I wish to extend my most humble appreciation to all the Elders and traditional Teachers who have taught me everything I know about Anishinaabe philosophy. I am also grateful to my graduate thesis supervisor, Edna Asinii-kwe Manitowabi (Odawa) and the members of my committee, Bryan Washashkong Loucks (Ojibwe), M.A. and Paul Mishcogaboway Bourgeois (Ojibwe), M.A. I acknowledge Brian Waabishki Makwa McInnis (Ojibwe), B.A. for all his comments on the initial draft of this project and Lillian Biidawe’aandmod oo kwe Osawamick-Bourgeois (Odawa) for helping me with the use of Anishinaabemowin.
I also wish to thank Dr. Joseph Couture (Cree/Métis) for sitting as my external examiner, and his permission to use some of his unpublished work and Dr. John Wadland for encouraging me to pursue a difficult subject. I am also thankful for Dr. Marlene Brant Castellano’s (Mohawk) permission to use her unpublished work and Helen [Bajorek] MacDonald for her exceptional editing skills.
I am indebted to Dr. Robert Malone, a kind man who believed in me before I knew how, Dr. Debabrata Sinha who pointed out an unseen signpost on my life-path, Robert Gilmore for understanding all my personal twists and turns and Alicia Palmer, for being so incredibly patient as I travelled around looking for answers. And finally, Robert Pirsig, for writing really great books.