Early Anishinaabe had their own ‘powerpoint’
By Sharon Weatherall
ORILLIA –John Snake says writing symbols on birchbark scrolls was like “powerpoint”
to early Anishinaabe people, who told their stories orally, and through drum and dance.
Snake, one of five presenters in the 2013 Aboriginal Speakers Series hosted by at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus, shared his knowledge about Ojibwe Migration Recounting and Culture.
Snake remembered the late Peter O’Chiese who was said to be over 110 years of age when he passed on, or “crossed the river” in 2006.
“Peter said we knew that Columbus was coming to America — it was already prophesized by our people before it happened. Peter said they had to come here. When they were sick we welcomed and helped them to get better.”
The prophecies were recorded on centuries-old birchbark scrolls kept by the Anishinaabe.
Snake, Turtle Clan, serves as Cultural Coordinator for Rama First Nation. He recalled that O’Chiese, descended from a line of traditional chiefs in O’Chiese First Nation in Alberta, spoke of Anishinaabe prophecies that were connected to their migration from the east coast of Turtle Island into the Great Lakes area.
He touched on the importance of traditional Native language use for all ages, and described the meaning of the Snake Dance, a celebration of life during which the snake sheds its skin representing life starting anew and refreshed.
When the snake goes into a coil the dance stops for a time of hibernation and then in spring it uncoils and everyone smiles because they are rejuvenated. The snake eventually comes to a river which marks physical life on one side and the spiritual world on the other.
“When it is their time, dancers will jump over the river. Their life does not end here because the spirit never dies and life starts all over again.”
“The Snake Dance was a celebration of life of all ages — how to keep balance. They would follow each other and dance hard with the older ones dancing for the younger ones. We now have to do that for our kids as we become elders to make life a better place as time goes on.”
The speakers series was organized by David Snake, Aboriginal Liaison Advisor at Lakehead’s local campus.
“Participants will gain a sense of understanding of Aboriginal history and culture, especially around some common stereotypes,” he says.”By the end of the five-event series, they will also have a good knowledge of the interesting history of the area. The series promotes an understanding of Aboriginal history and customs.“
Other speakers were author Lee Maracle, a granddaughter of Chief Dan George, who read from her book “Ravensong”, Mark Douglas, Loon Clan and Rama Elder who talked about Giving Thanks/The Land in Between Mnjikaning, Jeff Monague, Eagle Clan, Beausoleil First Nation spoke on the Coldwater-Narrows Reserve and Settlement, and Darrell Manitowabi, Bear Clan, Wikwemikong — Nov.7 — speaking about Pre-contact Huronia to Casino Rama.
For more information visit www.lakeheadu.ca and view events. Contact David Snake at dsnake@lakeheadu.ca