Nibi: Storytelling and Activity

Abstract:

This program is designed to promote language awareness and climate justice through our relationship with water. It is based on the Anishinaabe concept of “mino-bimaadiziwin,” or “the good life.” This program has been created for LIS professionals or educators, and is not limited in geographical location. It is specifically made to bring cultural awareness and environmental understanding to young children. This program contains relevant background information on Anishinaabe worldview, and how it connects with language revitalization and water.

Grace French:

Grace French currently resides in what is now known as St. Catharines, Ontario. It is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many who still live here today. She has an undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies, and has an interest in language revitalization and ethical conservation of Indigenous culture. She is a lover of all animals and goes birdwatching in her past-time.

References:

The Council of Canadians. (2022, July 26). Safe water for first nations. Retrieved November, 2022, from https://canadians.org/fnwater/#:~:text=A%20single%20drinking%20water%20advisory,to%20safe%2C%20clean20drinking%20water.&text=73%20per%20cent%20of%20First,must%20be%20fixed%20for%20good.

Debassige, B. (2010). Re-conceptualizing Anishinaabe mino-bimaadiziwin (the Good Life) as research methodology: a spirit centered way in Anishinaabe research. Canadian Journal of Native Education, 11–28.

McGregor, D. (2013). Anishinaabe Environmental Knowledge. Contemporary Studies in Environmental and Indigenous Pedagogies, 77–88. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6209-293-8_5

McGregor, D. (2018). Mino-Mnaamodzawin: Achieving Indigenous Environmental Justice in Canada. Environment and Society, 9, 7–24. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26879575

Union of Ontario Indians (2022). Who are the Anishinaabeg? Anishinabek Nation. Retrieved November 2022, from https://www.anishinabek.ca/education-resources/gdoo-sastamoo-kii-mi/who-are-the-anishinaabeg/