Storytelling event scheduled for Friday

By Samantha Church

On Friday, the Anishinaabe Student Organization is holding their fourth annual Aadizookaanag, an event featuring storytelling of the Ojibwe culture. The event will take place in the Kirby Ballroom at 6:30 p.m.

“Aadizookaanag are sacred stories that can only be told in the winter and at night,” said Vice president of Anishinaabe Student Organization Sarah Deschampe.

Last year’s event was longer than this year’s because it was earlier in the winter. The sacred stories can only be told at night and ASO wants to respect that tradition by starting after sunset. The stories are also told in the Ojibwe language and often provide lessons for the behavior of Ojibwe people.

“The preservation of Ojibwe is important in our communities today,” Deschampe said.

The stories are read bilingually, so the meaning becomes apparent.

UMD distinguished teaching professor Brian McInnes recently published a book highlighting a member of the Ojibwe Caribou Clan.

“Events like this demonstrate the reclamation of language and story that is once again happening in Indigenous communities,” McInnes said.

At the event, Native American stories will be read by band member Larry ‘Amik’ Smallwood and College of St. Scholastica professor Mike Sullivan. There will also be a performance by the Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Immersion School students.

The event is free for all who wish to attend and learn more about the Ojibwe culture.