The Waterers

Serena Logan, at her young age, is already working with family members to protect her makwa (bears) that live in her village of Nett Lake on the Bois Forte Reservation.  Though very young, she is passionate about telling bear stories and providing insights into her relationship with them.    Serena recorded this story and helped to record other members of her family as they talked about makwa. 

Valerie Cash Young shares  with her daughter Animikiikaakwezenz (Mickaylynn Fasthorse) memories of what her life was like grwoing up in the small community of Bena, located on the Leech Lake Reservation.   Animikiikaakwezenz, recorded Valerie's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Valerie Cash Young shares parenting advice and reflections to her daughter Animikiikaakwezenz (Mickaylynn Fasthorse).   Animikiikaakwezenz, recorded Valerie's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Shirley Young speaks to the need to show respect and kindness to others  Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Shirley Young recalls memories of growing up in Winnie Dam on the Leech Lake Reservatio.  Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Shirley Young and her daughter Valerie Cash Young, provide insight and advice about the joys and responsibilities of dating.  Animikiikaakwezenz (granddaughter and daughter) recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Shirley Young speaks to her personal experiences raising children and the discipline and determination it requires.  Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Sarah Jackson tell of how her father had a dream about making a drum for the community.  Bezhigo Binesiikwens, her granddaughter, recorded Sarah's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Elder Sarah Jackson explains how drums get their songs.  Bezhigo Binesiikwens, her granddaughter, recorded Sarah's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.

Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team.  In this episode he tells the story of how the Ojibwe people came to learn about copper.  This episode is in Ojibwemowin.