The exhibit centers on the relationships the Anishinaabek have with food since a time beyond memory on Mikinaakminising or Turtle Island. In the Anishinaabe worldview, Mikinaakminising makes reference to the American continent. The shell of the turtle (mikinaak) represents the land we live in and highlights the 13 moons of the Anishinaabe lunar calendar. These moons are symbolized through the shell with 13 center plate-sections representing each moon and 28 outer plate-sections representing the days.

The exhibit is organized by season. Ziigwan (spring) focuses on reclaiming sugar bushing (tapping maple trees) to make maple syrup. Niibin (summer) focuses on taking care of our relationship with nibi (water), mshkiki (medicines), and aki (land) during this time and through all the seasons. Daagwagin (fall) focuses on preserving intergenerational knowledge. Biboon (winter) highlights fulfilling our reciprocal responsibilities affirmed in our hunting, fishing, and other treaty rights.

As you move through each season, stories are shared of how our relationship with food from Shkaakamikwe (Mother Earth) and nibi (water) connects us to our ancestors and descendants. The reciprocal nourishment between the Anishinaabek and Shkaakamikwe is underscored with struggles to preserve and restore food sovereignty and exercise treaty rights.

Our team:

Jessica Barnes, Najor Rick Burnett III, Ann Cameron, Michelle Cypher, Danielle Gartner, Cheyenne Hopps, Heather Howard, Michele Koppinger, Patrick Koval, Maeve Kuhlman, Michelle Leask, Lisa Martin, Eva Oldman, Amanda Rinna, Jessica Saucedo, Rosebud Schneider, Beedoskah Stonefish, Chelsea Wentworth