#ojibway

1. Understand Ojibwe Culture and Community

Get to know the basics of Ojibwe culture, beliefs, and values. My people, the Ojibwe (also spelled Ojibwa, Ojibway, or Chippewa) are part of the Anishinaabe people. We are present across Canada and the northern U.S. Midwest, with diverse communities that each have their own practices and perspectives.

Community-centered thinking: Many Ojibwe people have a strong sense of connection to community and family. Recognize that we tend to prioritize our connections and often have a deep relationship with our elders and youth.

Language and terminology: Use respectful terms. The Ojibwe language (Anishinaabemowin) is central to identity, even if a character doesn’t speak it fluently.

2. Avoid “Spiritual Mysticism” Stereotypes

Steer clear of clichés about Indigenous mysticism. Instead, focus on how Ojibwe spirituality is lived in everyday ways—whether through ceremonies like smudging, seasonal celebrations, or even just respecting the land and ancestors. Characters don’t need to be “shamans” or mystical guides to show their culture.

Spirituality in balance: While many Ojibwe people honor spirituality, each person practices differently. Just as in any culture, some may be very connected to it, while others are more secular.

3. Use Realistic Names and Nicknames

Ojibwe names often have meaning and are given in specific cultural contexts, sometimes in ceremonies or after significant events. If using an Ojibwe name, make sure it’s well-researched, and consider including a backstory on how it was given to your character.

Nicknames are common and can range from family names to personal traits. Think about nicknames that resonate with your character’s personality and family background rather than something “exotified.”

4. Research Traditional Roles, Not “Warrior” Stereotypes

Ojibwe people are often cast as “warriors” or “stoic fighters,” which is limiting. In reality, Ojibwe communities have had diverse roles throughout history, including diplomats, healers, artisans, teachers, and more.

Consider what makes sense for the time and place your character lives in—an Ojibwe character could be a modern-day artist, teacher, software developer, veteran, or lawyer. Complex portrayals highlight our adaptability and contemporary lives.

5. Acknowledge History Without Making Trauma the Focus

Many Indigenous communities, including Ojibwe, have endured hardships like colonization, boarding schools, and loss of land. However, it’s essential not to reduce characters to trauma alone. Show their resilience, joy, humor, and everyday experiences alongside their histories.

Avoid “tragic backstory syndrome”: A good character is multidimensional. Balance struggles with strengths, showing how they thrive in the modern world while honoring their roots.

6. Respect Language and Use It Thoughtfully

If your character speaks or knows Anishinaabemowin, use it respectfully and sparingly unless you're fluent. Small phrases or words can add depth without risking inaccuracies. If they use Ojibwe words, provide a translation for context.

Resource suggestion: Check out the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary for phrases, pronunciation, and examples of how the language fits into daily life.

7. Research and Connect With Indigenous Resources

For non-Indigenous writers, it’s important to engage with authentic sources and, if possible, speak with Ojibwe individuals or consult books, articles, or online resources created by Ojibwe authors and scholars.

Media to check out: Look for books, films, and articles by Ojibwe creators (such as works by Louise Erdrich or Gerald Vizenor) for direct perspectives.

8. Show Ojibwe Humor and Resilience

Ojibwe humor is a big part of the culture—often dry, sarcastic, and shared among family and friends. Including humor adds authenticity and breaks away from “stoic” stereotypes. Remember, we laugh, joke, and enjoy life as much as anyone else!

9. Give Credit and Respect Acknowledgments

Mention that you’ve researched Ojibwe culture and language if possible, and consider a small acknowledgment to the sources you used. It shows respect for our culture and the people who helped make the character accurate and relatable.

Sample Character Traits for Inspiration:

Joyful and witty, known for quick humor but deeply thoughtful.

Family-oriented, regularly calling or visiting relatives or helping out in the community.

Resourceful and resilient, finding creative ways to navigate the modern world while honoring traditional values.

Quietly proud, choosing to celebrate their heritage subtly but meaningfully, like wearing Ojibwe beadwork or carrying traditional items.

Writing an Ojibwe character respectfully and fully means creating someone real and complex. Remember, the best portrayals come from genuine understanding and thoughtful depiction. Happy writing, and Chi miigwech (thank you very much) for taking the time to represent us well! 🪶✨

The parallel of Saul describing the land his people resided on with such descriptive language, comparing the land to the actual appearance of Ojibway peoples to showcase the connection they have with the land, and then when he gets taken to Saint Jerome’s Indian Residential School and his descriptions of the school itself become more bland and have less passion than how he was describing his home has me TWEAKING oh my god

AND chapter 14 specifically stood out because it’s currently the shortest chapter in the book being only one page, and it’s just Saul describing the horrors he witnessed in the residential school, the kids dying of either tuberculosis, or committing suicide.

That one little girl that shoved rocks into her pockets and drowned herself in the river especially stood out to me, because there was one part in the earlier chapters where the kids would sneak out of the school, go to the same river, and watch the salmon spawning and just grab the salmon and rub the slime they left behind on their faces. They did it for comfort, and I guess because majority of Indigenous cultures and practices, especially in the areas this book took place, relied on fish like salmon for survival, and the salmon also holds cultural significance. For that girl to drown herself in that same river, it was not just an escape from the pain and torture of the residential school, it was almost like she was trying to escape back home, and be whole with the land. Residential schools were built to do the opposite; “take care of the indian problem” and eradicate Indigenous culture. That little girl’s death holds much more meaning than what it seems.