Stories and Teachings from the Earth, part 31: The Timeless Nature of Indigenous Storytelling
- zhaawano
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Gichi-biboon-giizis (Big Winter Moon) (December 29, 2025)
Aaniin, hello,
THE TIMELESS NATURE OF INDIGENOUS STORYTELLING
As we approach the new year, I wish to continue my journey with a note regarding my stories: Not all the narratives I've shared with you involve anishinaabeg, or ininewag (human beings). This doesn't mean that humans were absent from the world at that time; rather, these stories take place in the domain of the manidoog and aadizookaanag (spirits and "makers of stories," sacred beings of the supernatural world). This domain is distinct and somewhat separate from that of human beings. Sometimes, it runs parallel to the human world, or, when a human enters it through dreams, ceremonies, or storytelling, it even overlaps; however, it usually remains separate.
Some might say my stories occurred long before the first humans arrived from the star world to walk on aki, the Earth; others might claim humans were already present. This isn't contradictory; it simply illustrates that our izhinamowin (worldview) is dynamic and fluid, lacking rigid and clear internal boundaries. In our izhinamowin and aadizookewin (storytelling), one concept doesn't exclude another, and there are no tidy distinctions or categories. If my stories demonstrate anything, it's that perceiving and learning in a chronological timeline is an illusion.
Miigwech bizindawiyeg, thank you all for listening.
Illustration: "Wiindigoo Creating the Poles" ©2022-2025 Zhaawano Giizhik
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