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Teachings from the Language Tree, part 7: Where Is It That You Dwell?
Wenabozho Meets Aginjibagwesi, the Goldfinch, symbol of the Ojibwe language.

zhaawano
5 days ago6 min read


Teachings from the Language Tree, part 6: The Connection Between the Rattle and Spring - And Beyond
The role of the ceremonial rattle in Anishinaabe and Ininew cultures, as well as closely related terms that relate to springtime.

zhaawano
May 2810 min read


Teachings from the Language Tree, part 5: The Gift of the Ojibwe Language and Proper Ways to Introduce Yourself
Some examples of how to properly introduce yourself in Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language

zhaawano
May 213 min read


Teachings of the Eagle Feather, part 41: Migizi Naamid - The Eagle Dancer
An illustrated poem about migizi naamid, an eagle dancer dancing around the sky.

zhaawano
May 41 min read


Stories from the Land of Crane and Turtle, Part 3: Zhoomin and the Vision of the Dancing Corn Plants
How the Gift of Mandaamin (Corn) Was Returned to the Ojibwe Anishinaabe Nation – a traditional story retold by Zhaawano Giizhik.

zhaawano
Apr 2820 min read


Reflections of the Great Lakes, part 21: Naawagaamigaabawi'ikwe and the Gift From the Great Lake
The story of how the Anishinaabeg came to possess miskwaabik, the sacred ore known as copper.

zhaawano
Apr 268 min read


A Word on Our Nisidotam Language Project, part 3: Open Your Heart and Listen
The concept of madwewechigewin—the creation of sound, the cornerstone of the Ojibwe Anishinaabe language, worldview, and spiritual practice.

zhaawano
Apr 257 min read


Stories and Teachings from the Earth: A Tribute to Those Who Weave Us All Together
An illustrated tribute to the Women of our Turtle Island Nations: "Those Who Weave Us All Together"

zhaawano
Apr 186 min read


Star Stories, part 48: Feeding the Star People
An illustrated reflection on Star Feeding, an age-old healing ritual designed to release grief..

zhaawano
Apr 164 min read


Stories and Teachings from the Earth, part 33: Ninjichaag, the Spirit Within Me
Understanding ojichaag, the spirit within living beings, is crucial to comprehending the essence of both my art and life itself.

zhaawano
Apr 72 min read


What's Your Doodem, part 8: Birth of the Bear Clan
A teaching story about Makwa the Bear and Nooke the Bear Clan, highlighting their importance to the Peoples of the great Turtle Island.

zhaawano
Mar 3116 min read


Stories and Teachings from the Earth, part 32: Is the Medicine Wheel a New Age Invention?
Is the Medicine Wheel a New Age Invention or has it always been rooted in Indigenous traditions?

zhaawano
Mar 2511 min read


Spirit of the Seasons, part 21: The Coming of the Spring Thunders
The close connection between the winter solstice and the beginning of spring in Ojibwe cosmology

zhaawano
Mar 213 min read


Artist's Inspirations, part 9: I'm an Artist, not a Traditionalist
Why Miskwaabik Animikii (Norval Morrisseau) is my primary artistic influence.

zhaawano
Mar 192 min read


Artist's Inspirations, part 10: What Drives My Inspiration as an Artist?
What drives my motivation as a non-profit artist and jewelry maker?

zhaawano
Feb 263 min read


The Way of the Heartbeat, part 22: Shake Your Rattle in a Good Way
Embrace your humanity by being like Ode'imin—someone with a generous heart. Shake your rattle in a good way, and only in that way.

zhaawano
Feb 135 min read


Star Stories, part 47: Moses Among the Shooting Stars
A song and a painting in loving memory of my late friend Moses Amik (1960-2017).

zhaawano
Feb 133 min read


Star Stories, part 46: The Children Who Walked Upon the Water
A haunting excerpt from the story "Jiingwan and the Blood Star"

zhaawano
Feb 65 min read


Star Stories, part 45: Wenabozho, Mighty Shapeshifter in the Night Sky
An Anishinaabe story of the Wenabozho Anang - the Wenabozho star constellation in the night sky.

zhaawano
Feb 37 min read


Stories from the Land of Crane and Turtle, part 7: The Return of the Ice Cannibals
A timely Wiindigoo parable mirroring the intense recent events in the USA.

zhaawano
Jan 274 min read
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