Balance and Harmony

American Indian people differ from one another in many ways, but whether they are Navajo or Ojibwe, there is one thread of commonality: the belief in the importance of harmony and balance for all living things. American Indians believe that all nature was created for a purpose, that all living things — including humans, animals and plants — depend on each other for their existence. This interdependence is often referred to as the "web of life."

According to American Indians, what’s most important for human beings is maintaining harmony with all creation. That means taking care of the environment, and thinking about how misusing our resources today will affect not only future generations of human life, but the future of all life on earth.

This view of the world is quite different than that of Western civilization’s. Western Europeans sought to "conquer" nature and use it however they could to make a profit. When American settlers moved West to seek more land, they were fulfilling the traditionally American notion of "manifest destiny," or, the idea that if humans dominate over their surroundings, they can make themselves rich.

For many years, Americans pursued this destiny of wealth, not realizing that the exploitation of resources was done to such an extent that it was throwing off the delicate harmony and balance that makes up the web of life. They thought of trees, minerals and other resources as things they could use freely. Only recently, scientists and non-scientists alike have begun to take a closer look at the interdependence of all living creatures — and see that humans are disrupting the earth’s crucial balance.

Sweat Lodges and Visions

Since ancient times, people have understood that their spirits are nourished through religious ceremonies. Sacrifice, prayer and self-denial have long been rituals through which people have found peace of mind.

American Indians may experience visions or revelations from their Creator through dreams or by performing certain rituals. Just as Christians pray for guidance during church services, many Indians find that using a sweat lodge heightens their spiritual and religious awareness.

A sweat lodge, also known as a sauna, is heated by fire or by pouring water over hot stones. Heat and steam cleanse the body, and they can also purify the spirit or soul.

In addition to visiting a sweat lodge, some Indians meditate and fast in order to receive a vision to guide them. They may seek answers to a particular question, or look for broad answers which will help them live with dignity and honor on their journey through life.

Youth use the fasting and meditation ritual in order to understand how to be of service to their People when they enter the adult world. It helps prepare them for a time when they might have to go without food by helping them understand their own bodies and the value of sharing. Ojibwe children are encouraged to find their own understanding of life. They may go alone into the woods or wilderness and fast as a way to receive their own guardian spirit.

Meditation, fasting and cleansing can enhance the spiritual lives of all people, whether they are Indian or not.

Clans

According to Anishinabeg tradition, the Creator gave the Ojibwe People the clan, or dodem, system long ago. Ojibwe custom states that there were originally six beings that arose from the sea to live among the Anishinabeg: Wawaazisii (Bullhead), Ajejauk (Crane), Makwa (Bear), Moosance (Little Moose), Waabizheshi (Marten), and Bineshii (Thunderbird). These beings created the original clans.

One of the original six beings, the Thunderbird, always kept his eyes covered because when he looked at the Anishinabeg, they died. Because of this, the other five beings urged Bineshii to return to the sea. And that is why the Anishinabeg do not have a Thunderbird clan today.

At least 20 offshoots of the original clans have been identified. Here are some of the most common clans and their distinct characteristics:

• The largest clan was the Bear clan. Bear clan members were known as war chiefs and warriors, and for their thick black hair that never whitened, even in old age.

• Members of Fish clans — Bullhead, Sturgeon, Catfish, Northern, Whitefish, Merman and Sucker — were known for long life and baldness in old age. Fish clan members claim that their ancestor was the first to appear out of the sea.

• Members of the Crane clan were known for their loud and clear voices, and were recognized as famous speakers.

• The Wolf clan produced scouts. Wolf clan members lived mostly around Mille Lacs and St. Croix.

• Marten clan members served as pipe bearers and message carriers for the chiefs.

Eight clans have been identified among the Mille Lacs Band: Lynx, Bear, Marten, Bullhead, Wolf, Bald Eagle, Sturgeon, and Little Moose.

Even today, clan symbols are used to identify heritage. For example, when Band members are buried, their clan symbols appear on their graves to mark their lineage. Also, clan symbols appear on birch bark scrolls, treaties, and other documents.