Ojibwe 101

The Superior YMCA is offering classes every Monday throughout the month of November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Cassie and Brittany Brown from Keewenaw Bay band of Ojibwe are the instructors. The classes meet to discuss and practice various aspects of Native American culture and are designed for people school-age and older.

Nov. 7 – Ojibwe 101 (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
This session is designed to be an introduction to Ojibwe culture that promotes awareness and understanding of the Ojibwe people of the region and dispel some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes about Native peoples. The session includes: The Ojibwe migration story, information on the four sacred medicines, significance and history of traditional lacrosse, information about dreamcatchers, traditional uses for birch bark, the significance of eagle feathers and more.

Nov. 14 – Make Your Own Dreamcatcher (Bawaajige-nawaagan) (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Participants in this session will learn to make an Ojibwe-style dreamcatcher and the teachings and story behind it.

Nov. 21 – Learn to Play Lacrosse (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Participants in this session will learn the history and traditions of Ojibwe lacrosse while also participating and learning gameplay.

Nov. 28 – Learn to Bead (6 to 8 p.m.)
Participants in this session will learn about Ojibwe beadwork traditions while also learning how to make a daisy chain.