, the ancient pictographs crafted by his Anishinaabe ancestors. These enigmatic drawings, found on riverbanks and in birch bark scrolls, inspire and influence his creative journey, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural heritage into each piece. Through his art, Zhaawano pays homage to the legacy of his ancestors while sharing his own unique voice with the world.

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Geget, Zhaawano's storytelling through word and image results from, and humbly aims at reflecting, the deep kinship he feels with the land his ancestors once walked on and the culture and language they fostered.

 

Biindigen, welcome to this website, which is essentially a modern, digital storytelling Lodge. Come in and see for yourself how deeply the countless teachings and stories that you will find in here are rooted in Anishinaabe Aki -- that ancestral land of boreal forests and freshwater lakes that Zhaawano's ancestors called home.