The True Thanksgiving

  I have never spent much time pondering the “true” thanksgiving. I thought I knew by logical deduction that Thanksgiving was actually the Fall Feast of the Wampanog People, who had taught the immigrants how to survive in the new land. To Native people the gifts of the Creator such as taking in a “harvest” is not complete until a ceremony of thanks to the spirits is done. That was all part of the teachings of survival.

 The popular image of thanksgiving is a vision of a feast, which took place in 1621 after a treaty signing which gave the English permission to inhabit 12000 acres of land. This feast was not that of giving thanks but one of friendship.

 But what is the “true” Thanksgiving all about. In contemporary times Thanksgiving is about this feast of friendship between the Native people of this land and the European Immigrants who first colonized the East Coast. In looking at this scenario there begins a current of pleasantry masking the actual events and crimes against humanity that followed good will and trust offered by our Native people. What part of history is not mentioned in modern times but is evident in the writings of the settlers? Let me offer some information and you may draw your own conclusions based on the words of the immigrants themselves.

 The first information, which shows an official announcement of a day of Thanksgiving, took place in 1637.  After a massacre as described by historian Francis Jennings regarding the tactics chosen by Captain John Mason of Connecticut. “Battle is only one way to destroy an enemy’s will to fight. Massacre can accomplish the same end with less risk, and Mason had determined that massacre would be his objective.”  A tactic was decided upon and carried out by colonists from Massachusetts, Plymouth and Connecticut. The massacre took place when the Pequot’s were in the midst of their “Green Corn Dance”. This is now known as the Underhill Massacre in honor of John Underhill who lead men from Massachusetts.

 An unnamed Puritan officer present at the attack has written. “The Indians spying of us came running in multitudes along the water side, crying ‘What cheer, Englishmen, what cheer, what do you come for?’ They not thinking we intended war went on cheerfully.”

 Written in History of the Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford is this description of the day’s events. “Those that scaped the fire were sliane with the sword; some hewed to pieces, others run throw with their rapiers, so as they were quickly dispatched and very few escaped. It was conceived they thus destroyed about 400 at this time. It was a fearful sight to see them thus frying in the fryer, and the streams of blood quenching the same, and the horrible was the stincke and sente there of , but the victory seemed a sweet sacrifice, and they gave the prayers thereof to God, who had wrought so wonderfully for then, thus to inclose their enemise in their hands, and gave them so speedy a victory over so proud and insulting and eminie.” This is how, when and where 700-900 Pequot elders, men, women and children spent their last moments.

 The “first” documented Day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed by the governor of the Massachusetts Bay colony, John Winthrop: “The 12^th of the 8^th m. was ordered to bee kept a day o publicke thanksgiving to God for his great m’cies in subdewing the Pecoits, bringing the soldiers in safety, the successe of the conference….”

 

Warm Up with Soup & Culture!

Come help kick off International Week and try some international soups, yummy desserts and breads for $5.00 per person and see our collection of history for free!

 The Ziibiwing Center and the Mt. Pleasant International Relations Committee (IRC) invite you to an afternoon of tasting and sharing of favorite international soups on November 14 from 2pm – 5pm. This multi-cultural event is a fundraiser to promote international relations and opportunities. The Ziibiwing Center will also be holding their collection showing from 10am – 5pm. The collection on display is often referred to as the “heart of our organization” and includes a vast assortment of materials that have been donated this year such as original family documents relating to land & family history, historic & rare family photographs, and North American Indian book collections.

The success of our collections relies upon the members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and the general public. The All That You Give We Hold in the Highest Regard: Community Donations Exhibit will feature recent and past additions to the Ziibiwing Center Permanent Collection.

Don’t miss your chance to appreciate the generosity of our supporters at this special one-day exhibition that is free and open to the public.

We hope to see you soon!

Spirit Feast

Come join the Ziibiwing Center at the Spirit Feast this Friday, November 6 from 6pm – 8pm. The Spirit Feast is an Anishinabe ceremony that honors our ancestors and the loved ones that have gone on before us. It is also considered a healing ceremony for those of us who are still grieving. This is a time to share the special food, photos, and stories of the one(s) who have touched our lives. As we draw close to Veteran’s Day, the Spirit Feast is also a time to remember our relatives who have fallen in foreign lands and may still remain there. A sacred fire will be lit for miijim (food) and semaa (tobacco) offerings.

People of all ages are welcome to partake in this gathering. We ask that all women wear long skirts. Please bring your feast bundles.

The Spirit Feast is free and open to the public.

What’s your clan name?

­Let’s Learn About the Clan System

           Long ago, before the Anishinabek were placed on Mother Earth, the Creator told all of the animals that humans were coming and they would not be able to provide for themselves. The animals agreed that they would take care of the humans and show them how to live in harmony with all Creation. The animals said, “We will sacrifice ourselves as food so they won’t starve. We will offer our skins to them so that they will be warm. We will teach them what medicines and ceremonies to use to heal themselves.”

            It was just as the animals had said when the Anishinabek arrived. The animals kept their word and provided the people with all they needed to survive. The Anishinabek were very thankful for the animals and their generosity. The animals were teachers and the Anishinabek watched closely. Our ancestors saw that each animal species had an important role to play and that together the animals achieved an incredible balance between each other. Through these observations, the Anishinabek organized their communities based on the relationships they saw between the animals around them. This social structure is our clan system.

            Anishinabek family groups were assigned the roles and responsibilities of a particular animal that lived in their region – usually a fish, bird, or animal. This then became their clan and how their family was identified. The clan name of the father would be passed on to the Anishinabek child. This practice today is similar to the use of last names. Anishinabek communities also established a balance of power and specialization of skills and responsibilities with the clan system. Later on this week on the ZCKids blog (zckids.wordpress.com) we will post a coloring page of some of the common Anishinabek clans.

 Learning Your Clan

  Colonization brought about severe disruptions to our clan systems. Today there are many Anishinabek who do not know their clan. By researching family, church, treaty, band, or school records sometimes this information can be revealed. Also, one can offer tobacco to a spiritual person, who has the ability to seek the information needed to find out what clan one belongs to.

 Clan Customs

Each clan has their own teachings, but some customs are universal. People of your clan are considered to be your brother, sister, uncle, or aunt. When you meet someone of your clan who is younger than you, they are to be considered one of your nieces or nephews. It is one’s responsibility to look after the relatives of your clan. When someone who is a member of your clan visits your community, you are to make sure they are taken care of. When you do these things you bring honor to your clan and yourself. Today more people are learning about their clans and their ascribed responsibilities in ceremonies and within the community. Clan membership is an important part of our Anishinabek identity along with our spirit name. To learn the teachings, colors, songs, and dances about your particular clan, we suggest that you consult with an elder from your community.

 

Celebrate & Honor the Eagle

Ziibiwing is celebrating and honoring the Eagle tonight at the Eagle Feather Feast. The feast is free and open to the public and will be held at the Ziibiwing Center from 6 – 8pm. 

Did you know?

• The Eagle Feather Cleansing, Honoring, and Feast are educational programs created specifically for the purpose of preserving and promoting cultural awareness within the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Membership.
• The Eagle Feather Cleansing, Honoring, and Feast is made available to the general public without discrimination.
• There are an estimated 500 eagle feathers in the Ziibiwing Center permanent collection
• The Ziibiwing Center began cleansing and honoring the eagle feathers in the permanent collection yearly since 2002.
• The Anishinabe Ogitchidaw Veterans and Warriors Society have assisted with the Eagle feather cleansing and honoring since 2002.
• The cleansing, honoring, and feast were held in conjunction with a day of remembrance for Pearl Harbor.
• Eagle Clan Men and Women direct the cleansing of the eagle feathers.
• Most North American Indian people hold the eagle, and its’ feathers, in very high regard. The eagle flys higher and sees clearer than any other bird. In the Anishinabe Creation Story, the eagle was a messenger between the Anishinabe people and the Creator.
• The eagle is a symbol of the Ogitchedaw, truth, power, and freedom. The early U.S. government listened to the teachings about the eagle from many American Indian tribes. They incorporated eagle symbology into the Presidential Seal, currency, and many branches of the government and Armed Forces.
• When one holds the eagle feather, one must speak the truth and others must listen with respect. We honor the feather of the eagle, with great care, showing it respect, honesty, and truth, at all times.
• To be given an eagle feather is the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual. North American Indian people are the only race of humankind that can carry and use eagle feathers for ceremonial purposes.

Watch your community on “American Chopper”

Traveling through the heart of Michigan, enjoying the Fall sights and sounds of the open road, the wind in my hair… I’m imaging myself on the back of a custom chopper bike designed by Orange County Choppers (OCC) of New York. Oh, if only!

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan had a great opportunity in July 2009 when they were able to have a tribal themed bike designed by (OCC). Orange County Choppers Inc. was started in 1999 by Paul Teutul, Sr. and his “out of the basement” business of custom choppers. After gaining popularity with their one-of-a-kind bikes, they were asked by the Discovery Channel to film a reality television series entitled “American Chopper”. Now in it’s 6^th season on TLC, American Chopper has gained great popularity and following because of the OCC’s custom bike building for big names such as Lincoln, Dodge, Intel, and Coca-Cola as well as sports teams, celebrities, and government entities.

The episode featuring the making and unveiling of the bike designed for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan in collaboration with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, and the Ziibiwing Center will air Thursday, October 22, 2009 on TLC at 9/8c.

Please tune in and show your support and appreciation for our Tribe and the OCC! And if you see me on the road be sure to wave.

Honoring The Eagle

Come join the Ziibiwing Center from October 21-23 to honor the Eagle Feathers.

This 3-day event will start with the cleansing of the eagle feathers; continue with the honoring of the eagle and the feathers and conclude with a feast.

 The Eagle has been a long standing symbol in history and in many American Indian cultures. The Eagle represents honor and bravery and the feathers are used in many traditional native ceremonies, dances, during prayer and for healing purposes. It is a great honor to be awarded with an eagle feather and the feather is to always be shown and handled with great care, respect, honesty, and truth.

The Eagle is an important part of the American Indian culture. It is said that the Creator chose the eagle as the master of the skies because they fly higher and have sharper eyesight than other birds. Eagles are considered to be closer to the Creator than any other Earth creatures and are regarded as a messenger. They have the honor of carrying the prayers of humans in the world of the Earth to the world of Spirit where the Creator resides. It is believed that if one saw an Eagle while praying or participating in a ceremony, prayers would be answered. Wearing or holding an Eagle feather would also cause the Creator to take immediate notice.

Please join us for this wonderful event honoring our sacred symbol, the Eagle. October 21, 2009 will be the Eagle Feather Cleansing from 1pm-6pm followed by the Eagle Feather Honoring on October 22 & 23 from 1pm – 6pm. After the honoring on October 23 there will be a feast from 6pm-8pm. Please bring a dish to pass – no poultry or other bird dishes. Attendants are also encouraged to bring their own personal eagle feathers to be cleansed and honored.

Hope to see you there!

Manoomin- The Sacred Food

What is Manoomin? 

   The Anishinabek were given Seven Prophecies, the first of which instructed the Anishinabek to leave their home on the Northeast Coast of North America and follow the direction of the setting sun. The First Prophecy says that the Anishinabek would find their new home “where food grows on the water.” When our ancestors came to the Great Lakes region they found manoomin (wild rice) growing on inland lakes. Manoomin was the food that grows on water and has ever since been very sacred to our people. It became one of our most important food sources because it could be stored for a very long time and it had a very high nutritional value.

 Miigwetch (Thank You) Manoomin

    On the first day of the manoomin harvest the Anishinabek would prepare a feast to celebrate and give thanks to Gitche Manido (Creator or Great Mystery). Large amounts of manoomin were prepared with wild bird meat, fish, and berries. The celebration was a thanksgiving for this sacred food that was given to our people through the First Prophecy.

    Wild rice is part of the Anishinabek migration stories and prophecies. It continues to define what it means to be Anishinabek meaning Original-People and is still used today as a nutritional staple in diets and in many feasts.

 Here’s a great soup recipe for the upcoming fall months:

 Creamy Wild Rice Soup

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

6 Tbsp. butter

1/2 cup flour

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups cooked wild rice

1/2 cup grated carrots

1 cup cooked, cubed chicken or turkey breast

3 Tbsp. slivered almonds

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup half & half

2 Tbsp. dry sherry

 In a large saucepan, begin to sauté onion in butter. Add flour, stirring until bubbly; gradually stir in broth. Add wild rice, carrots, chicken, almonds and salt; simmer 5 minutes. Add half & half and sherry; heat through.

Serves 6.

 Let us know your favorite wild rice recipes. Please feel free to submit them in posts. Miigwetch!

Monarch Butterfly Celebration A Success

The Monarch Butterfly Celebration on Saturday, September 12 was a great success.   With almost 100 attendees, the day started off with the Little Miss Butterfly Pageant then continued into the Fancy Shawl Dance Presentations and Butterfly Adoption & Release.

The Monarch Butterfly Celebration began as a collaboration between the Mount Pleasant Schools and the community. Now in its third year, the celebration has seemed to take flight in representing and appreciating the symbol of change and rebirth the butterfly portrays. Volunteers and attendees were able to partake in several activities such as storytelling, the painting of a butterfly mural, and face painting, as well as the educational side behind the Monarch’s life cycle and journey. Overall, 28 monarchs were released with 15 chrysalis’ still waiting to be hatched, tagged, and released. Adopters can track their butterfly’s journey at MonarchWatch.org.  

Miigwetch to all the volunteers, staff, and guests for helping to make this event a great success!

Autumn Equinox Feast

Join the Ziibiwing Center for the Autumn Equinox Anishinabemowin Immersion Cultural Teaching & Feast on September 22, 2009 from 6pm–8pm.

Let’s celebrate the bounty that Mother Earth has provided for all living things. Autumnal stories will be shared in the beautiful Anishinabe language with interaction and translations from fluent speakers. Helen Roy, an Ojibwe Language Teacher at Michigan State University will be our guest singer sharing a variety of personal and popular songs used for language revitalization. Helen will also be joined later in the program by a member of the Lil’ Language Warriors Club for additional teachings. A sharing segment will happen after the feast and there will also be an opportunity for open thoughts and questions on language learning.

 Enter into a new season and join us in celebration. The Autumn Equinox is free and open to the public. We ask that women wear long skirts as it is a feast tradition. All ages are welcome and the feast will be provided.

 Hope to see you there!