Mnoomin maan'gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin

Follow a young child and their family as they shadow the life cycle of Mnoomin, culminating in its harvest.

Themes: Tradition, holistic view on ecosystem, community, life cycle 

The cover of The Gift of Mnoomin has a canoe in a wetland

About the Author

“Dr. Brittany Luby (Anishinaabe-kwe, atik totem) is the many-greats granddaughter of Chief Kawitaskung, an Anishinaabe leader who signed the North-West Angle Treaty of 1873. With a pen stroke, Kawitaskung agreed to share parts of what is now northwestern Ontario with settlers and their descendants. Because of her many-greats grandfather, Brittany believes that ink is a powerful tool. The words we write lay the foundation for our future. Brittany writes for social justice. She is also a history professor at the University of Guelph, specializing in Indigenous history in North America.”

Bio taken from Good Minds.

Headshot portrait of Brittany Luby
Photo Source: Good Minds

About the Illustrator

Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley is an Anishinaabe artist from Barrie, ON. He’s a member of Wasauksing, FN. He currently resides in the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsliel-Waututh people. Visit his website: http://ankn.uaf.edu/~tlingitverbs/

 

Headshot portrait of Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
Photo courtesy of Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley

About Our Honored Guest

Bazile Panek is an Indigenous Consultant with his roots coming from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe where he was born and raised. His culture is an integral part of his life, as he consistently participates in cultural events and ceremonies. In 2022, Bazile graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Native American Studies from Northern Michigan University.

Bazile has a passion for sharing Indigenous knowledges. His passion has led him to work with numerous organizations, governmental agencies, and universities across the nation. He has offered ways to respectfully engage with tribal communities and Indigenous Knowledges.

Bazile’s guiding philosophy in life is to “honor my ancestors by becoming an honorable ancestor for future generations.”

Bio provided by Bazile Panek.

Headshot portrait of Bazile Panek

Discussion Questions

  1. What do you think would happen if one of the steps in the Mnoomin lifecycle didn’t happen or went missing?
  2. The child and their family are active members of the life cycle of the Mnoomin. Are there any food pathways that you and your family are also active participants in?
  3. While harvesting, the family leaves behind any seeds that don’t come willingly. Why do you think that is? What does that say about their relationship with the Mnoomin?

Learning Activities

  1. Find a plant that grows in your area and research its life cycle. Come up with examples of all of the beings that would impact it. What would happen if one of those beings were unable to take part? 
  2. The child in the book and their family offer thanks to the waters and the fields before harvesting the Mnoomin. What are ways you can offer thanks and show gratitude for the food you eat?

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