The Way of the Heartbeat, part 19: Is Midewiwin a Cult?

Waawaaskone-giizis (Flower Moon) - June 3, 2025

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A REFLECTION ON THE DEBATE SURROUNDING MIDEWIWIN, THE MEDICINE LODGE OF THE ANISHINAABEG PEOPLES

Critics have raised concerns regarding the practices and beliefs associated with the Midewiwin. This reflection aims to explore the validity of these criticisms while considering the cultural significance and historical context of the Midewiwin.

What is Midewiwin? The answer can vary based on whom you ask. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia ,"The Midewiwin is a religious society made up of spiritual advisors and healers, known as the Mide. The Mide serve as spiritual leaders for the general populace. They perform religious ceremonies, study and practice sacred healing methods, and strive to maintain a respectful relationship between humanity and Mother Earth. The Midewiwin is an essential part of the worldview of the Ojibweg, and of some other Algonquian and Eastern Woodland Indigenous peoples. European settlers have historically described the Midewiwin as a closed and secret society. While it is true that the Midewiwin is a structured society with various classes of leaders, it does offer services to the public. At their place of prayer, generally referred to as the Midewiwin lodge, the Mide perform religious ceremonies for both the general public and initiates."

So far, so good. Nonetheless, I've observed that numerous critics, both Native and Non-Native, claim that Midewiwin, the "Society of Good-Hearted Ones," is essentially "a cult significantly shaped by Christian teachings." They assert that modern Mide rituals are largely influenced by Jesuit views and Scottish Freemasonry, which have imposed a rigid patriarchal viewpoint on society and the world within Midewiwin.

Additionally, several critics, particularly non-Native scientists, claim that Midewiwin is not ancient but rather a recent (19th century) offshoot of Western religion and perspectives. Furthermore, within Anishinaabe Aki, the territory of the Anishinaabeg Peoples, there are two Indigenous factions involved in the Midewiwin debate that confront each other: one comprises Natives who view themselves as "traditionals," while the other includes Mide sceptics who reject Midewiwin as an artificial "Jesuitized" and/or "New Age-ized" Native cult.

Just to clarify, as is often the case in real life—not in the limited perspective of some who always seem compelled to see the world through conflict models and adversarial images—one thing does not necessarily exclude the other. Modern Midewiwin has indeed been influenced by Christian mythology and has adopted various dogmas, and yes, some "elite" Mide Ogimaag (leaders) passionately defend those dogmas (and with them, their own statuses). However, such individuals can be found everywhere. They are similar to other elites, regardless of what they represent.

Nonetheless, claiming that Midewiwin is a recent development and equating it with the Christianization or New Age-inspired universalization of our traditions is an overstatement. There are still traces of ancient wisdom and knowledge preserved within Mide, and while some of it may be influenced by the Jesuit perspective, parts remain untouched. You just need to search for it. If it doesn't appear immediately, explore further. Midewiwin, though it might have been known by different names and existed in various forms in the past, is older than many realize. I have attended and participated in ceremonies in Manitoba, which is the heartland of traditional Mide, and once we were "disrupted" by a whole group of Windigookaanag dressed in rags and hoods, causing chaos in the camp. So yes, Wiindigookaan (that ancient society of Contraries) * definitely does live there in the old country, side by side with Midewiwin and Waabanowiwin.**

My point? I just made it. There are always two (or three) sides to everything and negativity doesn't help us one bit. This is why we ought to stop fighting among each other; the sneering is counter productive. It is time to start a true dialogue based on mutual respect. We ought to learn from each other rather than jibing at each other. Keep in mind that the spirits hear everything we speak about others!

Goda! Indeed! Engaging in open discussions between critics and practitioners can promote mutual understanding. Rather than dismissing the Midewiwin as a modern new age cult or a semi-religion shaped by Christian influences, it should be acknowledged as a dynamic Indigenous tradition that skillfully addresses current challenges. Respectful dialogue can result in a deeper comprehension of the Midewiwin and its significance in the lives of the Anishinaabeg people.

Mii sa go i'iw (That's all).

See also: The Truth of Decolonization - Why We Must Nurture Our Language Roots

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*The Wiindigookaan is an ancient warrior society, its name alluding to cannibalism and an era when the earth was enveloped in ice. Cannibalism harks back to creatures that roamed the earth during the last ice age. In the traditional stories of the Anishinaabe and Ininew (Cree) peoples, a cannibalistic winter monster from the North, known as the Wiindigoo or Wendigo, often appears. The teachings of the wiindigoo are preserved within the Lodge called Wiindigookaan ("Like a Wiindigoo"). This medicine warrior society continues to protect our communities today, fighting both physically and spiritually for their people. Some members are traditional healers whom many seek out during challenging times. Wiindigookaanag are esteemed as powerful healers, tasked with expelling mental illnesses, addictions, and depressions from individuals or even entire communities. In addition to being healers, they were recognized as fearless warriors ("no-flight"), displaying remarkable bravery by disregarding danger. Wiindigookaanag are known for wearing tattered clothing or rags, sometimes donning a mask with a long nose, and dancing both forward and backward during pow-wows or ceremonies while behaving playfully. Their most significant dance, called wiindigookaanzhimowin, was performed during times of famine. As dancers, Wiindigookaanag serve as the traditional clowns of the Anishinaabeg peoples.

**Today, some of our spiritual leaders are astronomers who have received special anang gikendaasowin (star knowledge) from their ancestors. These specialists, known as anangoog maamiikwaabanjigejig, or “star gazers,” continue to apply this ancient knowledge to guide their communities' daily activities. The Waabanoowiwinininiwag/Waabanoo ikwewag, "The Men/Women of the Dawn," are particularly privileged in this area. They are part of the Waabanoowiwin, a secretive Lodge that primarily holds its traditional rituals and ceremonies at night and ends them at dawn. Much of their knowledge about the Sky Beings is sacred and is only used in specific spiritual contexts, never to be documented or shared with those outside the Lodge. There are various stories about the origins of the Waabanowin. Some written records suggest they began in the late 19th century, but members with oral traditions trace their roots back many generations, with the Lodge's oral history placing its formation shortly after creation. The Waabanowin elders attribute the lodge or society's origins to the teachings of Wenabozho. Since the underwater manidoog hibernated throughout the winter, the Waabanowiwin would share the Wenabozho and creation stories during their winter ceremonies. This Ceremony served as both a time for teaching and a prayer for the healing of individuals and aki (Earth). During this period, the fire dance was performed as part of the ceremony. Within the Waabanowiwin, the Elders guide those who visit the Lodge. Their society is less hierarchical compared to their counterpart, the Midewiwin. It is not the way of a Waabanow to dictate what a person believes or does. Instead, he guides individuals on their unique path, using the Lodge's stories and traditions. There is no dogma. Each person has their own path and lessons to learn, as what one person needs to learn differs from another, making absolutes impossible. Unlike the rectangular form of a Midewigaan (Mide Lodge), the Waabanowigaan is circular, symbolizing the earth and sky's perimeter and representing eternal space. It features two entrances, one facing east and the other west. The willow branches that create the dome are not entirely sealed, allowing for a large opening at the top through which sunlight and starlight can enter.

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Illustration: "Healing the Trauma" ©2024-2025 Zhaawano Giizhik

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SUMMARY OF THE EPISODES IN "THE WAY OF THE HEARTBEAT" SERIES SO FAR:

The Way of the Heartbeat: The Sound of the Mide Drum

The Way of the Heartbeat: Dream of the Spirit Berries

The Way of the Heartbeat: Just as a Seed, So Is a Child

The Way of the Heartbeat: A Shared Journey on the Good Red Road

The Way of the Heartbeat: Life in the Bosom of the Earth

The Way of the Heartbeat: A Sacred Fire Burns Deep in the Earth

The Way of the Heartbeat: The True Meaning of the Word Debwewin

The Way of the Hearbeat: The Power of Sound

The Way of the Heartbeat: The Knowledge in Our Hearts

The Way of the Heartbeat: This Is My Ceremony

The Way of the Heartbeat: Put on Your Makizinan

The Way of the Heartbeat: Maskawiziiwin and the Power of Forgiveness

The Way of the Heartbeat: Walk with Courage

The Way of the Heartbeat: Wenabozho and the Painted Drum

The Way of the Heartbeat: As Your Heart Beats

The Way of the Heartbeat: A Love Poem for Jane High Eagle

The Way of the Heartbeat: The Pulse of My Heart Drum

The Way of the Heartbeat: Ode'imin and the Wiindigoo of Polarization

The Way of the Heartbeat: Is Midewiwin a Cult?

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