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A glossary of Native spirituality
August 20, 2003

Definitions and observations about some of the most common terms, symbols and beliefs involved in Anishinaabe spiritual practices.

— WRITTEN TRADITION

The Seven Fires:
Seven prophets came to the Anishinaabe. These prophets left the people with seven predictions of what the future would bring. Each of the prophecies was called a fire and each fire referred to a particular era of time that would come in the future. Thus, the teachings of the seven prophets are now called the Seven Fires. Read.

The Seven Grandfathers:
Many Anishinaabe people use seven basic principles to guide how they live. These teachings are known as the Seven Grandfathers. Read.

-- ORAL TRADITION
(Each audio link includes the Ojibwe pronunciation and observations on that theme by various tribal elders and experts. Translations provided by Tony Treuer.)

Creation: Paul Schultz, White Earth spiritual leader; Shaun Fahrlander, writer. Listen.

Great Spirit: Paul Schultz. Listen.

Afterlife: Paul Schultz; Frank Dickenson, Red Lake tribal elder. Listen.

Tobacco: Frank Dickenson. Listen.

Sweat lodge: Paul Schultz. Listen.

Sage, pipe, smudging: Bob Shimek. Listen.

Grand Medicine: Larry Aitken, Leech Lake spiritual healer; Frank Dickenson. Listen.

Healing: Paul Schultz. Listen.

Prayer: Michael Dahl, White Earth spiritual mentor. Listen.

Talking circle: Dr. Fred Ness, Mille Lacs physician. Listen.

Spiritual role of women: Tony Treuer, Ojibwe language professor; Tara Roy, counselor for Young Warrior Society. Listen.

Wenabozho: Tony Treuer, Michael Dahl. Listen.

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