NATIVE AMERICAN AND ALASKAN NATIVE HERITAGE MONTH: CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND HISTORY

Written By Guest User

by Brianne Robach, Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness

The month of November commemorates Native American and Alaskan Native Heritage Month in the United States. The month honors Indigenous peoples and their culture and is a time for extra focus on learning and understanding the true history of Indigenous peoples. First, it is important to acknowledge that Heart of West Michigan United Way’s office building (and likely most of our own houses) occupies land that originally belonged to the Anishinaabe people, the People of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi.

Throughout the 1800s, the U.S. government enacted several treaties ceding land from the Anishinaabe to the federal government.

The map shows the different treaties that ceded land in what is now Michigan.

The histories, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous peoples throughout the United States is extremely diverse and varied. From languages to buildings and food to clothing, the lifestyles of Indigenous groups are dependent on their environment. It would be difficult to provide an overview of the many different tribes throughout the country. For today’s post, I want to share an overview of the history and culture of the Anishinaabe that live throughout the Great Lakes region in both the United States and Canada.

History

The Anishinaabe started to move into the Great Lakes region in the 1400s, first settling on the eastern side of Lake Huron and then continuing to spread across the Great Lakes region. The Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes shared a common language (Anishinaabemowin), though they were loosely connected. They were hunter–gatherers relying on sturgeon, wild rice, and maple sugar among other foods, and often lived in villages of dome-shaped houses (wigwams). In the summer months, the Anishinaabe gathered in large groups near food sources where they foraged, hunted, fished, and planted and harvested crops. During the colder months, they separated into smaller groups of extended families to cover large hunting areas without competing with other bands of hunters.

The Anishinaabe first encountered French fur traders in the mid-1600s. As they were skilled hunters and trappers, they became heavily involved in the fur trade. They traded furs for European goods such as utensils, kettles, axes, and guns. Trade and alliances with the French brought the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi nations closer together. The steel weapons received from the trade allowed the Anishinaabeg to continue expanding throughout the Great Lakes and beyond by taking territory from other tribes. In the early 1800s, Anishinaabe peoples were living throughout the Great Lakes region and further north and west to what is now North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Culture

The guiding principles of the Anishinaabe are the Seven Grandfather Teachings. These traditional teachings have been passed down from generation to generation and guide Anishinaabe people in living without conflict and in peace. They are Debwewin (Truth), Dabasendiziwin (Humility), Manaaji’idiwin (Respect), Zaagi’idiwin (Love), Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty), Zoongide’ewin (Bravery or Courage), and Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom).

The Anishinaabe peoples wore clothing made of animal hides. During the colder months, they layered furs over the buckskin for warmth. They also used birch bark for many everyday items like utensils, containers, buildings, and canoes. Since birch bark is lightweight, yet sturdy, tribes could be easily transport it when they moved.

Art forms of the Anishinaabeg include birch bark and ash baskets and boxes. Traditionally, they would decorate these with designs made of porcupine quills and moose hair. The designs are usually based on the environment and floral patterns are common. After contact with European settlers, the Anishinaabeg incorporated European trade beads, cloth, and other items into the designs.

Anishinaabe communities also have a long tradition of music. Originally, young men made flutes and used them in courtship rituals. Drumming (including hand drumming and powwow drumming) is used for healing and entertainment and plays a key role in ceremonies.

Sources and Further Reading:

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