Anishinaabek History
OCF history workshops have been tailored to suit all age groups and have been presented in elementary and high schools as well as to adult learners.
Our Chiefs Wrote in Ojibwe : Ogimaabaniig gii-nishnaabebii’gewag
The Anishinaabek have always, and continue to, assert that they have never been conquered. In 1760 the British defeated the French for colonial superiority in North America. This victory led the British to believe that they could assume control in North America. The Anishinaabek proclaimed “you have defeated the French but you have not defeated us!” Relations between the British and Anishinaabek worsened and eventually Odawa Chief Pontiac organized a rebellion. Pontiac’s rebellion led the British to seek a new relationship with the Anishinaabek. A grand council was convened in July of 1764 where the British gave two wampum belts and made promises to respect the boundaries of Anishinaabe lands as well as provide the Anishinaabek with presents annually. This presentation explains the meaning of the two wampum belts that were given to the Anishinaabek at that time. These wampum belts are the foundational and primary treaties between the British and Anishinaabek. Recorded speeches of former chiefs will be utilized to explain the Anishinaabek understanding of this important treaty. Pictures of the types of presents given will also be shown.
The War of 1812 : Gchi-miigaadim
The Anishinaabek were renowned as warriors and courted by both the Americans and the British prior to the War in 1812. This workshop will focus on historical information about the Anishinaabe-British alliance, the promises made, the speeches delivered and the symbols of alliance. Ojibwe vocabulary regarding warriors and their weapons will be presented. Particular attention will be paid to the exploits of the following renowned Anishinaabe War Chiefs: Ogaa, Niibaakhom, Assiginaak, Shingwaak and Mookomaanish. Information will also be presented on the battles the northern Anishinaabek participated in as well as their numbers (where available).
Our Clans: G-doodeminaanig
This workshop utilizes old treaties and petitions that have been signed in the Robinson Huron and Manitoulin Island area to show the variety of clans as well as the clans associated with various family names. The presentation will also draw from historic speeches about the role of clans in Anishinaabe governance and society. The clan system will also be explained with associated Ojibwe vocabulary provided.
Treaties of the Lake Huron Area: Gchi-waawiindmaadiwinan
This workshop will focus on the 4 main treaties in our area: The Covenant Chain and 24 Nations Wampum Belt
The Bond Head Treaty of 1836 (aka Manitoulin Island Treaty No. 45)
The 1862 Manitowaning Treaty
The historical events prior to each treaty will be discussed. A brief biographical sketch of each of the Anishinaabe participants will be provided. The Anishinaabe perspective will also be presented on each treaty going beyond the mere treaty text. The inter-relationship and effect of each successive treaty will also be explained in the context of Anishinaabe rights and title.
The Great Wampum Belt of 1764: Gchi-miigisaabiigan
This workshop will utilize historic Ojibwe letters written by Ojibwe Chiefs for their political purposes. The historical circumstances of the letters will be provided, such as the reasons why the chiefs wrote to the Governor General, the Superintendant General of Indian Affairs or even the Pope, in Ojibwe. Archaic terminology will be shown, explained with a discussion on the utility of old dictionaries. The letters utilized in the workshop come from the following chiefs:
Assikinack (Wikwemikong, Manitowaning)
Gabriel Makatepinesi (L’Arbre Croche)
Augustin Shingwauk (Garden River)
Bemigwaneshkang (M’Chigeeng, Magnetawan)
Workshop cost includes all materials and facilitators fees. Travel costs are extra. Workshops are provided in your community.
Equipment requirements for each presentation: Overhead screen, microphone, flip chart, extension cords and power bar.
For more information contact : alanc@ojibweculture.ca
Workshop Request Form (PDF)