Anishinaabe people have lived in the upper Great Lakes region for hundreds of years. They live in harmony with the seasons and honor the gifts of the land. Each season, the Anishinaabe harvest many different plants and animals. The seasons are: ziigwan (spring), niibin (summer), dagwaagin (fall) and biboon (winter).
In ziigwan, Anishinaabe people harvest maple syrup. They tap aninaatigoog (maple trees) and boil down the sap to make delicious syrup and sugar. Harvesting giigoonyag (fish) has also been a long-time practice of the Anishinaabe. Spearing and netting is done in open water in the spring, but can also be done through the ice in winter! When Anishinaabe spear through the ice, they often use decoy fish carved from basswood. These decoys attract larger fish under the ice.
In niibin, Anishinaabe pick berries and harvest manoomin (wild rice). Manoomin is considered a special gift from the Creator, and is an important part of the Anishinaabe migration story. According to oral tradition, centuries ago, the Anishinaabe people were taught to find the place where “food grows on water.” This journey brought them from the Atlantic coast to Madeline Island on Lake Superior. Today, manoomin can be harvested on lakes and rivers throughout the upper Midwest.
In dagwaagin and other times throughout the year, Anishinaabe hunt and set trap lines. Animal furs and skins can be used for clothing, moccasins, and snowshoes. Scraping and tanning hides to make leather is a long process, but the finished hides are thick and warm enough to insulate a wiigiwaam (wigwam)! These hides helped keep our Anishinaabe ancestors safe and warm during the long, cold biboon.
The Anishinaabe people have maintained a respectful relationship with nimaamaa aki (Mother Earth) since the beginning of time. It is important to remember that as Anishinaabe, we have always relied upon plants and animals, and they have always taken care of us. Let’s continue taking care of the environment so that these resources are here for future generations.