Odawa Institute

Activities

9^th Annual Celebration

Niibin Jiibikwe (Summer Solstice Celebration)

Every year the Institute sponsors a celebration that originally started as Mnookime Jiibikwe (Spring Celebration). This year we planned our celebration around the Summer Solstice and changed the name to the Niibin Jiibaakwe. Take a pdf of the flyer.

Links to the pictures taken at each event 2006:

Making Black Ash Baskets

Odawa Institute

9^th Annual Niibin Jiibaakwe

Miinan-Giizis

June 19 – 24 2007

This year our celebration is in honor of

Ray Kiogima, Anishinaabemowin Kinoomaage-Nini

Niibin Jiibaakwe, Summer Feast

We are celebrating our unique culture and language. For our ninth annual celebration, we are highlighting some of our oldest local traditions. The first is paddling to the summer solstice ceremony at the stone circle on Beaver Island. Other traditions include language immersions, ceremonies, feasts, arts, crafts and entertainment.

We have lined up six incredible days of language, cultural, arts, and contemporary activities. Please note: some activities require advance signup.

We hope that you, along with your family and friends, will join us in the fun and help us maintain the vitality of our language and culture. Sign up for events @ 231-347-3789 or 347-5187.

EVENTS:

Tuesday, June 19^th

Paddle to Beaver Island from Cross Village. This trip is a continuation of the way our people traveled to Beaver Island for ceremonies at the stone circle. Generations ago, up to 5000 Anishinaabek paddled in the dark to meet on the back side of the island for secret ceremonies. Signup required.

Wednesday, June 20^th on Beaver Island

Up to 20 participants will attend by ferry. Room and board provided at CMU Bio Station. Anishnaabemowin Immersion (at CMU BS) conducted by Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Language Department. Sunset Ceremony at the stone circle. Signup required.

Thursday, June 21^st on Beaver Island

Sunrise Ceremony at the stone circle.

Anishnaabemowin Immersion (at CMU Bio Station) conducted by Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Language Department.

5 pm return to Waganakisii

Paddle to Cross Village. Signup required.

Friday, June 22^nd at Osborne Rd

Fire Starting Seminar, 4pm with Matt Lesky. A sacred fire accompanied many of our ceremonies. Our goal is to enable people to light fires with materials provided by the Creator.

Feast for Pipes & Drums, 6 pm

Waabska Ma’iingan (Tony Davis) is coordinating a traditional feast honoring pwaaganak (pipes). We also will be feasting for our deweganak (drums). It is important that everyone bring their dewegan and a song to share in celebration of our continuous practice of these important activities. This is a potluck, so bring a dish to pass. No signup needed, children are encouraged!

Saturday, June 23^rd at Indians Hills

Ozhitoonan Dewegan—Making Drums

10 am—5 pm

We will start by scraping the hair from soaked buffalo hides. Each participant selects a section of the rawhide, then cuts string and prepares the hide. Students may bring a drum ring or bend one from cedar. It will take most of the day to do this part.

Please signup in advance at Indian Hills so we can prepare enough hides. Lunch cookout provided, signup required.

Ozhitoonan Bbigon—Making Flutes
10 am—5 pm facilitated by Ken Roberts and Matt Koontz

We will provide prepared hollow blanks. Each participant will design and carve out their own dodem and finish sizing and shaping their flute. Once complete, the participant will place and drill the holes and complete any desired decorations. Lunch provided. Signup required. Children are encouraged!

Basket Making – TBA
10 am—5 pm

5 pm “Anishinaabe Meal and a Movie”

Dinner followed by Native Visions Group providing entertainment

Simon Otto, Aaron Otto, Tony Miron, Pat & Mike Naganashe, Vicki Lynn, Virginia, Andrea Otto & more. No signup needed. Please bring your children.

Sunday, June 24^th

Wiigwaas Jiimaan Nakzhiwed—
Crossing the Bay

8:30 am, at the breakwall in Petoskey

We will head across the bay from Petoskey to Harbor Springs in family-size jiimaanan (canoes). Upon landing, we will share a feast at Indian Hills Community Room. Potluck feast will start at noon.

Signup for the crossing required. Children encouraged.

“There are no costs.”

Miigwetch gaabezhaayek!

Thank you for coming!