Page 15 - Chippewas of Rama First Nation

e are Anishinaabeg, or Ojibway people. We believe Wild rice is a grass that is a
our ancestors have lived on Turtle Island since it was staple of the Anishinaabe diet.
created. Stories tell us that the Anishinaabeg lived far
Wto the east, on an island surrounded by salt water. They
began to search for a new homeland and the place that fulfilled
WORDS TO KNOW
the prophecy of food growing on the surface of the water.
For thousands of years, the Anishinaabeg travelled all the way ancestors: relatives that lived
long ago
around the Great Lakes. Our ancestors passed through this area
prophecy: a foretelling of what
once before returning to live here.
will happen in the future

SEVEN FIRES PROPHECY

Like other people around the world, many Anishinaabeg are taught about
prophets and prophecies. We are taught that there were seven prophets who
each gave one prophecy, and that each prophecy was called a fire. Together,
the prophecies became known as the Seven Fires. Each fire talks about one
stage or time period for the Anishinaabeg. Some fires are linked to landmarks
in Ontario such as Niagara Falls and Sault St. Marie, and some are linked to
people. The prophecies speak about the arrival of the Europeans on Turtle
Island. They foretell that there are two roads for people to walk together: one
road leads to increased connection to spirit and peace for all, and the other
leads to destruction and suffering.

Chippewas of Rama First Nation 13

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