~ 12 Days of a Native Christmas ~

Boozhoo:

Here is alittle something that will bring a smile to your face and also have you looking upon on how life is suppose to be simple and following of our traditional ways. Some of us are traditional and some are not. That is each of our own to carry as long as we respect each other, that is all that Gzhemindoo wants from us. Enjoy this writing and think of what your blessings are during this festive season for those who choose to celebrate.

I pray that this festive season has brought many blessings to each and every one of you including your family and extended families. There is a message here for each and everyone who receives this, a special message if one looks into one’s heart. Here you will find for those that do celebrate this festive time something which will make one smile but also reflect on how we look at a specific time of 12 days. For those that do not celebrate the words here speak of what we walk with on a daily basis. Most importantly this is a teaching as different teachers bring different words and meanings. What we must remember is that we are all special and give thanks to Gzhemindoo – The Creator for the blessing and gift of life and breath.

This has been a trying year for many of us in different ways. Lessons were learned and some were very costly and teachings gained have brought us knowledge as growth yet again to our daily lives. This is a story for all people and I wanted to share this with you as these words carry much power and strength. Importance of being true to your heart and having respect for each of our customs and beliefs. That is a gift and blessing on its own. We all walk different roads in life and we carry from birth the knowledge of our ancestors and walk tall and proud. Life is a dance, so dances hard and also dance very proudly. No one can take this away from anyone.

Sometimes we forget in our daily lives that we are not alone. Gzhemindoo – The Creator is always with us no matter what we do or the choices we make, yes having a choice is a blessing. What is important is that we are smiled upon and respect for ourselves so that others will have respect for us.

As we prepare for the ending of a year and preparing for the beginning of a new year please take the time to reflect on your newly gained knowledge that this year has brought to you. Smile to a stranger, give your parents or guardians an extra hug, and thank your friends for being there. Most importantly, speak the words that are in your hearts for that is a gift and blessing which we not often think has an affect on our daily lives.

If a situation is negative here is something for you to ponder on, look upon it as an opportunity to go and change it to positive. If someone does not return your love or friendship send those prayers and healing for we all need them. These past few days I have heard so much of people talking about others behind their backs. Let go of the past so that the new can come into your life. Be the best you can be and remember that Gzheminidoo – The Creator is always there for us and we have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves and to him.

May this time bring you all the blessings and gifts which you all deserve. You are all very special people and we at times tend to forget to say miigwetch – thank you for just being you. I pray that this upcoming year be the best for each and every one of you. Embrace what is to come as Gzheminidoo – The Creator gave us two eyes to look at things twice, two ears to hear things twice and one mouth to say it once. Share your stories, teachings and wisdom for the person who needs to hear words will understand the power and strength for the blessing comes with it.

Peace on all of your journeys including your dream times. Grandmother Moon is our night Sun and she watches over us and helps us to heal and see in dream time and walk for some in the night skies. Gzheminidoo – The Creator has given us the blessing of life to walk our journey and be the best we can be.

~ 12 Days of a Native Christmas ~


On the First Day of Christmas, Mishomiss - Grandfather gave to me, an EAGLE sitting on a cedar tree. Remember, the EAGLE climbs the highest and represents Spirit and takes our prayers to the high places as EAGLE is a link to Gzheminidoo – The Creator, the One who was able also to climb to the heavens and for all, to take our prayers. He is the Intercessor for all mankind.

On the Second Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave me two RAVEN/CROW. Remember, the RAVEN/CROW represent Keeper of Sacred Law and Sacred Messages from the different realms and in this song the represent the Old Testament and the New Laws that brought death and mercy that has brought life and spiritual wisdom.

On the Third Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave to me the three Sacred Drums – for the Drums beat our the sound of Aki – Mother Earth while we pray to the Mishomiss – Grandfather, so as you hear them beat, remember we now know that there is faith, hope and love The Creator, Son and Holy Spirit.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave to me four talking Feathers for the Feathers remind us that: Mathew, Mark, Luke and John were given the talking Feathers by the Mishomiss – Grandfather himself, to tell his story to us all.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave me five prayer ties for we must remember that the law did not vanish and though we live by grace, there is a law to be followed and we humbly submit to that law, in offering our prayers to Gzheminidoo – The Creator.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave to me, six Hawks a laying for we celebrate the creation of Aki – Mother Earth and say Miigwetch – thank you to Gzheminidoo – The Creator for giving us all life, through our prayers, often using the Feathers of this sacred bird to smudge us in preparation of that prayer time.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave to me seven Grandfather stones for the Sweat Lodge for we must remember the gifts of Spirit are the Seven Teachings and we learn how to walk in these gifts through our fear and awe of Gzheminidoo – The Creator, we do this praying in our lodges. The Sweat Lodge is where we go when we want to purify ourselves and speak directly to him. The steam from the Mishomiss -Grandfather Stones is what cleans our bodies, heart, mind and thoughts.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave me Eight great Bears for we want to remember the beatitudes, the blessings Gzheminidoo – The Creator promised to come to his people in their time of need. He never leaves us and always is there through all life. The Bear represents Introspection, Protection and Vision Guardian and Strength. The Bear represents his provision for our health, our very existence, as did the blessings he invoked on the people, the meek, those who weep, and the poor all people have provision in him.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave to me Nine precious Elders for as we sit at the feet of the Elders, we hear how we can walk in the fruits of Gzheminidoo – The Creator they have always taught these truths through our Seven Teachings, we just didn’t know that they were the same truth taught by the talking leaves the white man has brought to us. The teachings of the ancestors is carried through to the present day and are not new but new to those who did not have open ears until the words turned them around to have RESPECT for all life and living things. As we are taught this from a very young age and carried down from generation to generation.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave to me Ten Eagle Dancers for our Eagle Dancers dance for all people, to protect the people, to keep the people in wholeness and wellness. As the Ten Commandments were also keep the people whole, to protect them from their own negative thoughts.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave to me, the Eleven Braids of Sweet Grass, for we all send the smell of the sweet grass, hair of Aki – Mother Earth to the heaven lies, it invites those of realm of the Mishomiss – Grandfather, to enter into our world to guide and speak to us. In this we remember the faithful, eleven who stood by Gzheminidoo – The Creator ready to do his will and work, so that it is with those we invite to our lives to guide us, if sent by Gzheminidoo – The Creator.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Mishomiss – Grandfather gave to me Twelve Drummers singing for the drums he gave on the third day can help us to pray and if we do not have four drummers each to beat out the heartbeat of Aki – Mother Earth and for the four colors of man and the four directions. It’s people to Gzheminidoo – The Creator and when we as Natives are on the drum and also hand drum, we call it singing, because it is more than just the drumming. WE honor all by singing and using the drum as it represents the heart beat of Aki – Mother Earth.

Remember you are not alone regardless of what culture you come from. To acknowledge yourself is to acknowledge your heritage and your quest for being the best you can be. That is a blessing and gift all on its own. I am honored that we sat in circle here as you read what has also much meaning in my heart. For the more we learn we find out how little we know and strive to be the best we can be. To give of you is to honor Gzheminidoo – The Creator as he has given us his life so that we may live.

Baamaapii miinawaa gaawabamin

Dbik Gii’zhigate-kwe “Moonie”

Part of being Anishnawbek ~ Mino Bimaadizwin ~

Part of being Anishinawbek ~ Mino Bimaadizwin ~ Walking the Good Red Road ~


For many years people have wanted to know what our secret to life is, interesting on how in the 1970’s it was the thing to be “Cherokee” and now everyone wants to be “Anishnawbek”. People want to know all about us, whereas previously, all they wanted was us to disappear and not even be heard of. We are still here despite the fact that the government wanted us in assimilation. It is interesting on how now things have turned and situtions are bringing the government closer to learn of our cultural and traditional ways. Cutting of our hair is an example and that did not break out spirit but only showed everyone that the longing for life and our values have overcome many obstacles placed before us being Anishnawbek.

People speak about residential schooling still today. Yes it did happen and yes the government of Canada wishes that this situation would just disappear. Depsite all attempts of coverup, world wide has now witnessed the abuse created by the Roman Catholic Church and finanically backed by the Canadian Government. Even the apology by the Harper Government shows meaning that this really did occur and not fictional. What really gets my attention is that it was the government and all elected who agreed on this decision. The government wanted to show us on how to become farmers and more civilized people. Did they not think since we have lived off the land from the beginning we would not know how to fish, hunt or grow rice and make a fire?

Well, first of all we had our land taken away and now they want us to buy it back. They signed treaties in good faith and promising of things which has not come to pass. They turned their noses at our medicine, now they want to study it as they are losing the battle with western medicine. Now, they want us to not use our medicine which is free for the whole world but yet pick and choose on who makes it and who gets it. Can the government make up its mind? Wait, I have to ask parliament first for a session so this can be debated and then we have to wait for the vote. Voting on life, is this how the government wants us to see things. This is not a power struggle about living life, this is about living one's life in accordance to one's teachings and culture.

Our teachings and culture is very simple and not a guessing game. There is no manual to life but the question and answer is how you live it. We being Anishnawbek, teach our young from a very early age to respect life and all living things. Still from when the government tried to break our spirit with residential schooling, we still do not turn our backs as this is not our ways. If you really look close today, at what is left of residential schooling, most of the priests and sisters who have hurt Anishnawbek people are gone but we are still here. Memories are left in the schools still standing, we are still standing and back to where it all started from. We are back home to how it was in the beginning.

When people seek us out to learn of our culture and traditional teachings on a daily basis. The government alone showed us on how we made the right choices, even today the government wants us to carry cards so that our every action can be tracked. Did they give everyone with a social insurance number a number on their own cards to state where they come from? No, they have given them a number to show what jobs they do, they were not given a number to say how many people were born in that town.

But yet, we still talk and walk proud of whom and what we are. Being Anishnawbek is not a wish or winning of a contest. We are very proud of who and what we are; we still practice our teachings and perform ceremonies in our cultural and traditional ways. I can say, with all those whom I sit in circle with I share of our culture and show how I have become so blessed and honoured to carry bundles.

Wisdom and knowledge is a blessing and it is power. The more power we have the more we are feared. Life is a gift, one which we should all take as a special gift that no one can take away. To have breath of life and to see the rising of Grandfather Sun each day is a blessing. It shows us we have been gifted another day here on Mother Earth for us to see and receive the blessings and teachings we need to learn that day. That is a very sacred gift and we need to acknowledge this, each and every one of us. Being Anishnawbek, we begin each morning with prayer and blessings that day for breathe of life and we also end our day the same way. We end it by stating miigwetch - thank you for the blessings and being here and having the gift of life.

Mino Bimaadizwin means walking the good red road, the true meaning of life. Red is a sign of passion and love of life that is why it is called the good red road. We live it each day and some of us will share this teaching on how to life it to the fullest. Some are very hurt by what the government has placed upon them and their families. The true meaning of life is not a secret but a gift. We each have what I call the “touch” and this is found deep within each and everyone of us. Gzhemndoo does not ever give us what we cannot handle. He gives us teachings and blessings to be the best we can be. It is our choice if we choose to allow this to become part of our daily life or struggle with what we want to have but the basics of everyday living. To be the best we can be and have the knowledge to make our life the best ever.

I share a saying in circle with those who wish to come and sit. They present Sema - Tobacco and speak about life and what has brought them to sit in circle with me about what is clouding their minds. “What we see in physical is only temporary and what we see beyond is the truth.” If your eyes can only see what is in front of you then I am sad for you. If your eyes can see beyond then I smile at your knowledge and understanding. Now you are walking with Mino Bimaadizwin. Enjoy life as we embrace our culture and enjoy being who we are Anishnawbek.

Baa maa pii

Dbik Gii'zhigate-kwe "Moonie"

Ojibway Four Sacred Medicines- Smudge

ANISHINAABE
~ NIINWIN GCHITWAA-MSHKIKIIN ~

OJIBWAY
~ FOUR SACRED MEDICINES ~
SMUDGE


All together you will find the sacred powerful plants of Wegemind Aki – Mother Earth that we use in the making of our Smudge Mixture. This is to be minaadendmowin - respected in the use and also why we use this special combination. Here you will find the names and meanings to each sacred plants of Wegemind Ake - Mother Earth.

This is the commonly spoken of smudge mixture used by Anishnawbek people. The traditional smudge is composed of 13 medicines. Here you will find that this teaching is only talked about in person and not found written on paper and passed down. The 13 Grandmothers are the ones who have given this teaching and it is passed down from generation to generation. Very important to remember when going to learn about a teaching you will always present Sema – Tobacco to whom you are asking to sit with and gain knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

Below you will find the four basic medicines of our smudge mixture and meanings. Remember here is only a brief description to give you understanding of our teachings and cultural ways. It helps you to understand on why we keep our medicines sacred and how it is brought into our daily lives and how we look at the smudge mixture.

What you will find here are words of understanding into our cultural and traditional ways still today being used. They are very simple ways and this is the start of our basics of our teachings that enrich our lives and expand our wisdom and knowledge being taught to our young from a very young age.

Being Anishinaabe, we live each day of our life in a very sacred manner. We are very spiritual in our ways and bring this into our daily lives. These teachings are very old and still practiced today. When taking something from Mother Earth – Wegemind Ake. We always explain to the Spirit of the Plant why it is being done and offer SEMA – TOBACCO in return for the generosity and help of the plant which shared it so freely. Remember one must never take without giving back.

When one seeks medicine for healing of another, you give Sema - Tobacco to the plant and explain why this medicine is being picked and then you say miigwetch before even picking and then place biish – water down as you would Sema – Tobacco. Not only are you showing respect for oneself but also for Wegemind Ake – Mother Earth and all living things.

As you read this you will find that this will give you understanding and next time you see someone who is doing a smudge. Stop and watch and wait to see how they do their smudge and how proud they are when doing this ceremony. Some carry this medicine with them everywhere they go and some only do it in ceremony. There is no right way or wrong way to smudge but it is what is coming from the heart of the individual that is what Gzhemindoo looks for.

Here you will find Anishinaabe basic NIINWIN GCHITWAA-MSHKIKIIN made of:

- Sema – Tobacco
- Giizhik – Cedar
- Muskodewusk – Sage
- Wiingush – Sweet Grass


~ SEMA – TOBACCO ~

SEMA – TOBACCO is one of the Four Sacred Plants as this represents the East Direction which is of male side including being inanimate. It is offered to the Sacred Fire, so that the smoke can lift prayers up to Gzhemindoo - The Creator, or it is set on the ground in a nice, clean place. This is done on a daily basis as each new day is greeted with prayers of thankfulness for blessings and gift of life. One’s day is also ended this way in being thankful for the many blessings and teachings and for breath of Life. Kitchi Anishinawbek – Elders say to hold it in your prayers of thankfulness. They also add that you are to hold it in your left hand as this is the hand which is closest to your heart. By doing this not only are you respecting the medicines but about whom we are being Anishinaabe.



~ GIIZHIK – CEDAR ~

GIIZHIK – CEDAR represents the South Direction which is female side and animate. The leaves are cleaned from the stems and separated into small pieces, which are used in many ways. When burned, GIIZHIK – CEDAR acts as a purifier, cleansing the area in which it is burned and emitting a pleasant scent. Kitchi Anishinaabek – Elders say to put some in your shoes and only goodness will come your way.



~ MUSHKODEWUSK – SAGE ~

MUSHKODEWUSK – SAGE is used in the same ways as GIIZHIK – CEDAR. It is burned as a purifier, but when compared to the “piney” scent of GIIZHIK – CEDAR, MUSKODEWUSK – SAGE has a spicy air to the smell. MYSHKODEWUSK – SAGE represents the West Direction which is male and inanimate. There are over 750 varities of sage, each region is different in the medicine and composition of the medicine.




WIINGSAHK – SWEET GRASS ~

WIINGSHAK – SWEET GRASS is known for its beautifully sweet, aromatic scent, which is enhanced by the rain or when it is burned. This too is a purifier. Many things are made with WIINGASHK – SWEET GRASS such as coiled baskets. It is often braided and thus signified the hair of Wegemind Ake – Mother Earth. Each of the three sections that go into the braid has a very special meaning – Mind, Body and Soul. WIINGASHK – SWEET GRASS represents the North Direction which is of female side and animate.

Being Anishinabe, we live life in a very sacred manner. We are very spiritual in our ways and bring this into our daily lives. These teachings are very old and still practiced today. When taking something from Mother Earth – Wegemind Ake. We always explain to the Spirit of the Plant why it is being done and offer SEMA – TOBACCO in return for the generosity and help of the plant which shared it so freely. Remember one must never take without giving back.

When one seeks medicine for healing of another, you give Sema - Tobacco to the plant and explain why this medicine is being picked and then you say miigwetch before even picking and then place biish – water down as you would Sema – Tobacco. Not only are you showing respect for oneself but also for Wegemind Ake – Mother Earth and all living things.

Look for the addition of how one smudge’s and what is used in this ceremony. You might find people using different means in doing their own smudge but like I said previously there is no right or wrong way. It all depends on who your teacher is of this teaching and ceremony. All what matters is your connection to this ceremony and Gzhemindoo.

Dbik Giizhigate-kwe "Moonie"

Dbik Gii'zhigate-kwe "Moonie" - Moonlight Woman

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek –

Whitefish Lake First Nation

Seer & Spiritual Healer

Traditional & Motivational Speaker

Workshop Facilitator & Consultations

OFFICE: 1.705.983.5352
FAX: 1.705.222.3683
CELL: 1.705.207.6457
MESSAGE CENTER 1.705.983.4631

Aanii/Boozhoo:

Dbik Gii'zhigate-kwe "Moonie" Kchi'Anishnaabe zhigaawi ninii-kwe - Women's Traditional Dancer, Nenaandawi’iwed – Traditional Healer niin nindizhinikaaz zhaaganaashimong, nindigoo ojibwemong. Niin nindoodem Mosh-kus- Crane Clan. Atikameksheng Anishnawbek - Whitefish Lake First Nation nindoonjibaa, Northern Ontario inndinna. Nimino ayaa gaii niminwedam omaa ayaayaan noongom. Moshkus Dodeem minawaa MaangunNiminwedam gikinoo'amaagooyaan ji nitaa ojibwemoyaan. Nii o'o minik waa-ikidoyaan noongoom. Chi miigwetch bizindawiyeg.

Gchi miigwetch gii'biiyaanhuggii. Kina wiigezedaa nongowii bzimaang anishaanabe kinoomaagewin.

Ahaaw, miigwetch, Baa maa pii

Dbik Gii'zhigate-kwe "Moonie"

DbikGiizhigatekwemoonie@hotmail.com

Moonie's Test Blog

This is Moonies Test Blog.
Testing,
1
2
3
yep it works:)