Classroom Activity #2 : “Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin” – What is it?

(Grades 6-8)

Background Information:

The Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin, also referred to the Anishinaabe Constitution, is the law of the Anishinaabe people and is founded on Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, which means “One Anishinaabe Family”. This preamble explains the context of why this law was written. The Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigwewin is the Traditional Government of the Anishinabek Nation.

A. The Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe

The late former Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit Gordon M’Shiikenh Waindubence-baa sat with the Elders Council at the Ojibway Cultural Foundation to create Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, the Preamble, which provides the context and the spirit and intent in which the written Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin (Anishinabek Nation Constitution) is understood. Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe was adopted by the Anishinabek Grand Council in June 2011.

ACTIVITY:

1. Review each line of the Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe by following the colouring book resource, which can be purchased here: https://goodminds.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/ngo-dwe-waangizid-anishinaabe-one-anishinaabe-family-colouring-book
2. Listen to the audio recording of the Preamble being recited: https://soundcloud.com/anishinabek-nation/ngo-dwe-waangizid-anishinaabe
3. Practice saying some of the words and phrases of the Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe

B. Chi-Naaknigewin

Using the resource, Mno-waawiindandaa Anishinaabe Giizhigad! Let’s Celebrate Anishinaabe Day! June 6^th: https://www.anishinabek.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Giizhigad_Booklet.pdf, complete the following matching activity:

C. Dodemaag System

Dodemaag System refers to the traditional Anishinaabe Clan System of governing based on the Seven Sacred Gifts and informs the roles and responsibilities of each dodem (clan) represented by: Deer, Eagle, Crane, Turtle, Loon, Bear, and Marten.

Do you know what the roles and responsibilities are for each of the clans? Have a look at the resource on page 11 of the “Mno-waawiindandaa Anishinaabe Giizhigad! Let’s Celebrate Anishinaabe Day! June 6^th”, https://www.anishinabek.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Giizhigad_Booklet.pdf

1. With a classmate, read the roles of each of the Clans.
2. Think about current professions, roles, or jobs that people might hold that could fit into the roles and responsibilities of each clan. For example: Turtle Clan members are lawmakers and decision-makers – possible jobs could include lawyers, judges, doctors, counsellors, etc. What about the Deer Clan? The Eagle Clan? The Crane Clan? The Loon Clan? The Bear Clan? The Marten Clan?