Band Member Voices
August Culture Column - BALANCING OUR TIME FOR CULTURAL GROWTH AS ANISHINAABE
By Nazhike, Mille Lacs Band Member
As Anishinaabe, we live in a modern, fast-paced American life filled with responsibilities, jobs, entertainment, and technology; and the quieter, deliberate world of our cultural practices, language, ceremonies, and teachings. Often, without noticing, we find ourselves dedicating most of our hours to the American side of things, leaving little space for the cultural connection that grounds and strengthens our identity.
Consider the numbers: of the 24 hours each day, many of us spend six to nine hours sleeping, eight hours at work or school, two or more hours on our phones, several more watching TV or movies, and time running errands or socializing. Before we realize it, these modern activities consume almost all our waking hours.
Yet, when we reflect, we often find ourselves wondering why we feel disconnected, restless, or ungrounded. The answer is hidden plainly — our spirits need balance, which comes from consciously devoting some of our daily time back to who we are, Anishinaabe.
Imagine the difference even 30 minutes a day could make. Instead of scrolling mindlessly through social media, we can learn one new Anishinaabemowin word or phrase daily. Instead of binge-watching shows, we could spend time listening to our Elders’ stories, even if just through recorded podcasts or online teachings. Over a month, that brief, intentional cultural engagement would accumulate, deeply enriching our understanding of who we are.
Our ancestors lived with the land, guided by seasonal ceremonies, teachings, and spiritual practices. Their daily lives are naturally intertwined with their culture. Today, our challenge is to reclaim that connection intentionally. We do not need to abandon modern life entirely, but we must find balance.
Practically, this could look like replacing thirty minutes of distraction with an online Ojibwe language class or reading Anishinaabe authors. It could be making a weekly habit of participating in community ceremonies or drum circles rather than heading immediately home to more screen time. Small shifts yield meaningful results, bridging our modern life with the wisdom of our culture.
When we regularly spend time engaged in cultural activities, we build deeper awareness and identity. Language learning expands our thinking, reminding us of our unique ways of viewing the world. Ceremony participation grounds our spirits, providing clarity and calmness amid life’s pressures. Storytelling connects us with generations before us, providing context, purpose, and belonging.
Mentorship grows from these moments of purposeful connection, too. Spending intentional time in cultural settings naturally fosters relationships between Elders, mentors, and young people, ensuring our teachings continue. These small yet powerful moments remind us why investing time in our culture matters, fueling our passion to carry this forward.
It is not a drastic change we need, but intentional, mindful adjustments. We can begin today, shifting from excessive time spent on screens and distractions toward conscious cultural activities. Thirty minutes a day can profoundly change our lives, bringing balance, strength, and clarity.
As Anishinaabe, our responsibility is clear: to find balance by choosing to invest regular time into our culture. When we prioritize even small daily cultural engagements, we ensure that our identity remains vibrant, our spirits stay strong, and our communities’ become places of renewed pride, knowledge, and connection. Miigwech.
