Part 1 of the Anishinaabe Creation Story – told by language teacher Kenny Pheasant.
TRANSCRIPT:
Anishinaabe teachings of the past prepare us for the future.
I was taught these teachings from my elders Kchiyaak who could not read or write.
They would start by telling me that the sun Giizis acts as the grandfather Gmishoomisnaa who watches us every day.
The moon Dibik Giizis, is our grandmother, Gookimisnaa, the sky Nawgiizik, is our father Goosnaa, and the earth Shkakaamik kwe, is our mother Gashinaa.
There was nothing until our creator created all these.
On the earth he created lakes, rivers, hills, mountains, then plants, flowers, and trees.
Then the different kingdoms of birds, Bineshiinhak, waterfowl, tree dwellers.
The same with the animals’ ones with claws and paws.
Then the water dwellers, fish, turtles, frogs, worms, snakes.
Then the insects, little spirits, Manidoonhsak.