The Cree and the Midewiwin

4/4/2018

Cultural sharing between the Ojibwe and Cree

Although there was much sharing of culture between the Ojibwe and Cree, the most extraordinary sharing that occurred during the early to middle 1800s was not just of natural resources and subsistence practices, but of religious beliefs and ceremonies.

At this time, some Ojibwe started to adopt the Sun Dance as a central ceremony, although the Midewiwin continued to be practiced and even spread to the Cree. Cree oral tradition includes a story about the adoption of the Midewiwin by the Cree. A Cree man is said to have gone to the Ojibwe to obtain medicines and had taken with him two horses loaded with fine clothes. The Ojibwe were especially glad to get the horses, for they had very few. They took the Cree man into their Midewiwin lodge where they taught him the use of many plants as medicines.

Adapted from Peers, Laura L. (Laura Lynn). 1994. “Ojibwa Of Western Canada, 1780 To 1870.” Manitoba Studies In Native History. St. Paul: MNHS.

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Lance G. Sandy Sr. link

4/9/2018 12:36:30 pm

Why is Myths still used by so called scholars when referring to the truths of indigenous people. Is the bible the only region taught in educational institutes.... Indigenous people are taught not to disrespect other people beliefs and ways of life, yet, caucasion people beliefs, as well as those they've brainwashed continue to call our beliefs and ways of life myths, fables, fairy tales and legends... If you are indeed scholars of indigenous history and studies, then you would learn it via indigenous oral history taught by fluent speakers... I am disappointed with this garbage!

Dibaajimowin link

4/9/2018 02:26:38 pm

Thank you for your input. I suppose we could have use a different word, however we chose to use that title as it was convenient. Sorry that you think it is garbage, but that is your choice to think so. Nonetheless, it is not a very respectful, nor constructive form of criticism, and certainly isn't in keeping with our 7 anishinaabe teachings - especially that of Respect - Mnaadendimowin

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