Notes From a Teaching Lodge

“If we lose the language, we are no more, we may become something else, but we will not be Anishinaabe.” ~Walt Bressette, Red Cliff Ojibwe

Notes from a Teaching Lodge

Traveling north on Beltrami County Road #15 (Irvine Avenue) from Bemidji, just north of Nebish, I notice a sudden change in landscape. I have gone from farmland to forest. I am on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. I am no longer on County #15, but on Reservation Highway #18.

This is Indian land in the most authentic sense, land that has never been ceded, land that has never belonged to the United States. Aboriginal land, held in common by it’s residents a la pre-reservation system. Red Lake is one of only two reservations to hold this unique sovereignty.

At Red Lake, because of that distinction and it’s relative isolation, tradition and culture survive. Sovereignty, Red Lakers say, means sheltering traditions not as museum pieces for tourists, but as living expressions of what it means to be Indian.

I was on my way to Obaashiing. Obaashiing which means Windy Point and also known as Ponemah, is at the eastern end of a peninsula that separates Upper and Lower Red Lake. This is the largest fresh water body of water wholly contained within one state in the United States. According to the 2000 census, Obaashiing is the most Native American census location in the United Sates by percent. Obaashiing is 99.20% American Indian.

If I Was Going Anywhere Else, I’d be Late

Reservation Highway #18 soon brings me to the outskirts of Obaashiing. It is about 9:15 AM on a beautiful day. If I was going anywhere else, I’d be late. But when I entered this Indian land, I was no longer on linear time, I was on Indian time. The Healing Lodge was scheduled to begin at 9 AM and last until 4 PM, but I knew that it would be closer to 9:30 or later by the time we got started.

It was Tuesday May 25th, 2010. The temperature was in the high 70’s to low 80’s. The event, hosted on property under the stewardship of Larry and Violet Stillday, was billed as a Healing Lodge and Wellness Day for Providers. As is the custom at Red Lake, the event would be cost free. Lunch would be provided as well as soft drinks, rolls, and coffee.

As I turned right off the reservation highway, I drove down a dirt road past a house on my left. There were boys playing in the yard. I keep going past the house and into the woods. Ahead I see a few cars and a sign that says “Welcome to Obahshiing [sic] University”.

Somewhat to my surprise, there appears to be about 25 young non-Indians from Penn (Pennsylvania) State University. I am told they are in the area for two weeks studying Ojibwe culture, history, and language. They are being housed at Bemidji State University. This youth is balanced by perhaps 25 professional Red Lake members, most of whom work for reservation social programs; New Beginnings, PATH, and Chemical Health.

The sponsors of the gathering included; Red Lake Chemical Health, 7 Clans Wellbriety Coalition, Red Lake Project Safe Neighborhoods, Red Road Home Project, and the NW Indian OIC.

The Web of Life

After a song by the Wellbriety Drum, a circle of sitting introductions ensued. Then our host and teacher for the day, Larry Stillday, asked those attending to stand and form a large circle. Violet Stillday produced a huge ball of red yarn. Violet explained that she would throw the ball - unraveling as it flew - to another across the circle, and instructed that person to throw to another until a gigantic red web was formed.

The purpose of the display was to demonstrate the web of life and the tensions that can be created. Larry pointed out that when all held the yarn taut, the circle felt good.

However, when most people raised their arms with the yarn while some did not, it destroyed the oneness and felt uncomfortable. Larry pointed out that we must work together in harmony. If one goes off on a drunk or other act averse to the group - because we are all connected - there is disharmony.

The Circle of Life (Medicine Wheel)

The next demonstration took place at the Medicine Wheel or the Circle of Life. Larry asked all to gather round the medicine wheel by birthday in season. To the east would stand those with Spring birthdays, south Summer, west Autumn, and north Winter. Larry says “imagine a person who thinks they know it all”. “Not so”, he says, “ they look at the world only from their birthplace on the wheel. In order to know and understand, one must go around the wheel, continually looking at the center, and notice how things look differently depending upon ones place on the wheel. We must walk the wheel to see how others see”, he observed.

NOTES:

Balance and harmony:

For balance and harmony, draw water with the flow, not against it.

When we realize how we are connected, this leads to harmony. We must realize the connection of birth, death, and rebirth.

There are four parts to us, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. These must be in balance as well. We must have harmony in all four. If we do not, we are not well.

We live in a balanced system, but it has two polarities. When conflict comes, it allows for change. We can make change. The Creator gives us stress and negative things to help us figure out what’s wrong. It is a time for change, to do something more productive. Gossip, for example leads to stress, stop it, let it go. This will remove stress and anxiety. This is a problem of the world. If we have stress, we are out of balance which will lead to even more stress.

The Spirit World:

There is a misunderstanding about Indians and spirits, we do not pray TO them, we pray FOR them.

Evil will come, don’t say yes or no...that is an answer. If you answer, they then would have your power, you have given up your choice. Instead, keep walking.

We are a diverse people. All our ceremonies are about man and woman. Where did you come from? The silly answer is from my mother and father. But this is true. Your mother and father are contained in you. You must therefore be balanced with the male and female. If you are not, you will be out of harmony and have stress. If you are a man and not in touch with the female, you cannot treat your woman right. We must balance the feminine with the masculine. If you neglect the feminine you will do the same with your partner. The switch around is also true.

Time:

Indians think in a circular rather than in a linear manner. That’s why time seems less important, which is better for stress, take things as they come.

Why do some recognize a past separated from a present time, which is, in turn, separated from the future? That is linear time. History is much more in the present for us.

It is simple. The creator made it simple. There are lessons everywhere if we will but pay attention. We make it complicated. Get out of the way, let life happen. Relating back to Indian time. We did not start on time, we did not finish a power point presentation, something else happened that is just as...or more important. Questions were asked. Let it happen. Do not question such things, or let it cause you stress.

To Indians, it is not so much about time as it is rhythm. Don’t question what happens, go with the flow.

The Red Road:

The Red Road is 18 inches long, from the mind to the heart.

"Being Indian is mainly in your heart. It's a way of walking with the earth instead of upon it. A lot of the history books talk about us Indians in the past tense, but we don't plan on going anywhere. We have lost so much, but the thing that holds us together is that we all belong to and are protectors of the earth; that's the reason for us being here. Mother Earth is not a resource, she is an heirloom." ~David Ipinia

Tradition:

Indigenous or traditional knowledge has much to offer, e.g. environment, sustainable development, holistic healing, waste not.

We must live in harmony. The Great Spirit works through nature, that is why He is here, feel the connection. The two-legged, the four-legged and the winged ones are a part of nature, we are all connected. Each creature helps us understand. Everything is in the Sacred Hoop or Circle. As children, and elders, and women can teach, so then can we learn from other living things. We have learned to fly by observation of creatures. They can see better, they can hear better, smell better. They may not be our equals in spirit, but they are our equals in nature. We must respect all life, they can teach.

The Sacred Circle:

The Sacred circle of wellness. Live, love, respect, humility. Center on self. Ask the Great Spirit to come to your heart rather than your mind, this will remove stress and anxiety.

Everything is a circle, there are no squares in nature. This equals unity, wholeness, birth and rebirth. We are still trying to figure out that human part...for we are spirits. The Creator teaches us through nature.

Spirit Language, or The Seven Teachings, or the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers:

Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery or Courage, Honesty, Humility, Truth.

TEACHINGS OF THE SEVEN GRANDFATHERS

Among the Anishinaabe people, the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, also known simply as either the Seven Teachings or Seven Grandfathers, is a set of teachings on human conduct towards others.

Background

According to the aadizookaan (traditional story), the teachings were given to the Anishinaabeg early in their history. Seven Grandfathers asked their messenger to take a survey of the human condition. At that time the human condition was not very good. Eventually in his quest, the messenger came across a child. After receiving approval from the Seven Grandfathers, the messenger tutored the child in the "Good way of Life". Before departing from the Seven Grandfathers, each of the Grandfathers instructed the child with a principle.

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OR TEACHINGS

Nibwaakaawin—Wisdom: To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people. In the Anishinaabe language, this word expresses not only "wisdom," but also means "prudence," or "intelligence." In some communities, Gikendaasowin is used; in addition to "wisdom," this word can also mean "intelligence" or "knowledge."

Zaagi'idiwin—Love: To know Love is to know peace. Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they need love the most. In the Anishinaabe language, this word with the reciprocal theme /idi/ indicates that this form of love is mutual. In some communities,

Gizhaawenidiwin is used, which in most context means "jealousy" but in this context is translated as either "love" or "zeal". Again, the reciprocal theme /idi/ indicates that this form of love is mutual.

Minaadendamowin—Respect: To honor all creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with respect. You must give respect if you wish to be respected. Some communities instead use Ozhibwaadenindiwin or Manazoonidiwin.

Aakode'ewin—Bravery: Bravery is to face the foe with integrity. In the Anishinaabe language, this word literally means "state of having a fearless heart." To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant. Some communities instead use either Zoongadikiwin ("state of having a strong casing") or Zoongide'ewin ("state of having a strong heart").

Gwayakwaadiziwin—Honesty: Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean "righteousness."

Dabaadendiziwin—Humility: Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean "compassion." You are equal to others, but you are not better. Some communities instead express this with Bekaadiziwin, which in addition to "humility" can also be translated as "calmness," "meekness," "gentility" or "patience."

Debwewin—Truth: Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others.

“Gigaagiigidotamaagoom, maada'ooyok gaa-miinigooyeg”. “You are speakers for us now, share what you have learned”. ~Larry Stillday