Indigenous Story Figures by Erin Dawson

Aaron Khosrovaneh - Coyote

2024-03-04 17:38:51 UTC

The Coyote is common in many indigenous cultures throughout North America, and is depicted as human-like. Its portrayal varies between culture, but in some Prairie and West Coast stories, it is described as a pesky thief, but is also a healer that received such power from the Creator.

“Coyote (Mythology).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_(mythology)#:~:text=Coyote%20is%20featured%20in%20myths,obtaining%20fire%20for%20the%20people.

Robinson, Amanda. “Trickster.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 5 Apr. 2018, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/trickster.

Mother Earth- Alixx W

2024-03-04 17:41:52 UTC

Over the years, First Nations and Inuit people developed extreme knowledge and understanding about the natural world. They have a deep and genuine relationship with the earth. Famous author Thomas King writes “Mother Earth, the land which gives us everything we need for our survival, provides space for the plants, animals, fish, water, birds, trees, rocks, soil, insects, and human beings.”

https://humansandnature.org/my-story-of-mother-earth/

https://firstnationspedagogy.com/earth.html#:~:text=Long%20before%20the%20mainstream%20construct,one%20of%20stewardship%20and%20gratitude.

Grandfather Sun, Daniella Cole

2024-03-04 17:44:50 UTC

Grandfather Sun (also referred to as Mishoomis Giizis) belongs to the Mi'kmaq people and is the second level of creation. It refers to the spirit of the ancestors. Grandfather Sun is shown in Creation stories. They believe that their ancestors exist in them providing a shadow to their identity. Grandfather Sun is about healing and positive energy and bringing warmth to Earth and all of creation.

_{4D Interactive Inc. , a subsidiary of Invert Media Inc. “Four Directions}_{Teachings.com}_{- Aboriginal Online Teachings and Resource Centre - © 2006 - 2012 All Rights Reserved 4D Interactive Inc., a Subsidiary of Invert Media Inc.”}_{Fourdirectionsteachings.com}_,_{fourdirectionsteachings.com/transcripts/mikmaq.html}_.

_{SteveH. “Grandfather Sun.”}_{Arts and Culture on the Mornington Peninsula}_{, 2 Dec. 2020,}_{artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au/grandfather-sun/}_.

_{“Astronomy Activity #2: Movements of Grandfather Sun.”}_{TRACKS Youth Program}_,_{www.tracksprogram.ca/giizhigoong-at-home-activities/astronomy-activity-2-movements-of-grandfather-sun#:~:text=In%20Anishinaabe%20teachings%2C%20Sun%20is}_{. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.}

Grandfather Sun - Jake Klosse

2024-03-04 17:46:49 UTC

grandfather who is found in the anishinaabek culture is what lights up the earth allows food to grow keeps people warm and gives them to to learn about the earth.

grandfather sun is part of the second creation and often appears in stories teaching kids to not take things for granted and to always appreciate what you have

Sheir, Rebecca. “‘Maushop and Grandfather Sun’: Circle Round 27.” Circle Round, WBUR, 27 Mar. 2018, www.wbur.org/circleround/2018/03/27/maushop-and-grandfather-sun-circle-round.

“History of the Anishinaabek: Anishinaabemdaa.” Anishinaabemdaa.Com | Learn Anishinaabemowin!, anishinaabemdaa.com/history/history-of-the-anishinaabek. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.

Morgan.Ll- Three Sisters

2024-03-04 17:49:15 UTC

Iroquois believe the three sisters are life's physical and spiritual sustainers. The three sisters are corn, beans, and squash. They are said to have sprouted from the body of Sky woman's daughter, granting sustainability to the Iroquois nations. They can be found in creation stories.

They are referred to as “The Three Sisters” because they nurture each other like family when planted together. The three sisters are showing that communities are stronger together. Together they can grow.

Though many nations tell this story, it originated with the Haudenosaunee.

“Three Sisters Legend | Northeastern State University.” Nsuok.edu, 2024, nsuok.edu/heritage/three-sisters-legend.aspx.

“The Three Sisters of Indigenous American Agriculture | National Agricultural Library.” Usda.gov, 2018, www.nal.usda.gov/collections/stories/three-sisters#:~:text=To%20the%20Iroquois%20people%2C%20corn,agriculture%20to%20the%20Iroquois%20nations.

glooscap -jessie klosse

2024-03-04 17:49:19 UTC

Glooscap, the culture hero, transformer of eastern woodland is the one who is believed to have created the natural features like the annapolis river. While he would create these, he would often fight his evil twin brother Malsm, who wanted to make the rivers curved and the mountains unpassable.

Glooscap had eventually killed his evil brother, and had continued on to create mankind afterwards. He shot four arrows into different ash trees which created the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet and Mi’kmaq peoples.

sources :

https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/aborig/fp/fpz2f21e.html

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/glooscap

Ben. B - Raven

2024-03-04 17:54:06 UTC

The raven figure descends from native Pacific Northwest Coast tribes and groups. Ravens tend to symbolize mischievous and curious roles in stories, as well as portraying the "unknown". It was thought that the raven had turned black due to its alternate sides, good and evil. Certain origins and creation stories highlight the raven to be its center, such as how daylight began. In the story, "Raven and the Box of Daylight", written by Preston Singletary explains how the Raven contributed and transformed the world and provided light to Indigenous peoples by releasing the sun, stars, and moon. Ravens were found within multiple creation stories held by the Tlingit peoples of the Pacific Northwest similar to this one. Aside from the role of creating light, ravens depict deception, mischief, tricksters, and the "keeper of secrets". Additionally, elders called upon ravens to clarify truths in seen visions or dreams.

Sources Cited:

“The Raven Indigenous Symbol | Spirits of the West Coast.” Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery Inc, spiritsofthewestcoast.com/collections/the-raven-symbol#:~:text=Mischievous%20and%20curious%2C%20the%20Raven,and%20the%20subtlety%20of%20truth.

“Book Details - University of Washington Press.” University of Washington Press, 3 Sept. 2018, uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780972664950/preston-singletary/#:~:text=Description,of%20the%20Pacific%20Northwest%20Coast.

Moore, Judson L., and Judsonlmoore. “The Raven in Native American Mythology.” Judson L Moore, 28 Apr. 2004, www.judsonlmoore.com/the-raven-in-native-american-mythology.

Ben K -Kuekuatsheu-Wolverine

2024-03-04 17:54:57 UTC

Kuekuatsheu represents the Innu Wolverine who is a character used in indigenous stories to convey a trickster who constantly lies, cheats and is selfish. His character is normally portrayed in humorous or comedic ways and is not said to be threatening or vicious. Rather he is portrayed as an unsuitable Innu who normally takes place in more mature stories not suitable for young children. Kuekuatsheu is affixed to the tribe of James bay cree, Naskapi and the Inuu. He is most commonly used in amusing or funny stories but he can be seen in the Innu creation story as a main figure (accompanied by Mink) in the creation of earth stories.

Kuekuatsheu (Carcajou), the Wolverine. www.native-languages.org/kuekuatsheu.htm.

The Great Spirit - Parker D.

2024-03-04 17:56:00 UTC

The Great Spirit, also referred to as the Great Mystery, is the concept of a supreme power, being, or divine force that is believed to be present in all things and that it governs the natural world. It is seen as being the creator deity responsible for creating the universe and all living things. The Great Spirit is often described as being a good-willed force with good intentions, but if it is treated with disrespect it could become dangerous.

The Great Spirit is mainly portrayed in creation and origin stories in Indigenous cultures. In these stories, it is explained how the world, the natural environment, the universe, human beings, and the relationship between humans and the divine came to be. The Great Spirit may also be present in stories about the spiritual realm.

"Great Spirit Wakan Tanka The Great Mystery." Awaken, Apr. 18 2020,

https://awaken.com/2020/04/great-spirit-wakan-tanka-the-great-mystery/

Smith, Derek. "Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples in Canada." The Canadian Encyclopedia, Dec. 4 2011,

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/religion-of-aboriginal-people#:~:text=of%20these%20ceremonies.-,Great%20Spirit%20and%20Worldviews,treated%20carelessly%20or%20with%20disrespect.

Mother Earth - Zyanna

2024-03-04 17:59:04 UTC

Mother Earth - Zyanna

In Indigenous culture, Mother Earth is an ancient figure. She is the physical manifestation of creation from the spirit of Manitou. Often described to have a long hair made of leaves that is connected to the ground, a torso made of the globe and plants covering her body. Mother Earth is also known as “Nimaamaa-aki”. Nimaamaa-aki is often found in creation or teaching stories. Mother Earth has a presence in stories like “My story of Mother Earth” and “Creation Story”. From stories told, Nimaamaa-aki’s purpose is to be in charge of the four orders of earth; plants, animals, soil, and people. She is known as the giver of life and everything on earth.

Works Cited:
“Divergence: Traditional Aboriginal Spirituality and Mother Earth.” Anishinabeknews.ca, anishinabeknews.ca/2015/05/13/divergence-traditional-aboriginal-spirituality-and-mother-earth/#:~:text=To%20the%20Anishinaabe%2C%20Mother%20Earth.

Gill, Sam D. Mother Earth: An American Story. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL, University of Chicago Press, press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/M/bo5975950.html. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.

“Nimaamaa-Aki | Gibagadinamaagoom.” Ojibwearchive.sas.upenn.edu, ojibwearchive.sas.upenn.edu/category/seven-directions/nimaamaa-aki#:~:text=nimaamaa%2Daki%20%7C%20mother%20earth . Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.

Coyote-Jackson F

2024-03-04 20:13:04 UTC

Coyote is featured in the stories of Chemehuevi, Paiute, Shoshone and Ute peoples. The Coyote story is a symbolic, scared story told by a people to educate and celebrate the essential beliefs and values of that person. Coyotes purpose in these cultures stories was to be this malevolent and lecherous trickster. However, in the California story his role is to obtain fire for people. Coyote is one of the Navajo curing ceremonies. This ceremony is used to restore the person’s relationship with Coyote and the world. This ceremony also helps to return a good health to the person.

“Coyote (Mythology).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_(mythology).

Morgan Lowe - Skywoman

2024-03-04 21:31:16 UTC

Skywoman is most commonly found in Haudenosaunee creation stories, and depicts the first person to ever fall from the sky. While Skywoman is most commonly found in creation stories, she may also be mentioned in other stories regarding good and evil spirits, or the sun. The Skywoman creation story shares that Skywoman was one of the Great Spirits' first children, and was living on an island in the sky. When a tree was uprooted there was a hole which Skywoman fell down. She landed on the turtle's back and not only helped create turtle island, but also gave birth to her children on turtle island. Her role is to share how the Haudenosaunee people came to be on turtle island, as well as how we are able to transform and adapt to changing environments.

Admin, ASI. “Sky Woman Origin Story Handout.” https://artsphere.org/blog/sky-woman-origin-story-handout/. October 8, 2021.

Chris. “Sky Woman’s teachings about transformation and action.” https://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/sky-womans-teachings-about-transformation-and-action/. Chris Corrigan. Prince George, British Columbia. March 5, 2005.

Niro, Shelly. “Our Origins.” https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/aborig/fp/fpz2f22e.html. Canadian museum of history. 2001.

Glooscap - Sierra Young

2024-03-04 22:34:54 UTC

Glooscap belongs to the Wabankai peoples which is a confederation of Maliseet, Mi”kmaq, Abenaki, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot First Nations who lived in New Brunswick. Glooscap is a creation story. The purpose of the story is to display that Glooscap has created the landscape we now know and that he was the first human that was a cultural hero who embodied power and greatness. The story showed people that good over bad will always win.

Atwin, Jennifer. “Glooscap.” NBLE, New Brunswick Literacy Encyclopedia, 2014, nble.lib.unb.ca/browse/g/glooscap.

Metallic, Emanuel Nàgùgwes. “An Aboriginal Presence.” Civilization.ca - First Peoples of Canada - Our Origins, Origin Stories, Canadian Museum of History, www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/aborig/fp/fpz2f21e.html#:~:text=The%20Mi’kmaq%2C%20Maliseet,attributes%20and%20eliminating%20many%20monsters. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.

Skywoman - Destiny

2024-03-04 22:37:18 UTC

For the Haudenosaunee, the world was created through the cooperation and adaptability from the elements of the sky and water. Skywoman is considered the mother of the Haudenosaunee peoples, and the story is usually found in creation stories, as it was passed down to indigenous communities to connect their history and teachings. As the tale goes, long before the world was created, there was an island high above the clouds inhabited by skypeople. One day, a pregnant Skywoman fell through a dark hole to bring forth a new life. After falling for what felt like eternities, she eventually sees oceans and animals from this congregation. She falls and ends up living on in the hole and builds a life for herself and becomes the mother of Haudenosaunee life, as we know it today. She represents the connection between humans and the natural world.

“Skywoman: A Story before Time.” Two Row Times, 7 Apr. 2021, tworowtimes.com/arts-and-culture/skywoman-story-time/.

The Haudenosaunee Clan Animals - Kathleen Dhimaan

2024-03-04 22:38:12 UTC

The Haudenosaunee form families called clans. Each clan member, regardless of nationality, is considered a relative. The clans are symbolized by birds and animals and are classified into three elements: water, land, and air. The land element is represented by the bear, wolf, and deer; water is represented by the turtle, eel, and beaver; and air is represented by the snipe, hawk, and heron. The stories they appear in are teaching stories. Each clan has its own unique story about how it formed and the characteristics and responsibilities held by the members of the clan. The role of these stories are to teach about understanding the natural world, social structures, and moral values within Haudenosaunee society.

Citations:

“Clan System.” Haudenosaunee Confederacy, www.haudenosauneeconfederacy.com/clan-system/#:~:text=The%20bear%2C%20wolf%20and%20deer. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.

“Haudenosaunee Clan Stories.” Six Nations Polytechnic, snpolytechnic.com/sites/default/files/docs/resource/clanstories.pdf. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.

Raven - Ariba

arib4670 — 2024-03-05 00:44:35 UTC

The Raven symbolizes creativity, mischief, and magic in most Pacific Northwest Indigenous cultures. It’s usually seen as both creative, intelligent, and adventures, but can be extremely self-serving and mischievous. Raven Stories exist in almost all the First Nations cultures, but they’re most prominent in tales of the Haida, Tsimshian, Tlingit and Tahltan people. Usually, the Raven figure is seen in stories that tell how worldly things came to be or offer suggestions to children on how to behave.

Raven and the Sun - a story about how Raven delivered the sun, moon, stars, and fire to humanity:

“These treasures are necessary for human survival, but came at the cost of Raven’s suffering. A powerful shaman, hostile toward people, had kept them hidden beneath the sea. Raven, disguised as a white owl, was able to win the shaman’s trust and grab the treasures. Raven then released them one by one for the benefit of humanity. When Raven carried the Sun his feathers were burned black and his claws shriveled, because he had to carry it so high and so long before he let it go in the sky”.

In this story, the Raven symbolizes creations and knowledge.

Citations:

“Raven Symbolism: Indigenous Art & Jewellery.” Artina’s Jewellery, artinas.com/collections/raven/ruby#:~:text=Generally%2C%20the%20Raven%20symbolizes%20creativity,significant%20cultural%20and%20historical%20associations. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.

“Ravens in Native American Mythology.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravens_in_Native_American_mythology#:~:text=His%20stories%20tell%20of%20how,rather%20than%20any%20altruistic%20principles.

“Tribes - Native Voices.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-totem/totem-stories/raven-and-the-sun.html#:~:text=Totem%20Stories&text=A%20powerful%20shaman%2C%20hostile%20toward,for%20the%20benefit%20of%20humanity. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.

“Raven Tales.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven_Tales.

Turtle - Addison Henry

addisonmehenry — 2024-03-05 02:38:45 UTC

From Indigenous oral stories the turtle who carries the world on its back originated. Turtle Island is a creation story. The turtle is considered an icon of life. Often the turtle stories involve animals swimming to the bottom of the ocean to retrieve soil which they would then put on the turtle's back. The story of Turtle Island demonstrates Indigenous peoples spiritual and cultural beliefs. It also is an example of their respect for the environment.

“Turtle Island.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 6 Nov. 2018, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/turtle-island#:~:text=Nanabush%20took%20the%20soil%20and,heavens%20where%20supernatural%20beings%20existed.

weesageechak - Ken. L

2024-03-05 03:21:20 UTC

Weesageechak, also known as "Wisakecahk", a famous Cree hero and trickster, is the central character in numerous interconnected stories within Indigenous oral traditions. Known for his mischievous and clever nature, Weesageechak's tales serve as moral lessons and entertainment, often involving humorous attempts to outsmart others for food or to prove his intelligence. These stories, narrated orally in winter, carry cultural significance, preserving Indigenous wisdom and values. Examples like "The Origin of the Moon" and "Wisakecahk and His Scabs" shows the importance of this character within Cree storytelling, emphasizing the importance of learning from both successes and failures.

^{Storytelling: the Art of Knowledge - Métis-Cree}

^{Canadian Museum of History}

^{https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/aborig/storytel/crme4eng.html}

Nanabozho - Ayza

2024-03-05 15:03:21 UTC

Nanabozo has the ability to give others life since he is the personification of life. A significant role for Nanabozo is played in the construction of Turtle Island in certain Anishinaabe and Cree stories. Nanabozo is a shape-shifter as well. In many Indigenous cultures, he takes on a variety of identities and shapes, such as a hare, a coyote, and a raven, to symbolize the different stages and circumstances of the life cycle. In Indigenous oral traditions, Nanabozo, also known as a trickster. He makes and guards life on the one hand. However, he is also connected to mischief and breaking the law. “Nanabush, a mighty magician and trickster of the Ojibwa people who taught many lessons. As much as he was powerful and clever, he was also good at getting in trouble, such as when he persuaded the geese to carry him south for the winter” (gov’t of Canada 1).

“Nanabozo.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 5 Aug. 2008, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/nanabozo.
Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. “Legends and Stories: Part of an Oral History.” Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 16 Oct. 2012, www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1303139736478/1534962552667.

The Three Sisters - Annika

2024-03-05 15:12:59 UTC

The three sisters' story originates from Haudenosaunee, or "People of the Longhouse '' but now is a story shared among many First Nation cultures and a common practice for all of North America. This story is about the strength of “companion planting”. These plants sprouted and gifted agriculture to the iroquois nations. The three sisters were corn/maize, beans and squash were known as the “sustainers of life”. They were considered “gifts of life” from the creator.

“Home.” Northeastern State University, Northeastern State University, nsuok.edu/heritage/three-sisters-legend.aspx#:~:text=The%20well%2Dbeing%20of%20each,eaten%20together%20and%20celebrated%20together.

Iowaagliteracy. “Celebrating the Three Sisters & the Story behind the Thanksgiving Celebration.” Iowa Agriculture Literacy, 26 Oct. 2020, iowaagliteracy.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/celebrating-the-three-sisters-the-story-behind-the-thanksgiving-celebration/.

“The Three Sisters of Indigenous American Agriculture.” The Three Sisters of Indigenous American Agriculture | National Agricultural Library, www.nal.usda.gov/collections/stories/three-sisters#:~:text=To%20the%20Iroquois%20people%2C%20corn,agriculture%20to%20the%20Iroquois%20nations

Turtle - Mel C

2024-03-05 21:15:28 UTC

The Turtle Island is an emblem of life itself is supposed to support the entire planet on its back. The Turtle is also a symbol of fertility, longevity, protection, knowledge, healing and health to majority of tribes. The Region that is currently known as North and Central America is referred to as "Turtle Island". Some Indigenous peoples use this term because they believe their land was formed on the back of a turtle. The story of "Turtle Island" is a creation story and has various ways of being told throughout the Indigenous communities like Ojibwe, Haudenosaunee and Iroquois peoples.

Sources:

"Turtle Island" | Deadly Story

Turtle Island - Deadly Story

"Native American Animals: The Turtle (Keya) Symbolizes Grandmother Earth (Unci Maka)" | Native Hope, 13. Apr. 2020,

Native American Animals: The Turtle (Keya) Symbolizes Grandmother Earth (Unci Maka) (nativehope.org )

"Turtle Island" | The Canadian Encyclopedia, Robinson, Amanda, 6. Nov. 2018,

Turtle Island | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Nanabozho/Nanabush - Jordyn F

2024-03-06 00:32:36 UTC

Nanabozho is known as a hero, trickster, and a creator in Anishinaabe and Cree storytelling. He can be seen in Thomas King’s short story, The One About Coyote Going West, again as a coyote in his novel Green Grass Running Water, and in Tomson Highway’s play The Rez Sisters as a seagull, nighthawk, and bingo master. Nanabozho is a supernatural being with the power to create and protect life, as well as powers of mischief and a history of rule-breaking. He is the embodiment of life and is known to be the main contributor to the creation of Turtle Island. Nanabozho is also prominently known as a shape-shifter whose many forms including the raven, coyote, and the hare, represent the various conditions and phases of the life cycle. Overall, Nanabozho is a vital component in the realm of Christian mythology.

Gadacz, René R.. "Nanabozo". The Canadian Encyclopedia, 02 June 2020, Historica Canada. www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/nanabozo. Accessed 04 March 2024.

Haudenosaunee Clan Animals - Miranda

2024-03-06 01:28:24 UTC

Before the clan animals were formed humans lived and shared the earth, but there were many arguments between the different villages and families. It was decided that they would split up and organize into different groups, these groups were represented by different animals. This symbolized how each animal lived on the land together peacefully. The eldest woman from each family had an animal appear to her, that animal would then become the animal that represented her family and their lineage. These animals were and still are today the turtle, bear, wolf, heron, hawk, snipe, beaver, deer and eel. Each animal has different traits and the people in each clan follow the ways of their animal. The Wolf is a pathfinder, The Turtle a protector of the environment and The Bear a symbol of medicine. The Mohawk and Oneida people each have three clans The Bear, Wolf and Turtle, and these clans have relationships between them. The Wolf Clan is cousin to the Turtle Clan, while the Turtle Clan is older brother to the Bear Clan. Each clan of animal and the people that live in them are unique but they are all closely connected and live together on the earth.

Citations:

Brown, Bob "Iroiquios Clan System: Clans of the Oneida People" Schultz, Tiffany

https://oneida-nsn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/IROQUOIS-CLAN-SYSTEM-CLANS-OF-THE-ONEIDA-PEOPLE-9.13.pdf

Clan System, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, accessed 5 Mar 2024

https://www.haudenosauneeconfederacy.com/clan-system/

Mohawk Culture, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, accessed 5 Mar 2024

https://mbq-tmt.org/mohawk-culture/#:~:text=The%20Peacemaker%20created%20a%20new,be%20found%20across%20the%20confederacy.

Chelsea E. - Grandmother Moon

2024-03-09 14:57:22 UTC

Grandmother moon is a term used in Indigenous cultures for the feminine energy of the moon. The term pays respect to the moon as Indigenous peoples acknowledge and believe that everything in creation has a spirit. The Anishnawbe calendar incorporates the word "moon" or "Giizis" into the titles of its months, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the moon's cycles and the plant and animal life on Turtle Island. In Indigenous spiritual belief, it is thought that Grandmother Moon guards the Earth's Oceans. Mother Moon is in charge of all things female. A large portion of aquatic life reproduces under lunar cycles. Grandmother Moon is thought to have a special bond with women since she controls the moon time, or a woman's natural menstrual cycle, which is the cleansing cycle. It is thought that women watch over the waters of humankind, much as Grandmother Moon looks over the waters of Earth. The moon cycle is considered a blessing to women. It's an opportunity for her to purify her mind, body, soul, and spirit. The ability of the Great Spirit to bestow life is regarded as the greatest power of the moon phase. It is the extent of its power. Grandmother Moon is a resource that women can ask for guidance in life, wisdom, and assistance for their children and others. Women can receive healing and balancing energy from Grandmother Moon. Grandmother Moon's story is told to women around when the moon is full and they are on their moon time. Ceremonies are held to teach. The ritual may vary depending on the location. Depending on the lessons offered to the women in a particular society, it is held on the Full Moon or two days before or after the Full Moon. From youngest to oldest, the women form a circle, symbolizing the progression of life from childhood to old age. They sing and beat drums. Poems, dances, and art on display. The ladies throw tobacco into fire and demand that the soil be cleaned since they are responsible for the water in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Sources Cited:

“Grandmother Moon by Sharifah Marsden - Anishinaabe: Native Canadian Arts.” DaVic Gallery of Native Canadian Arts, 2 Nov. 2017, nativecanadianarts.com/gallery/grandmother-moon/.

“Moontime and Grandmother Moon.” Anishnawbe Mushkiki, 6 Apr. 2021, mushkiki.com/programs-services/moontime-and-grandmother-moon/.

Hyeonjun Lee - Turtle

2024-04-09 03:10:09 UTC

The Turtle island refers to the the continent of North America for Indigenous people. It is icon of life that support the world, and it is various spiritual and cultural beliefs for Indigenous people.

The story of the Turtle island is about creation that places emphasis on the turtle as a symbol of life and earth. Nanabush, who has the power to create life in others, asked the animals to swim deep beneath the water and collect soil that would be used to recreate the world, and put soil on a willing turtle's back. Therefore, this became the Turtle Island.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/turtle-island