Week 3 Edward Benton-Banai Ojibway Creation Story - Notes on Cultural Narratives

Introduction to Creation Stories

Edward Benton-Banai serves as a cultural and educational resource consultant from Wisconsin. The focus of this section is the Ojibway Creation Story, which is presented as an account relayed by Benton-Banai, who introduces himself in the Ojibway language as "Mishomis".

The Ojibway Creation Story

Migration and Historical Context

• Benton-Banai mentions that Madeline Island, located in Lake Superior and part of the Apostle Islands, is significant in the historical migration of the Ojibway people from their original homeland on the eastern shores of North America.

• The Ojibways and their descendants are described as spread from the Atlantic coast, along the St. Lawrence River, and throughout the Great Lakes region of the United States.

• Madeline Island is positioned as a crucial stopping point in the great migration, where the Waterdrum of the traditional Midewiwin Lodge symbolizes the gathering of theOjibway bands, ultimately making it the capital of the Ojibway nation.

The Voice of the Waterdrum

• Although many years have passed without the Waterdrum sounding, Benton-Banai possesses a Waterdrum handed down from his grandfathers, indicating the importance of this cultural artifact.

• He expresses his intent to prepare a place for the rebirth of traditional Indian ways, emphasizing the importance of respecting all living things, utilizing teachings from the past to navigate future uncertainties, and reigniting connections to Indigenous traditions.

The Creation of Man

• Benton-Banai recounts the creation of man, a narrative passed down orally through generations and sometimes recorded on scrolls made from Wee'-gwas (birchbark).

• According to Ojibway belief, when Ah-ki' (the Earth) was young, it had a family composed of Nee-ba-gee'-sis (the Moon) as Grandmother and Gee-sis (the Sun) as Grandfather, with the Gi'-tchie Man-i-to' (Great Mystery or Creator) as the creator of this family.

Mother Earth and Her Vitality

• Mother Earth is referred to as a woman, with her life force described as water, which nourishes and purifies her. The four sacred directions (North, South, East, and West) hold crucial physical and spiritual significance, contributing to the Earth's wholeness.

• The beauty of the young Earth is highlighted, with the Creator sending birds (referred to as singers) to spread the seeds of life across the four directions.

• The Creator populated the Earth with swimming creatures, plants, insects, crawling things, and four-legged animals, all existing harmoniously.

The Creation of Man from the Elements

• The Creator used four parts of Mother Earth, blew breath into them using a Sacred Shell, resulting in the creation of man. All tribes descend from this Original Man.

• The Ojibway believe their identity is linked through their language, which is a sign of kinship with all tribes, distinguishing them yet binding them together.

• The Megis Shell holds significance as the Sacred Shell through which life was blown into man, serving as a symbol throughout their history, with contemporary Ojibway people sometimes wearing the shell to remember their origins.

The Importance of Tradition

Preservation of Teachings

• The importance of preserving native language, teachings, and ceremonies is emphasized for future generations to continue the sacred way of existence.

• Benton-Banai expresses gratitude, "Mi-gwetch" (thank you), underscoring a culture of acknowledgment.

The Account of Original Man

Naming the Earth

• In this subsequent narrative, it's detailed how Original Man was given the command to walk the Earth and to name all creations: the animals, plants, hills, and valleys.

• The narration notes that Original Man, initially without a name, would eventually come to be recognized as Anishinabe and later termed Way-na-boo´-zhoo.

• As he journeyed, Original Man named all bodies of water and recognized the intricate connections between these bodies and Mother Earth, understanding water as her lifeblood.

The Cycle of Life

• Original Man observes the four seasons and their cyclical nature, noting the rejuvenation of life in spring, the maturity of plants in summer, transformation in fall, and the cleansing snows of winter, facilitating a deeper understanding of life's rhythms.

• His exploration leads him to classify edible plants and to recognize various roots for nourishment, medicine, dyes, and materials for tools.

Companionship and Kinship

• Original Man realizes his solitude amidst the reproductive patterns of animals and expresses his longing for companionship to Creator Gitchie Manito, who sends Ma-en´-gun (the wolf) to accompany him.

• Through collaboration, both strengthen their bonds as brothers, cultivating a fraternity with all creation, symbolizing humanity's interconnectedness with nature.

Parting Ways

The Symbolism of Separation

• Upon completion of their assigned tasks, the Creator commands them to separate their paths, highlighting the duality of their identities and shared experiences: both will be feared, respected, and misunderstood by future humans.

• The parallel between the fates of Indian people and the wolves is drawn, noting their experiences of loss and survival, which foreshadows the potential resurgence of Indian culture akin to the wolf's return.

Core Teachings about Dogs

• The significance of wolves is also linked to the domestic dog lineage, emphasizing the sacred relationship they share, and stipulating the absence of dogs during ceremonial practices as a sign of respect for the Creator's design.

• Benton-Banai mentions that some tribes honor dogs as a recognition of their special relationship with Original Man, reinforcing kinship ties.

Naming Ceremonies

Connection to Continuity

• The sacrifices and teachings of Original Man shape modern Naming Ceremonies, wherein a medicine person seeks names for newborns through spiritual practices such as fasting, meditation, or dreams.

• The Naming Ceremony involves public acknowledgment and blessing, linking the child to their lineage and receiving protection from the Spirit World.

• Four men and four women are invited to act as sponsors, affirming their commitment to support the child's growth.

Conclusion

• In summary, the teachings within the Creation Story urge individuals to live harmoniously with the Creator's plan, fostering continuity for the generations to come in alignment with natural laws and principles of living.