Culture

Seven Values

Rooted in rich Ojibwe history and founded on the Ojibwe language, seven values form the foundation of Ojibwe life today just as they have for centuries.

Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty)
Be honest with yourself, acknowledging your own identity. Only once this is done can you be honest with others.

Dabaadendiziwin (Humility)
Understand that you know very little.

Debwewin (Truth)
Learn, live, walk, and speak Truth.

Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom)
Understand the difference between good and bad.

Zaagi'idiwin (Love/Compassion)
Show unconditional love to all.

Manaadendamowin (Respect)
Respect others, the beliefs of others, and yourself.

Aakwade'ewin (Bravery/Courage)
Have the bravery and courage to do what is right, no matter the cost.

Clan System

According to Anishinaabe belief, their Creator established a clan structure consisting of seven primary clans, or doodems, including: Makwa (Bear), Wabizheshi (Marten), Giigoonh (Fish), Maang (Loon), Binesi (Bird), Ajijaak (Crane), and Wawashkeshi (Deer). Although many other clans were also created, these are recognized as the seven most prominent in Anishinaabe culture. Each of these clans was assigned a particular role and set of responsibilities within the Anishinaabe people as a whole, as listed in the image to the left. Beyond culture, the clan system served as a sort of government, regulating major decisions of the Anishinaabe people through a division of power. It should be noted that the typical Minnesota Ojibwe clan system varies slightly from these clans, grouping clans within larger bodies known as phratries. These phratries, along with the individual clans which they encompass, are as follows: Fish (Catfish, Merman, Sturgeon, Pike, Whitefish, and Sucker clans); Crane (Crane and Eagle clans); Loon (Loon, Goose, and Cormorant clans); Bear (Bear clan); and Marten (Marten, Moose, and Reindeer clans).

Image Source: Northern College

Although the role of the clan system in Ojibwe culture has changed over time, especially through the forced assimilation of Ojibwe into European culture, the bond between fellow clan members and the kinship shared between them is something that continues to be a key part of Ojibwe life today. For instance, those of your clan who are younger than you are considered to be your nephews and nieces, and those who are the same age are your brothers and sisters. With this very deep familial relationship comes a responsibility to watch over and care for all those in your clan.

Forced Assimilation

Image Source: Dijaabimowin

Like countless other American Indian tribes, the Ojibwe (and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) were forced to assimilate into European culture in often horrific, tragic ways. Around the time of the Treaty of 1855, for example, Ojibwe children were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to government boarding schools. There, they were not allowed to speak their language, publicly follow their beliefs, or express their culture in any way; they were completely stripped of their identities and forced to adopt the European way of life. This was not simply a matter of education, but of identity removal and control. "Kill the Indian, and Save the Man" was the sentiment of the newly-formed United States, as depicted in General Richard H. Pratt's 1892 speech under the same name. In his speech, Pratt expressed ideas central to the development of American Indian boarding schools across the country. To read Pratt's complete speech, click here.

Cultural Preservation

Eventually, these boarding schools were removed, and there are now in place many resources and practices within the Ojibwe culture aimed at preserving their traditions which Europeans fought so hard to eliminate.

For the Ojibwe people, Elders are essential in passing down culture, as they often teach in Ojibwe Language and Culture programs at schools for students of all ages (pictured in the image to the right). Elders also serve as advisors to the government and have assisted living units provided by the Band so that they may remain in Ojibwe communities and pass on their culture. Beyond the role of Elders, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe preserve their culture by continuing to follow traditional hunting and fishing practices, holding powwows every summer, and performing traditional dance and drum ceremonies across the reservation.

Image Source: Government Innovators Network