Ojibwe Culture Essay

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The Ojibwe People The religion of the Ojibwe is centered on a belief of a single creating force but according the Minnesota Historical Society the religion also, “Incorporated a wide pantheon of spirits that played specific roles in the universe.” These different spirits took on different roles, some to protect the Ojibwe hunters, protection from illness and while in battle. Each person had a personal guardian spirit which was one of their most important. Their guardian spirit would come to them in a dream or vision and could be called on for protection and guidance. The tribe also had spiritual leaders, which were feared and respected because of their supernatural powers that could be used for good, or evil. Dreams were related to religion and spirit guides. Natives believed dreams carried great significance and that they would provide visions of their future and how to live their lives. The Ojibwe would go on annual fasts to renew the vision of their lives and reflect. Everyculture.com The culture had strong values built on generosity, honesty, character, and wisdom, all instilled upon the youngest of the tribe through education, religion, storytelling, and most importantly by example. Lifestyles of the Ojibwe Typically, the bands of families living together would range from 20 to 50 people, related by blood or marriage. The relationships between parents, children, and their grandparents was a warm one. In the Ojibwe culture, brothers and sisters were respectful of one another and boys would have special relationships with their mothers brothers, who would teach them and act as advisors, according to the Milwaukee Public Museum website. Everyculture.com mentioned that boys and girls would be taken care of until seven years ... ... middle of paper ... ...teresting to learn the names of so many of the cities and lakes in the midwest were based upon Native American words and traditions, “the lake of the flames” for Lake Du Flambeau. Closer to home, Lake Winnebago was named after the tribe that lived near, “people of the filthy water”. Also very interesting is the religion of the Ojibwe. The vision quest and the guardian spirit are all very interesting concepts that were all practiced by the Ojibwe that would seem foreign to any other culture, but do deserve more research for understanding. Unfortunately, the taking of the land and forcing of Natives to reservations is something that most in the United States are familiar learning about. It is an excellent opportunity for a deeper understanding of local traditions and nomenclature for those in the Midwest to learn about the Native American Tribes closest to their home.

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