The Waterers

Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, reflects on her experiences growing up in connection with her community and the natural world that surrounds it. Her story highlights the importance of listening, learning, and carrying forward the teachings of her elders. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Margaret Benner of Nett Lake Village reflects on the teachings passed down from her mother, aunties, and elders about honoring the bears through seasonal feasts and ceremony. She shares how these traditions and the guidance of spiritual advisors continue to shape her understanding of culture, dance, and lifelong learning.

Margaret Benner of Nett Lake Village reflects on the sacred relationship between her community and the bears that share their land. As a Bear Clan member, she speaks about standing up to protect them, honoring the deep spiritual connection that defines her identity and responsibility.  This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village reflects on growing up alongside the bears that roam her backyard, sharing a story of coexistence and trust. Her words reveal a deep respect for the animals and the balance between humans and nature in her community.  This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Deanna Drift of Nett Lake Village, Bois Forte Nation, shares her thoughts on the spiritual and  impact of bear hunts in her community.   This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Serena Logan, at her young age, is already working with family members to protect her makwa (bears) that live in her village of Nett Lake on the Bois Forte Reservation.  Though very young, she is passionate about telling bear stories and providing insights into her relationship with them.    Serena recorded this story and helped to record other members of her family as they talked about makwa. 

Valerie Cash Young shares  with her daughter Animikiikaakwezenz (Mickaylynn Fasthorse) memories of what her life was like grwoing up in the small community of Bena, located on the Leech Lake Reservation.   Animikiikaakwezenz, recorded Valerie's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on th...

Valerie Cash Young shares parenting advice and reflections to her daughter Animikiikaakwezenz (Mickaylynn Fasthorse).   Animikiikaakwezenz, recorded Valerie's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Shirley Young speaks to the need to show respect and kindness to others  Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Shirley Young recalls memories of growing up in Winnie Dam on the Leech Lake Reservatio.  Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Shirley Young and her daughter Valerie Cash Young, provide insight and advice about the joys and responsibilities of dating.  Animikiikaakwezenz (granddaughter and daughter) recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Shirley Young speaks to her personal experiences raising children and the discipline and determination it requires.  Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Sarah Jackson tell of how her father had a dream about making a drum for the community.  Bezhigo Binesiikwens, her granddaughter, recorded Sarah's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Sarah Jackson explains how drums get their songs.  Bezhigo Binesiikwens, her granddaughter, recorded Sarah's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team.  In this episode he tells the story of how the Ojibwe people came to learn about copper.  This episode is in Ojibwemowin.

Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team.  In this episode he tells the story of how the Ojibwe people came to learn about copper.  

Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team.  In this episode he speaks to the role of water walkers and protectors of the earth and how they utilize copper in their work.

Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team.  In this episode he speaks to the community asking everyone to learn their teachings.

Elder Sarah Jackson tells how she became a drum keeper.  Bezhigo Binesiikwens, her granddaughter, recorded Sarah's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Gerald White speaks to how he was taught about the act of bravery when he was a youth.  Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Gerald White speaks to what is was like to grow up in Inger as a boy.  Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Gerald White reflects on how he sees youth learning from their elders and how he strives to be their teacher of Ojibwe traditional activities.  Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Gerald White reflects on the traditional values he was raised with and how he practices those values in his daily life. Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Gerald White talks about the importance of being kind to others.  Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Anne Dunn talks about how she tells stories so that her audience will listen and potentially find themselves through words . Her granddaughter Nigigoonsikwe, recorded Anne's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.