12/21/2023
The Snow Shoe Dance
An Anishinaabe Teaching
The essence of our existence lies in Anishinaabeg culture, rooted in the environment. The Anishinaabeg people struggled to walk in deep snow, as the winter maker, Biboonike, used his cold breath as medicine on the land, forming snowflakes.
The snow deepened to the point where walking became nearly impossible. Seeking aid, the Anishinaabeg placed offerings, appealing to the spirits of animals and trees. One morning, they observed a snowshoe rabbit hopping – little did they know it was Wenabozho coming to their rescue. With the assistance of animal and tree spirits, snowshoes were crafted to navigate the challenging snow.
Snowshoes hold significant importance in the indigenous cultures of North America, with various types found across the region.
The Anishinaabeg people, drawing inspiration from their environment, acquired the skill of crafting snowshoes. They utilized materials such as birch trees and rawhides from animals, employing a weaving technique passed down from a spirit known as the spider.
This same spider had once aided Wenabozho by creating the dreamcatcher and Lowered gete Anishinaabeg in their journey to the world. The intricate weaving, taught by the spider, is still visible in the design of snowshoes today.
The Anishinaabeg celebrate the very dance that Wenabozho gracefully deployed onto the snow. The people continue celebrate the dance after the deep snowfall. Known as the snowshoe dance.
Teaching by: Joseph Ogimaawab Sutherland
Digital Art by: Urban Iskwew - Artwork by Hawlii Pichette
Artist Link: http://www.urbaniskwew.com/
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