The Waterers

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.  

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 speaks to the role of water walkers and protectors of the earth and how they utilize copper in their work.

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 speaks to the community asking everyone to learn their teachings.

Elder Sarah Jackson tells how she became a drum keeper.  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.

Gerald White speaks to how he was taught about the act of bravery when he was a youth.  Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald'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.

Gerald White speaks to what is was like to grow up in Inger as a boy.  Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald'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.

Gerald White reflects on how he sees youth learning from their elders and how he strives to be their teacher of Ojibwe traditional activities.  Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald'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.

Gerald White reflects on the traditional values he was raised with and how he practices those values in his daily life. Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald'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.

Gerald White talks about the importance of being kind to others.  Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald'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.

Anne Dunn talks about how she tells stories so that her audience will listen and potentially find themselves through words . Her granddaughter Nigigoonsikwe, recorded Anne'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.