Reflection- Anishinaabeg

In the introduction of the book Ogimaag: Anishinaabeg Leadership, Cary Miller discusses how the way a person sees the world depends on the society that they live in. She also discusses how societies base their languages on the way the people in that society see the world. Miller then provides an example from the Anishinaabeg culture. The word “Manidoo” in the Anishinaabeg culture cannot be easily defined in English. Furthermore, “Basil Johnston notes that this interpretation of Manidoog distorts what the Anishinaabe people express with this term” (Pg 7, Miller). She believes that by interpreting words and using the English language to discuss Anishinaabe culture the way in which the culture is understood is actually distorted.

In chapter one, Miller discusses that in the Anishinaabe culture “Manidoog” are different creatures and objects that have special powers. As well, the “Manidoog” are able to distribute their power to anyone they feel is worthy of it. Power in the Anishinaabe culture can be held by anyone. For example, “A braggart could turn out to be bluffing, while a young child could be the most powerful individual in the village” (Pg.22). Furthermore, a powerful individual transfers their power to other people that need help. The less dependent someone was the more power they had, thus the “Manidoog” had the most power. In the Anishinaabe culture “all living things have spirit… and many things that the westerners categorize as nonliving such as rocks…” (Pg. 24). The culture also believes that people are able to transform shapes.

Social ties in the Anishaabe culture are very important. Gift giving is a common way that people make connections with others and the “Manidoog”. Interdependence was essential in order for them to live because they lived in severe climates. Gifts from the “Manidoog” came in dreams and visions. Dreams were seen as important and helped the Anishaabe people through tough times. Furthermore, dreams were seen as equally real as...