Band Member Voices
June Culture Column - HONORING OUR TEACHINGS BEFORE WE BEGIN THE WORK
By Nazhike, Mille Lacs Band Member
As Anishinaabe, we recognize the sacred responsibility of carrying our teachings forward. Cultural work is not just a task or an occupation — it’s a deeply rooted commitment, one that re quires relevant knowledge, lived experiences, and a clear connection to the history that shaped us. Too often in our excitement to participate we rush into this sacred work without properly understanding the teachings. We risk approaching our responsibilities debinaak (lazy) or anishaa (without purpose), potentially confusing others rather than helping.
Our teachings remind us that each step on the cultural path should be intentional. Before entering the lodge, before speaking at a ceremony, before picking up the drum — each act demands thoughtful preparation. It is our Elders and knowledge keepers who teach us that rushing into cultural roles without first gaining insight and careful instruction weakens the connection between generations. We cannot build strong bridges to the future if we don’t take the time to learn from our past.
I was taught early on that to truly contribute to our communities, we must first humble ourselves and listen. Our Elders of ten remind us, “You can’t give something you don’t have.” This simple wisdom holds deep truth. How can we offer guidance, healing, or thoughtful reflection if we haven’t sat quietly and listened to our teachers, elders, and the manidoog? We owe it to our people — and to ourselves — to learn diligently, patiently, and respectfully.
Being able to trace our teachings back to their sources is crucial. It’s not about proving our legitimacy, but about grounding our work in clear, culturally relevant understanding. When we honor this process, we become vessels for our ancestors’ wis dom. Without this grounding, our words lose their weight, our ceremonies lose their strength; and we risk becoming disconnected from the very culture we seek to uphold.
Our language, Anishinaabemowin, teaches us this clearly. Words like debinaak and anishaa describe exactly the approach we must avoid — carelessness and doing something without meaningful intent. Our teachings demand mindfulness, humility, and purposefulness. If we do cultural work without these guiding principles, we risk creating more harm than good — muddying the waters for future generations who seek clarity.
To those just starting this journey, remember: continuous learning is necessary, but initial guidance is critical. Seek out the Elders, ceremony leaders, and cultural teachers who hold the deep roots of knowledge. Learn not just what to do, but why and how it connects to our history. Listen closely, sit quietly, and reflect deeply.
The goal of cultural work is not simply to participate, but to carry our teachings in a way that connects past to future. Our ancestors gifted us these teachings, knowing we would one day pass them forward. Let us carry them with respect and clarity. Let our work be meaningful, grounded in true understanding, and performed with purpose. In this way, we ensure our culture survives, thrives, and remains a guiding force for generations to come.
Miigwech.
