Our New 2018 Anishinaabe Sculpture Park
Come see the fisherman bringing in his catch in the bubbling waters and a Drying Rack for the preservation of meat and fish.... The medicine man who is peacefully sitting with his pipe.... an Anishinaabe woman gathering berries and a Three-Sisters Garden.
Thank you to Jen DeVos & Lisa Walker of Gogomain Art for this amazing park.
Anishinaabe Clan Park
Our Award Winning Outside Clan System Park by artist Jen DeVos and Lisa Walker of Gogmain Art
placed Third Best in the world
in The Signs of the Times Magazine International Mural/Exhibits Contest
The Ojibwa society was organized through what was known as the clan system. The Ojibwa people had many needs to be met and needed a way to organize labor and responsibilities that were beyond basic duties. The Ojibwa originally had seven clans though many more were added over time. Every member of the Ojibwa was in a clan which they were inducted into at the age of two when they received a name. Most people were placed in their father's clan but some individuals were placed in a different clan. Each clan has its' own animal emblem which was symbolic of that clan's duties and represented the basic aspects of those duties. The original seven clans were the crane, loon, bear, hoof (sometimes deer or elk), marten, bird (usually eagle) and fish. The loon and crane clans were negotiators and representatives. It was their job to lead the people in times of strife. It was also their job to speak with enemies. Both clans had this responsibility so to maintain balance and guarantee that one clan or the other did not become too powerful and decide to rule instead of lead.
The fish clan were the intellectuals of the Ojibwa.
The fish clan was responsible for writing the history, date keeping as well as acting as teachers for the young. They often worked closely with the loon and crane clans in negotiations and held a high place in their society.
The bear clan were protectors and healers. They acted as a combination police and paramedic team for the Ojibwa. They spent most of their time patrolling the boundaries of the village keeping people safe and tending to anyone who was injured. The bear clan had an extensive knowledge of herbal medicine and were able to find, prepare and apply salves, balms and teas as needed.
The hoof clan were artisans but their more important duty was to see to the poor. They patrolled making sure everyone in the community had the basic needs and often protested to any war being proposed.
The marten clan were warriors and hunters. For the most part only the martens would actually fight. It was only during grave circumstances that others would be asked much like a modern military. The marten clan were strategists.
The bird clan were religious officials. They maintained most religious duties but also spent a great deal of time in meditation.