The Ojibwa: The Ojibwa: "The People Endure”"The People Endure”

By: Kaitlin Elyse AlbertBy: Kaitlin Elyse Albert

Let’s start with the Basics!Let’s start with the Basics!► The Ojibwa live in the northern Midwest in The Ojibwa live in the northern Midwest in

the United States and south central Canada.the United States and south central Canada.Ojibwa lived mainly in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ojibwa lived mainly in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ontario. Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ontario.

► The Ojibwa commonly refer to themselves The Ojibwa commonly refer to themselves as as ANISHINABEANISHINABE, which literally means , which literally means “human being.”“human being.”

► Other translations of Other translations of ANISHINABEANISHINABE include include"first“, "original people“, or “puckered up” "first“, "original people“, or “puckered up” referring to their crimped moccasin referring to their crimped moccasin stitching.stitching.

► Most Ojibwa people speak English, but Most Ojibwa people speak English, but some of them also speak their native some of them also speak their native Ojibwa language.Ojibwa language.

► They speak also speak a form of the They speak also speak a form of the Algonquian language and were closely Algonquian language and were closely related to the Ottawa and Potawatomi related to the Ottawa and Potawatomi IndiansIndians. .

More Basics!More Basics!► Beginning in the 17Beginning in the 17thth Century, the Ojibwa geographic expansion Century, the Ojibwa geographic expansion

resulted in a four-part division.resulted in a four-part division.

SalteauxSalteaux (Northern Ojibwa) – occupying the Canadian Shield north (Northern Ojibwa) – occupying the Canadian Shield north of Lake Superior and south and west of the Hudson & James Baysof Lake Superior and south and west of the Hudson & James Bays

BungeeBungee (Plaines Ojibwa) – occupying the southern Saskatchewan (Plaines Ojibwa) – occupying the southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba region.and Manitoba region.

Southeastern OjibwaSoutheastern Ojibwa – occupying Michigan's lower and eastern – occupying Michigan's lower and eastern upper peninsula, as well as adjacent areas of Ontario.upper peninsula, as well as adjacent areas of Ontario.

ChippewaChippewa (Southwestern Ojibwa) – occupying northern (Southwestern Ojibwa) – occupying northern Minnesota, extreme northern Wisconsin, Michigan’s western Minnesota, extreme northern Wisconsin, Michigan’s western upper peninsula, and Ontario between Lake Superior and the upper peninsula, and Ontario between Lake Superior and the Manitoba border.Manitoba border.

► The Ojibwa are one of the largest Native American groups north of The Ojibwa are one of the largest Native American groups north of Mexico, numbered 35,000 in the mid-17Mexico, numbered 35,000 in the mid-17thth century and today at century and today at around 200,000.around 200,000.

Other Tribes in the areaOther Tribes in the area

Ojibwa HistoryOjibwa HistoryThe 17The 17thth Century Century

► The Ojibwa were originally closely allied to the The Ojibwa were originally closely allied to the Huron. After the Huron were defeated by the Huron. After the Huron were defeated by the Iroquois in their battle for control of the fur trade, Iroquois in their battle for control of the fur trade, the Ojibwa came under forceful Iroquois attack. the Ojibwa came under forceful Iroquois attack. The Ojibwa prevailed and ended the Iroquois The Ojibwa prevailed and ended the Iroquois power in their region. From then on Ojibwa power in their region. From then on Ojibwa expanded both southward and west ward.expanded both southward and west ward.

► Eventually representatives from 15 Indian nation Eventually representatives from 15 Indian nation negotiated peace in the trade wars, but not negotiated peace in the trade wars, but not without great cost.without great cost.

► Ojibwa encountered Europeans on their land, Ojibwa encountered Europeans on their land, when explorers found the natural bounty of rivers when explorers found the natural bounty of rivers and forests that the Gulf of St. Lawrence had to and forests that the Gulf of St. Lawrence had to offer.offer.

► The market for native furs was tremendous, and The market for native furs was tremendous, and by the end of the century Ojibwa were heavily by the end of the century Ojibwa were heavily involved in the fur trade and eager to expand involved in the fur trade and eager to expand their trade for European goods.their trade for European goods.

Ojibwa HistoryOjibwa HistoryThe 18th CenturyThe 18th Century

► By the beginning of the 18By the beginning of the 18thth century, Ojibwa culture changed century, Ojibwa culture changed dramatically.dramatically.

► Animals that had been hunted for food had now been trapped Animals that had been hunted for food had now been trapped primarily to be used in trade, and as dependence upon European primarily to be used in trade, and as dependence upon European good increased, traditional patterns and activities diminished.good increased, traditional patterns and activities diminished.

► With the development of the European fur trade and the exploitation With the development of the European fur trade and the exploitation of particular hunting and trapping territory evolved into discrete of particular hunting and trapping territory evolved into discrete territories over which hunting and trapping groups had exclusive territories over which hunting and trapping groups had exclusive rights to fur resources. rights to fur resources.

► By the end of the 18By the end of the 18thth century the major geographical expansion century the major geographical expansion resulted in the four-part tribal fracturing of the Ojibwa.resulted in the four-part tribal fracturing of the Ojibwa.

Ojibwa HistoryOjibwa HistoryThe 19th CenturyThe 19th Century

► During the first half of the 19During the first half of the 19thth century, the century, the Ojibwa began to experience in the influence of Ojibwa began to experience in the influence of the U.S. government. the U.S. government.

► They once again became increasingly dependent They once again became increasingly dependent on traders, this time Americans.on traders, this time Americans.

► Although fishing was plentiful in the summer, Although fishing was plentiful in the summer, winter found the Ojibwa without large game, winter found the Ojibwa without large game, which left them in need of provisions owned by which left them in need of provisions owned by traders.traders.

► Large parcels of land were ceded in return for Large parcels of land were ceded in return for the promise of continues blacksmith service and the promise of continues blacksmith service and payment of salt and tobacco on an annual basis. payment of salt and tobacco on an annual basis.

► Hunting ad fishing rights on the land were given Hunting ad fishing rights on the land were given up and the demand for farmland forced up and the demand for farmland forced Southeastern Ojibwa to cede their territory, and Southeastern Ojibwa to cede their territory, and the movement toward reservation began.the movement toward reservation began.

Ojibwa HistoryOjibwa HistoryReservationsReservations

► Canadian officials attempted what they called a “civilization program,” Canadian officials attempted what they called a “civilization program,” aimed at redirecting Ojibwa life to a reservation-based farming aimed at redirecting Ojibwa life to a reservation-based farming economy to replace the traditional fishing, hunting, and gathering.economy to replace the traditional fishing, hunting, and gathering.

► But the Ojibwa resistance was challenged by copper miner and the But the Ojibwa resistance was challenged by copper miner and the lumbering industry, eager to exploit the abundant resources on Ojibwa lumbering industry, eager to exploit the abundant resources on Ojibwa land, and loath to allow the Ojibwa to remain living on the land that land, and loath to allow the Ojibwa to remain living on the land that they had ceded, a right that had been granted to them by the U.S. they had ceded, a right that had been granted to them by the U.S. government.government.

► The government attempted to resettle the Ojibwa west of the The government attempted to resettle the Ojibwa west of the Mississippi where they could live in permanent shelters and farm the Mississippi where they could live in permanent shelters and farm the land. land.

► This initial attempt was unsuccessful, and an alternative program of This initial attempt was unsuccessful, and an alternative program of allotting individuals parcels of land came into effect.allotting individuals parcels of land came into effect.

Ojibwa HistoryOjibwa HistoryThe Trials of Living on the ReservationThe Trials of Living on the Reservation

► Promised payments had not been materialized.Promised payments had not been materialized.

► Settlers on Ojibwa land had gone through the woods and taken the Settlers on Ojibwa land had gone through the woods and taken the game that the Ojibwa had left hanging in trees to cure.game that the Ojibwa had left hanging in trees to cure.

► Government-financed schools were not educating Ojibwa children.Government-financed schools were not educating Ojibwa children.

► The Ojibwa from Sault Ste. Marie had their land destroyed by the The Ojibwa from Sault Ste. Marie had their land destroyed by the construction of the shipping canal.construction of the shipping canal.

► Unsuspecting villager were taken by surprise as 400 workers arrived in Unsuspecting villager were taken by surprise as 400 workers arrived in their village and begun construction which destroyed not only the their village and begun construction which destroyed not only the fishing sites, but the village itself.fishing sites, but the village itself.

► Although treaties ere signed promising permanent homes, farming Although treaties ere signed promising permanent homes, farming acreage, equipment, and carpentry tools, this allotment never was acreage, equipment, and carpentry tools, this allotment never was granted.granted.

► By the time an official Act was passed into law 90% of the land By the time an official Act was passed into law 90% of the land promised to the Ojibwa was already owned and settled.promised to the Ojibwa was already owned and settled.

The Culture ShiftThe Culture Shift

► Despite their desire to maintain their way of life, Ojibwa who had been Despite their desire to maintain their way of life, Ojibwa who had been resettled on reservation could neither fish nor gather wild rice on land resettled on reservation could neither fish nor gather wild rice on land unsuitable for these economies. The consequences to Ojibwa culture unsuitable for these economies. The consequences to Ojibwa culture beginning with the earliest days of the fur trade were cataclysmic. The beginning with the earliest days of the fur trade were cataclysmic. The technology introduced, the scattering and removal of the indigenous technology introduced, the scattering and removal of the indigenous population, and the intertribal conflict engendered had dramatic effects on population, and the intertribal conflict engendered had dramatic effects on Ojibwa culture.Ojibwa culture.

Changes in TechnologyChanges in TechnologyToolsTools

► Before the middle of the 19Before the middle of the 19thth century, Ojibwa tools were fashion of century, Ojibwa tools were fashion of stone and bone. Bowls and spoons, canoe paddles and sleds, drums stone and bone. Bowls and spoons, canoe paddles and sleds, drums and snow shoes were all made of wood. Birch bark provided the and snow shoes were all made of wood. Birch bark provided the material for canoes and container. Spears and bows were the tools material for canoes and container. Spears and bows were the tools of the hunt, with animal skins providing the material for clothing, of the hunt, with animal skins providing the material for clothing, blankets, and tailoring.blankets, and tailoring.

► With the advent of the fur trade, iron tools like scissors, needles, axes, knives, With the advent of the fur trade, iron tools like scissors, needles, axes, knives, cooking utensils, kettles, pots, as well as guns and alcohol, were introduced, cooking utensils, kettles, pots, as well as guns and alcohol, were introduced, with tremendous consequences. Iron tools transformed the approach to with tremendous consequences. Iron tools transformed the approach to hunting. The European demand for fun in turn entrenched most of these hunting. The European demand for fun in turn entrenched most of these Indians to remain in a region where any transition to agriculture was Indians to remain in a region where any transition to agriculture was impossible.impossible.

Changes in TechnologyChanges in TechnologyToolsTools

Ojibwa Seasonal SettlementsOjibwa Seasonal Settlements► Ojibwa pattern of movement and settlement were guided largely by the Ojibwa pattern of movement and settlement were guided largely by the

seasons and varied among groups as their environments varied. seasons and varied among groups as their environments varied.

SPRINGSPRING

In the spring, maple trees were tapped In the spring, maple trees were tapped and the sap was gathered and boiled to and the sap was gathered and boiled to produce maple syrup. produce maple syrup.

SUMMERSUMMER

Ojibwa established semi-permanent Ojibwa established semi-permanent village in the summer and maintained village in the summer and maintained temporary camps during the rest of the temporary camps during the rest of the yearyear

WINTERWINTER

Bands dispersed in the winter moving to Bands dispersed in the winter moving to hunting grounds where deer, moose, hunting grounds where deer, moose, bear, and a variety of small game were bear, and a variety of small game were available.available.

Four-part Division Four-part Division SettlementsSettlements

► Although the strategy of seasonal Although the strategy of seasonal settlement and movement was found settlement and movement was found to some degree in all the Ojibwa to some degree in all the Ojibwa groups, it was differently elaborated in groups, it was differently elaborated in each. each.

► Southeastern Ojibwa and Southwestern Southeastern Ojibwa and Southwestern

Chippewa returned to permanently Chippewa returned to permanently establish summer village bases to plant establish summer village bases to plant gardens. gardens.

► Plain Ojibwa were highly mobile and Plain Ojibwa were highly mobile and moved to the open plains in the moved to the open plains in the summertime to hunt the bison herds. summertime to hunt the bison herds.

► The northern Ojibwa spent the late fall The northern Ojibwa spent the late fall winter and spring moving in dispersed winter and spring moving in dispersed winter hunting groupswinter hunting groups

Ojibwa MigrationOjibwa Migration

Ojibwa SocietyOjibwa Society► Ojibwa were organized into small autonomous bands Ojibwa were organized into small autonomous bands

of interrelated families. These were flexible groups of interrelated families. These were flexible groups with an egalitarian structure.with an egalitarian structure.

► Ojibwa society was later organized into a number of Ojibwa society was later organized into a number of exogamous totemic clans, with membership exogamous totemic clans, with membership determined patrilineally. determined patrilineally.

► Kinship terms directed social interaction, allowing Kinship terms directed social interaction, allowing relations with both extended family members of other relations with both extended family members of other groups as they moved among them.groups as they moved among them.

► Ojibwa political organization was, like other aspects of Ojibwa political organization was, like other aspects of their socio-cultural system, dramatically influenced by their socio-cultural system, dramatically influenced by contact with European fur traders.contact with European fur traders.

► IN the 18IN the 18thth century band ere headed by less formal century band ere headed by less formal chiefs, as farming and more permanent settlement chiefs, as farming and more permanent settlement patterns were encouraged by the government, an patterns were encouraged by the government, an elected chief, assistant chief, and a local council elected chief, assistant chief, and a local council became the characteristic local political organization.became the characteristic local political organization.

Ojibwa Gender RolesOjibwa Gender Roles► Ojibwa women were farmers and did most of the child care and cooking. Ojibwa women were farmers and did most of the child care and cooking.

► Men were hunters and sometimes went to war to protect their families. Men were hunters and sometimes went to war to protect their families.

► Both genders practiced story-telling, artwork and music, and traditional Both genders practiced story-telling, artwork and music, and traditional medicine. medicine.

► Ojibwa men and women worked together to harvest wild rice. Ojibwa men and women worked together to harvest wild rice.

► An Ojibwa man used a pole to steer through the reeds, while his wife An Ojibwa man used a pole to steer through the reeds, while his wife knocked rice grains into the canoe. knocked rice grains into the canoe.

► Ojibwa people still use canoes for harvesting rice today, but both genders do Ojibwa people still use canoes for harvesting rice today, but both genders do the knocking now. the knocking now.

Ojibwa CultureOjibwa Culture► One belief system on the Ojibwa centers on One belief system on the Ojibwa centers on

the important relationship between people the important relationship between people and those who are other than people.and those who are other than people.

► Although skills and knowledge obtained Although skills and knowledge obtained from fellow Ojibwa are certainly important, from fellow Ojibwa are certainly important, there are other crucial aspects of a there are other crucial aspects of a successful life that can only be known and successful life that can only be known and achieved though dependence upon those achieved though dependence upon those who are not human.who are not human.

► To the Ojibwa, the category of “persons” To the Ojibwa, the category of “persons” includes not only themselves, ANISHINABE, includes not only themselves, ANISHINABE, “human beings”, but also animate beings “human beings”, but also animate beings who re not human. who re not human.

► These beings are more powerful than These beings are more powerful than human beings and might be classified as human beings and might be classified as “supernatural.”“supernatural.”

Ojibwa ReligionOjibwa Religion► Ojibwa religion is bound up with several Ojibwa religion is bound up with several

distinctive features including; dreaming, distinctive features including; dreaming, fasting, visions, and above al else, the fasting, visions, and above al else, the relationship with the “grandfathers,” the relationship with the “grandfathers,” the other than- human beings.other than- human beings.

► The primary contact between individuals and The primary contact between individuals and these other being is achieved during these other being is achieved during dreaming, a state of primary important in dreaming, a state of primary important in Ojibwa life. Ojibwa life.

► It is during dreams that power is given and It is during dreams that power is given and received, and is the most intimate and received, and is the most intimate and powerful relationship forged.powerful relationship forged.

► Dreams and visions vary greatly, in both Dreams and visions vary greatly, in both content and intensity, from person to person. content and intensity, from person to person.

► It has been suggested that one reason that It has been suggested that one reason that Ojibwa feel a strong link between human and Ojibwa feel a strong link between human and the other-than-human spirits that are “the the other-than-human spirits that are “the grandfathers” is that both classes of person grandfathers” is that both classes of person are bound by the same moral order.are bound by the same moral order.

Ojibwa SpiritualityOjibwa Spirituality► The Ojibwa were extremely superstitious and required The Ojibwa were extremely superstitious and required

the exercise of great self control. the exercise of great self control.

► It is through the telling of the myths that central values It is through the telling of the myths that central values were passed on from Ojibwa to Ojibwa.were passed on from Ojibwa to Ojibwa.

► Power is a recurrent theme in Ojibwa life, especially Power is a recurrent theme in Ojibwa life, especially power possessed and granted by the “grandfathers.” power possessed and granted by the “grandfathers.”

► One power possessed by human and other-than- One power possessed by human and other-than- humans alike is that of metamorphosis, the changing of humans alike is that of metamorphosis, the changing of ones shape.ones shape.

► This thought is never more evidence than when This thought is never more evidence than when considering the bestowal of blessings, though dreams considering the bestowal of blessings, though dreams and visions. and visions.

► The Ojibwa view of themselves as not solely people The Ojibwa view of themselves as not solely people who live with other people, but as human beings who who live with other people, but as human beings who live in a more broadly defined society, with other-than-live in a more broadly defined society, with other-than-human persons, exemplified in two other features of human persons, exemplified in two other features of Ojibwa culture; the shaking tent and the MidOjibwa culture; the shaking tent and the Midééwiwin or wiwin or Grand Society of Medicine.Grand Society of Medicine.

Ojibwa SpiritualityOjibwa SpiritualityThe Shaking TentThe Shaking Tent

► The diviner enters the tent after dark wit the The diviner enters the tent after dark wit the assembled audience outside. assembled audience outside.

► Songs and drumming call the spirits to him.Songs and drumming call the spirits to him.

► The shaking tent is a performance aimed at diving information not available The shaking tent is a performance aimed at diving information not available though other means. though other means.

► Most other the questions asked have to with the diagnosis and treatment of Most other the questions asked have to with the diagnosis and treatment of illness, the welfare of loved ones far away, and the location of game illness, the welfare of loved ones far away, and the location of game animals. animals.

► In preparation for this event a structure is built. Poles are lashed together In preparation for this event a structure is built. Poles are lashed together to form a barrel-shaped tent, or lodge, with skin, canvas, or birth bark to form a barrel-shaped tent, or lodge, with skin, canvas, or birth bark draped over the frame work.draped over the frame work.

Ojibwa SpiritualityOjibwa SpiritualityThe Shaking TentThe Shaking Tent

► The evidence of the sprits arrival is the The evidence of the sprits arrival is the movement of the tent, which shakes movement of the tent, which shakes from side to side.from side to side.

► At time the movement appears as a At time the movement appears as a hand or foot of the diviner are bound.hand or foot of the diviner are bound.

► Not only the movement of the tent Not only the movement of the tent signals the arrival of the spirits, they signals the arrival of the spirits, they can also be heard to respond to the can also be heard to respond to the diviners son with singing of their own.diviners son with singing of their own.

► These voices and songs are not These voices and songs are not believe to be “channeled” though the believe to be “channeled” though the diviner, they seek for themselves.diviner, they seek for themselves.

► One of the best known features of Ojibwa One of the best known features of Ojibwa culture is the Midéwiwin.culture is the Midéwiwin.

► Society sometimes refers to these mystical Society sometimes refers to these mystical doings as the Grand Medicine Society.doings as the Grand Medicine Society.

► The Midéwiwin is an organized society of The Midéwiwin is an organized society of men and women who possess the men and women who possess the knowledge to cure by the use of plants and knowledge to cure by the use of plants and herbs.herbs.

► The initiation ceremony begins with a The initiation ceremony begins with a member being shot with a white shell.member being shot with a white shell.

► participants in a trance and falling participants in a trance and falling unconscious after the magical shots, regain unconscious after the magical shots, regain consciousness to spit the powerful shells consciousness to spit the powerful shells from their mouths.from their mouths.

Ojibwa SpiritualityOjibwa SpiritualityThe MidThe Midééwiwinwiwin

Ojibwa SpiritualityOjibwa SpiritualityThe MidThe Midééwiwinwiwin

► Ojibwa religion has been called “very much and individual affair as it Ojibwa religion has been called “very much and individual affair as it focuses on individual experience thought visions and dreams of the focuses on individual experience thought visions and dreams of the individual.individual.

► There are several categories of shamans, or professional healers, among There are several categories of shamans, or professional healers, among the Ojibwa, quite separate from the Midé priests of the Midéwiwin.the Ojibwa, quite separate from the Midé priests of the Midéwiwin.

► In recent years, there has been reexamination of the Midéwiwin and its In recent years, there has been reexamination of the Midéwiwin and its origin and place in Ojibwa history. It had early been assumed to represent origin and place in Ojibwa history. It had early been assumed to represent an aboriginal institution, nit has been challenged by anthropological an aboriginal institution, nit has been challenged by anthropological investigation. investigation.

► Ojibwa culture and society was forced to under go major changed during Ojibwa culture and society was forced to under go major changed during European contact. It it believed that the Midéwiwin originated before European contact. It it believed that the Midéwiwin originated before contact with the Europeans, meaning that its ceremonies represented and contact with the Europeans, meaning that its ceremonies represented and reflected new modes of organization, not ancient ones.reflected new modes of organization, not ancient ones.

The Ojibwa TodayThe Ojibwa Today► The rich Ojibwa cultural heritage survives through their continuing of The rich Ojibwa cultural heritage survives through their continuing of

themselves in art, language, and ceremony.themselves in art, language, and ceremony.

Ojibwa Traditional & Modern Ojibwa Traditional & Modern DressDressTraditionalTraditional

► Chippewa women wore long dresses with removable sleeves. Chippewa women wore long dresses with removable sleeves. ► Chippewa men wore breechcloths and leggings. Chippewa men wore breechcloths and leggings. ► Everybody wore moccasins their feet and cloaks or ponchos in bad Everybody wore moccasins their feet and cloaks or ponchos in bad

weather.weather.► Traditionally, the Ojibwa’s wore leather headbands with feathers Traditionally, the Ojibwa’s wore leather headbands with feathers

standing straight up in the back. standing straight up in the back. ► In times of war, some men shaved their heads in the Mohawk style.In times of war, some men shaved their heads in the Mohawk style.► Otherwise, Ojibwa men and women both wore their hair in long braids. Otherwise, Ojibwa men and women both wore their hair in long braids. ► In the 1800's, some Chippewa chiefs began wearing long headdresses In the 1800's, some Chippewa chiefs began wearing long headdresses

like their neighbors the Sioux. like their neighbors the Sioux. ► The Ojibwa painted their faces and arms with bright colors for special The Ojibwa painted their faces and arms with bright colors for special

occasions. occasions. ► They used different patterns for war paint and festive decoration. They used different patterns for war paint and festive decoration.

Some Ojibwa, especially men, also wore tribal tattoos. Some Ojibwa, especially men, also wore tribal tattoos.

Today Today

► Some Ojibwa people still wear moccasins or a beaded shirt, but they Some Ojibwa people still wear moccasins or a beaded shirt, but they wear modern clothes like jeans instead of breechcloths, and they only wear modern clothes like jeans instead of breechcloths, and they only wear feathers or roaches in their hair on special occasions like a wear feathers or roaches in their hair on special occasions like a dance. dance.

Ojibwa TransportationOjibwa Transportation► The Ojibwa Indian tribe was well-known for their birch bark canoes. The Ojibwa Indian tribe was well-known for their birch bark canoes.

► Canoeing is still popular in the Ojibwa nation today, though few people Canoeing is still popular in the Ojibwa nation today, though few people handcraft their own canoe from birch bark anymore. handcraft their own canoe from birch bark anymore.

► Today, of course, the Ojibwa also use cars... and non-native people also Today, of course, the Ojibwa also use cars... and non-native people also use canoes. use canoes.

Ojibwa ArtOjibwa Art► Ojibwa artists are known for their beautiful beadwork, particularly floral Ojibwa artists are known for their beautiful beadwork, particularly floral

design. Other traditional Ojibwa crafts include birch bark boxes, baskets, design. Other traditional Ojibwa crafts include birch bark boxes, baskets, and dream catchers. and dream catchers.

► Like other eastern American Indians, the Ojibwa also crafted wampum out Like other eastern American Indians, the Ojibwa also crafted wampum out of white and purple shell beads. Wampum beads were traded as a kind of of white and purple shell beads. Wampum beads were traded as a kind of currency, but they were more culturally important as an art material. The currency, but they were more culturally important as an art material. The designs and pictures on wampum belts often told a story or represented a designs and pictures on wampum belts often told a story or represented a person's family. person's family.

The Key IssuesThe Key Issues► Key issues facing the Ojibwa include economic development to reduce Key issues facing the Ojibwa include economic development to reduce

unemployment, the defense of the wild rice industry from commercial growers, unemployment, the defense of the wild rice industry from commercial growers,

improved medical treatment to combat illnesses such as diabetes and improved medical treatment to combat illnesses such as diabetes and

alcoholism, better management of natural resources, protection of treaty rights alcoholism, better management of natural resources, protection of treaty rights

and attainment of sovereignty, and increased emphasis on higher education to and attainment of sovereignty, and increased emphasis on higher education to

train specialists and renew cultural ties. train specialists and renew cultural ties.

Still AnishinabeStill Anishinabe► Although the Ojibwa people are not a homogenous group, there is Although the Ojibwa people are not a homogenous group, there is

still wide spread adherence to traditional values and cultures. Oral still wide spread adherence to traditional values and cultures. Oral literature, art and craft work, language, and religion are still passed literature, art and craft work, language, and religion are still passed along to new generations. Hunting gathering and finishing continue. along to new generations. Hunting gathering and finishing continue. In their ceremonies, dancing, and drumming, they are still In their ceremonies, dancing, and drumming, they are still Anishinabe!Anishinabe!

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