Nancy H. writes from Muskegon, MI remarking, “For 10,000 years our region’s inhabitants cared for aki, the earth and nbiish, the water. Today, we are all called to support our region so that our land and our lakes will support us economically, survive for all time, and feed our spirit.” Here is her story…
In Anishinaabemowin, the language spoken by many of the Great Lake’s region’s first inhabitants, I say, “Michigan ndoonjibaa” or “Michigan where my spirit is from.” Near the shores of Lake Michigan I was born and I spent my childhood strolling under maples and pines, feasting on wild berries, roaming on sugar sands, swimming in crashing waves, and absorbing glowing sunsets. I can not separate from the Great Lakes anymore than mashikenh, turtle, can separate from its shell. Regardless whether the Great Lakes winds blow me to the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast or Europe, I will always carry my Great Lakes home with me.
Noodin, it is windy. The wind always seems to blow in the Great Lakes, from the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula to the City of Chicago. In the howling winds or the rustling leaves, the spirits of our region’s first inhabitants sometimes appear to be present, and I can imagine what they might say if they stood on our shores today.
“Staa-ta-haa” or “Oh my goodness!”
“Staa-ta-haa, what are these foreign mussels doing on the shores?” “Staa-ta-haa, what will these leaping killer carp do to our whitefish, perch and sturgeon? “Staa-ta-haa, why are the sand dunes being carried away?” Our indigenous residents lived in harmony with our lakes, rivers, and land for over 10,000 years. What will we do to care for aki, the earth, and nbiish, the water?
As an individual, I care for our region by recycling, reducing water usage, using organic products, and landscaping with native wildflowers. I write my legislators and impress upon them the importance of passing bills and funding programs to protect and support our Great Lakes. I share information about the threats to our area with others and encourage them to do what they can to make a positive impact.
As a people of the Great Lakes it is imperative we ensure policies and programs are in place to protect our region from pollution, habitat destruction, and invasive species. The long term needs of our environment must take precedence over short term profits. Additionally, we must also provide opportunities for all of our region’s young people to enjoy our majestic outdoor surroundings in order to foster a love for our lakes and land in the next generation.
Finally, we should not forget to give thanks to the powers that be for enjoying the privilege of residing in, or visiting, such a unique and beautiful setting.
Michigan ndoonjibaa. Michigan, where I live now. Miigwetch, thank you.
Everyday I am thankful for living here. We are most likely to look after that which we truly appreciate. We live here on Anhisinaabemowin land and it is our responsibility to care for this gift so that it may be with us for all time. By nurturing the Great Lakes region, we enable the lakes and the land to not only support us economically, but to feed our spirit.
Michigan ndoonjibaa.
We also encourage you to lend a hand in the effort to restore the Great Lakes. Get involved today. Together we can make a difference in protecting our lakes, our drinking water, our economy and our quality of life.
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There are many times when driving down the road, I see debris tossed to the way side and I wonder what these folks would think if they had this stuff dumped in their yards? Such a beautiful state Michigan is, and the ancestors that once walked this earth would no doubt shed tears sometimes at the way she is treated. But they too must feel a deep sense of pride for the way you are trying to preserve and protect our lands. Thank you for your efforts, and this eye opening story. I hope that many have an opportunity to read this, and make a difference.
I loved your story, I was walking along with you as you were talking. It was very heart warming and yet sad also.
A great injustice has been done to our land something needs to be done to help repair it if possible. It will take many people working together.
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