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Teachings from the Language Tree, part 9: How Can the Land Be Inanimate?
When you step back and observe the Ojibwe Language Tree, you understand the importance of reconnecting with those roots and reclaiming the spiritual language of your ancestors.

zhaawano
4 days ago25 min read


Teachings from the Language Tree, part 8: The Fire in the Ojibwe Language
A teaching about Anishinaabemowin, The Ojibwe Language That Is Deeply Rooted in the Earth.

zhaawano
Oct 16 min read


Reflections of the Great Lakes, part 5: The Spirit of Manoomin
An illustrated tribute to Anishinaabe manoomin, the wild rice, which matures and is gathered by the Anishinaabe Peoples during Manoominike Giizis (The Moon of manoomin harvest; the months of August/September).

zhaawano
Sep 1516 min read


Reflections of the Great Lakes, part 22: Wenabozho and the Wolf
"Wenabozho and the Wolf" serves as a metaphor for how a nation that sacrifices its wolves to protect Donald Trump's financial interests may lose something it may never get back.

zhaawano
Sep 811 min read


Reflections of the Great Lakes, part 1: The Lake Is Singing My Song
The tale of Josephine Mandamin and the Mother Earth Water Walkers is a remarkable narrative of tradition, dedication, love, and hope, dedicated to honoring Nibi the Water, which nurtures us all.

zhaawano
Sep 214 min read


Teachings from the Tree of Life, part 39: Breaking the Cycle
A plea to break the vicious cycle of intergenerational trauma in Indigenous communities.

zhaawano
Aug 73 min read


Love Stories from the Land of Many Lakes, part 6: Gibwanasii and Thunder Eagle Woman
An epic allegorical love story with autobiographical elements, featuring a man named Snow Hawk who transforms into a Thunderbird to gain freedom and be with the woman he loves.

zhaawano
Aug 440 min read


Reawakening of the Medicine People, part 7: A Tribute to Jessie Cree
An illustrated tribute to my friend, the late Mikinaakwajiwing (Turtle Mountain Band) elder Jessie Cree, who has recently been reunited with his descendants and ancestors.

zhaawano
Jul 264 min read


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

zhaawano
Jun 56 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 2821 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
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