a fire until they "puckered up." Most historicalrecords, particularly those recounting the stories of Ojibway Elders,acknowledge the moccassin translation as the true origin of the word"Ojibway."Ojibway Birchbark Canoe Perhaps no other symbol so readily identifies the Ojibway culture (as well as other Woodland Tribes) as the birchbark canoe. Although the traditional birchbark canoe has long since been replaced by aluminum and fiberglass canoes, today there is a resurgence of the making ofbirchbark canoes by members of Ojibway Bands throughout the Greatlakes Region. Once considered too difficult and time consuming, manyOjibway people are again crafting their canoes from birchbarck as a meansto reconnect with their traditions. This is one example of a growingmovement throughout Ojibway land to embrace the crafts, traditions andcustoms once nearly abandoned due to aculturation and assimilation inorder to reconnect with the legacy of Ojibway culture and heritage. Thismovement is proof that the legacy of Ojibway Culture is still alive andgreatly influencing the lives of Ojibway people today, nearly 400 years afterthe first contact with the White World. Ojibway Powwow Grand portage Powwow, Grand Portage, MN August, 1994 Photos by James M. Fortier Like many other American Indian Tribes across the United States andCanada, today's Ojibway people come together periodically throughout theyear to celebrate the survival of their customs and culture. Thesegatherings, called "powwows," are much more than showcases for dancersand drum groups. The powwow is an opportunity to visit with friends andrelatives from other reservations, to share common experiences and stories,to exchang...
