How can I become a Midew?
A Midew is a practitioner of Midewiwin, the sacred practices of magic and healing among the northern tribes of America and Canada.
Historically, Midew perform religious ceremonies, study/practice healing methods, and maintain a respectful relationship between humanity and nature. The practice of Midewiwin was very closed off, and although it has survived years of cultural assimilation, today it is much smaller than it once was.
Because of the years of cultural assimilation, and government restrictions on Midewiwin practices, Midew today has significantly dropped in the numbers of practitioners. There are very few Midewiwin lodges in North America left now.
Why solitary practice? Solitary practice is a way of continuing this tradition, to keep it alive for future generations, and a way for those of us to reconnect with our cultural heritage.
The Mide views on solitary practice today are that “reconnecting with their faith and tradition can help modern youth, as well as Indigenous peoples in general, to live a healthy life.”
It is encouraged to do research, study these traditions, and practice them to continue these sacred traditions, even in lone practice.
