1/27 Kimmerer 2013 Braiding Sweetgress Excerpts

Preface

  • Sheaf of Sweetgrass

    • Freshly picked and fragrant, sweetgrass is scientifically known as Hierochloe odorata, meaning "the fragrant, holy grass".

    • In indigenous language: wiingaashk, translated as "the sweet-smelling hair of Mother Earth".

    • When held up to the nose, it emits a scent resembling honeyed vanilla combined with river water and black earth, evoking deep memories.

  • Braiding Sweetgrass

    • A sheaf of sweetgrass is typically divided into thirds and braided with tension for smoothness and gloss.

    • Connection between braider and holder is emphasized, with mutual involvement likened to conversation and laughter.

    • Braiding symbolizes reciprocity: the holder and braider work together, their actions intertwining like a bond of friendship.

    • Finishing the braid involves tying it off carefully.

  • Reciprocity and Connection to Earth

    • The text uses sweetgrass braiding as a metaphor for creating bonds—both with nature and among people.

    • The act of braiding symbolizes respect and care for Mother Earth.

Braiding Stories

  • Three Strands of Knowledge

    • Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Incorporates stories and traditions.

    • Scientific Knowledge: Represents formal understanding of the natural world and ecology.

    • Personal Journey: The narratives of an Anishinabekwe scientist intertwine wisdom from both realms, aiming to heal human-land relationships.

  • Metaphorical Healing

    • The stories are seen as medicinal, theoretically aiding in repairing broken relationships with the earth, promoting a vision where land and people coexist beneficially.

Skywoman Falling

  • Storytelling in Winter

    • Storytelling traditions emphasize ancestral connections and relay teachings through generations.

  • Skywoman's Descent

    • Skyworld: Initially a place of light where the protagonist, Skywoman, begins her journey, described in eloquent metaphors:

    • She falls from her home, clutching a bundle representing a connection to her roots.

    • Encounters darkness and water, aligned with themes of vulnerability and hope.

  • Animals’ Intervention

    • Geese: They attempt to break her fall, showcasing themes of community and care among species.

    • Council of Helpers: Various animals (loons, otters, etc.) discuss how to help Skywoman, stressing cooperation and selflessness.

    • Turtle’s Gift: The great turtle offers his back to carry Skywoman, facilitating the need for land.

Creation of Turtle Island

  • Quest for Mud

    • Animals attempt to dive for mud to create land.

    • Muskrat's sacrifice signifies the importance of community and service to a higher cause.

  • Symbol of Gratitude

    • Skywoman sings in thanksgiving after receiving mud, which results in the creation of land (Turtle Island).

    • This act embodies a shared contribution—a blend of the animals’ gifts and her gratitude.

Growth and Significance of Sweetgrass

  • First Plant to Grow

    • Wiingaashk, the sweetgrass, is said to be the first plant on Earth, steeped in cultural significance as one of the four sacred plants.

    • The scent evokes memories; it is crucial in ceremonial contexts among indigenous peoples.

  • Material and Spiritual Value

    • Sweetgrass embodies both physical properties (used in making baskets) and spiritual relationships (a cultural symbol).

    • Braiding reflects intimate bonds and respect for the earth, seen as the hair of Mother Earth.

The Skywoman Story and Modern Reflections

  • Connection to Personal Responsibility

    • Children, versed in stories like that of Skywoman, inherently understand their responsibilities to the earth.

    • These narratives encapsulate past and present realities, guiding future actions.

  • Cultural Conflict

    • The story highlights contrasting cosmologies in creation stories (e.g., the expulsion of Eve versus the nurturing role of Skywoman).

    • Original Instructions: Indigenous teachings guiding ethical relationships with nature emphasize respect towards all living beings.

  • Need for Reconnection

    • The landscape has altered due to modern pressures; how these teachings apply today is a crucial discourse.

    • Skywoman’s Legacy: Emphasizes the importance of immigrant connections to land and the impacts of colonization on relationships with nature.

  • Preservation of Identity

    • Despite historical trauma of displacement, the connection to land remains vital for identity and culture among Indigenous peoples.

The Council of Pecans

  • Setting the Scene

    • Describes life on Indian Territory, including children foraging for food.

    • Connection to plant life symbolizes sustenance and historical identity.

  • Pecans as Cultural Symbol

    • Pecan trees represent cultural resilience and historical memory; the name derives from indigenous language.

    • Cultural Practices: Pecans served as sustenance during times of need; a metaphor for both survival and cultural heritage.

    • Reflects on personal histories tied to food and living in harmony with the land.