With her eyes closed she tried to link the pieces of the story together. She was ashamed that she couldn’t sit there and listen to his stories in Anishinaabemowin.
He offered words in the language, which he inserted into English sentences for her benefit. She knew she had missed an important part of what it was to grow and truly understand her place in Creation, something each generation until her own had been able to know and feel.
She knew that each word carried a meaning and a teaching. She tried to think of each element of his stories in the language: geezis, akiin, nibi, sipi, wabesheshi, ishkode.
They all resonated in her mind and stirred her heart as she sat on the bank of that river.
Her Mishomis spoke again, in a softer voice:
“The Creator also showed us how to remember. By having the sun rise every day, the earth and the sky are renewing their commitment to work together. And we in turn honor that relationship and directly benefit from it.”
As she looked out at the water that was starting to overtake the ice, she could see that the treaty was coming to life.
There had been a period of rest over the winter, followed by a delicate dance of reciprocity and respect between the ice and the sun, resulting in a renewal of life for all living things in Creation.
Comprehension Questions
1. Who is the girl spending time with?
A. Her dog
B. Her best friend at school
C. Her Mishomis (the name of grandfather in Anishinaabe.)
A. Because she couldn't keep up with her grandfather when they hiked.
B. Because she talking in a really loud voice and he admonished her.
C. Because she doesn't know much of their native tongue and she doesn't fully understand important parts of their cultural legacy.
Your Thoughts
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.