The story of the Ojibway people, also known as the Chippewa, is a compelling narrative of movement, adaptation, and spiritual grounding. It speaks of a journey westward, away from the "great salt water toward the rising sun," and into the heart of North America. This migration, stretching across centuries, is not merely a geographical relocation; it is interwoven with the spiritual and cultural identity of the Ojibway, marked by the sacred Megis shell and the establishment of the Me-da-we-win religion. Understanding this migration is crucial to comprehending the Ojibway’s place in the history and landscape of the continent.
The Oral Tradition and the Megis Shell
Much of the Ojibway history, including their migration story, has been passed down through oral tradition. William Warren, a historian who lived among the Ojibway in the 19th century, documented one such account in his writings. He recounted a ceremony where a spiritual leader shared the story of the Megis shell, a small, white seashell, as a metaphor for the spiritual and physical journey of the Ojibway.
The story unfolds as follows:
"While our forefathers were living on the great salt water toward the rising sun, the great Megis (Sea Shell) showed itself above the surface of the great water, and the rays of the sun for some long periods were reflected from its glossy back. It gave warmth and light to the An-ish-in-aub-ag (red race)."
This initial appearance of the Megis signifies the origin point of the Ojibway people, located near the Atlantic coast. The shell, bathed in sunlight, represents spiritual guidance and prosperity for the "An-ish-in-aub-ag," the Ojibway people. It symbolizes a time of unity and well-being.
The narrative continues with a series of disappearances and reappearances of the Megis:
"All at once it sank into the deep, and for a time our ancestors were not blessed with its light. It rose to the surface and appeared again on the great river which drains the waters of the Great lakes, and again for a long time it gave life to our forefathers, and reflected back the rays of the sun."
This segment describes the first phase of the westward movement. The sinking of the Megis implies a period of hardship or spiritual decline. Its reappearance on a river connected to the Great Lakes marks a renewed sense of hope and a geographical shift westward. The shell’s light continues to guide and sustain the Ojibway people.
The journey continues:
"Again it disappeared from sight and it rose not, till it appeared to the eyes of the An-ish-in-au-baug on the shores of the first great lake. Again it sank from sight, the death daily visited the wigwams of our forefathers, till it shown its back, and reflected the rays of the sun once more at Bow-e-ting (Sault Ste. Marie)."
This passage indicates further movement to the Great Lakes region, specifically the shores of Lake Superior. The cycle of disappearance and reappearance is repeated, suggesting ongoing challenges and periods of difficulty, symbolized by death visiting the wigwams. The emergence of the Megis at Bow-e-ting (Sault Ste. Marie) signifies a crucial point in the migration, a place of refuge and renewed spiritual strength.
Finally, the Megis finds its permanent home:
"Here it remained for a long time, and once more, and for the last time, it disappeared, and the An-ish-in-aub-ag was left in the darkness and misery, till it floated and once more showed its bright back at Mo-nig-wun-a-kuan-ing (La Pointe Island), where it has ever since reflected back the rays of the sun, and blessed our ancestors with life, light, and wisdom. Its rays reach the remotest village of the wide spread Ojibways."
This final appearance of the Megis at Mo-nig-wun-a-kuan-ing (La Pointe Island) represents the establishment of a central spiritual location for the Ojibway people. It is a place where the "rays of the sun" – representing wisdom, guidance, and spiritual well-being – continue to shine upon them. This location becomes the heart of their territory, the source from which their culture and influence spread.
The Me-da-we-win and La Pointe Island
The spiritual leader who shared this story with Warren provided further insight into its meaning. He explained that the "Megis" represented the Me-da-we religion, a complex system of beliefs and practices central to the Ojibway culture. Each time the Me-da-we lodge was erected, it was symbolized by the appearance of the Megis. The final lodge, built on La Pointe Island, held particular significance.
La Pointe Island, according to the oral tradition, became the center for the purest form of Me-da-we-win practice. It served as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Ojibway, a place where their traditions were preserved and passed down through generations. The leader emphasized that the entire Ojibway tribe originated from this site, spreading outward like the branches of a tree, eventually occupying the vast territory that defines their historical presence.
The arrival of Europeans disrupted this established order. While La Pointe Island remained a significant location, the influence of European culture and religion gradually impacted the practice of Me-da-we-win and the overall way of life for the Ojibway.
Geographical Expansion and Tribal Divisions
Beyond the spiritual narrative, the Ojibway migration story also reflects a real geographical expansion. Archaeological and linguistic evidence supports the oral tradition, indicating a westward movement from the eastern shores of North America around 900 A.D. By the 17th century, the Ojibway had established a strong presence in the woodlands of what is now Canada, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Montana.
The westward migration occurred along both the north and south shores of Lake Superior. The tribes residing north of the lake were primarily Ojibway and Cree, who shared familial and cultural ties. Those to the south became known as "Chippewa," a term derived from an English mispronunciation of "Ojibway." Despite the different names, these groups shared a common ancestry and cultural heritage.
The expansion of the Ojibway led to interactions and conflicts with other Indigenous groups already inhabiting the region, such as the Dakota and Fox. These interactions shaped the political landscape of the Great Lakes region and influenced the ongoing movement and territorial claims of various tribes.
The Legacy of the Migration
The Ojibway migration story is more than just a historical account; it is a fundamental part of their identity. It explains their connection to the land, their spiritual beliefs, and their cultural practices. The story of the Megis shell serves as a powerful reminder of their journey, their resilience, and their enduring spirit.
Today, the Ojibway people continue to thrive in their ancestral territories, maintaining their cultural traditions and working to preserve their language and heritage. The story of their migration serves as a source of strength and inspiration, reminding them of their past and guiding them towards the future. The spiritual and geographical journey detailed in the Ojibway Migration Story is a testament to the enduring spirit of a people connected to their land and their traditions. The Ojibway’s journey is a living testament to the adaptability and cultural richness of Indigenous peoples in North America.