Makwa Zoongide'ewin

Will Peters of the Bois Forte Nation reflects on the sacred responsibility Indigenous people hold as protectors of all beings—the two-legged, the four-legged, the winged, the swimmers, the crawlers, and the standing ones. In this conversation, Peters speaks with urgency about how colonization and commercialization have distanced communities from ceremony, love, and balance with the natural world. He calls for a return to cultural practices—honoring the bears, the trees, the waters, and the songs that once connected people to spirit. Through his words, he reminds listeners that renewal begins with love, strong voices, and the teachings carried by children and families who remember how to care for creation.

This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village shares a lighthearted story about a mischievous young bear that frequently visited her home, earning the nickname “mangy butt.” Through humor and observation, she reminds us that bears are curious yet gentle beings, often more afraid of humans than we are of them. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, shares her joy in watching bears with her great-grandmother Mavis and caring for them by leaving food along the road. Her story reflects the love, respect, and connection between generations and the bears that live nearby. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Margaret Benner from Nett Lake Village emphasizes the need to educate others about the cultural and spiritual importance of bears to Native people. She shares how she greets bears in Ojibwe, honoring them as relatives who understand and deserve respect and protection. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares teachings learned from her elders about the Bear Clan and the sacred role of bears as protectors, healers, and symbols of bravery. She reflects on their wisdom and self-healing nature, drawing connections between the bears’ behavior and the teachings that guide her community. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village recounts how she sought guidance from spiritual advisor Vern Adams to speak to tribal leaders about the sacredness of bears and the harm caused by their killing. She reflects on the spiritual and communal consequences that followed, the ceremonies of forgiveness, and the courage it takes to speak for those who cannot. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, expresses her heartfelt wish to protect the bears and honor their place in Ojibwe culture. Her words reflect a deep sense of care and responsibility for the natural world and its sacred beings. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares a humorous yet heartfelt story about a bear that climbed into her car, teaching an unexpected lesson about responsibility and compassion. Through her young daughter’s innocent response, she reflects on the deep understanding that bears are relatives deserving of care, not fear. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village speaks about the sacred kinship between people and bears, emphasizing respect, protection, and reciprocity. She reflects on traditional teachings that honor the bear’s sacrifice and condemns wasteful harm against these spiritual relatives. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Deanna Drift of Nett Lake Village calls on community leaders to deepen their understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of bears within Bois Forte traditions. She reminds them that true leadership includes learning from both traditional and contemporary knowledge to better serve their people. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.