Illustrations

Figure 1. Anishinaabe Language Map

Figure 2. A Medicine Wheel (7 Directions)[1]

This is a graphic representation of the seven cardinal directions. Each direction has corresponding Teachings about medicines, animals, spirits, powers, physical elements, gifts, knowledge, time and life stages, to name but a few. These Teachings remain within the realm of Oral knowledge.

Figure 3. A World of Relations [2]

The relationships that are represented here include all worldly and spiritual relations (spirit, mineral, plant, animal, insect, and human life). Each expanded circle outward from the self corresponds to Teachings and explanations that remain within the realm of Oral knowledge.

Figure 4. Four Aspects of the Self [3]

This is also known as the “Four Directions Medicine Wheel.” Each division corresponds to one of the four cardinal directions. The four aspects intersect at the centre where the ‘self’ is whole. These are artificial divisions of the interconnected reality of each person.

[1] Rheault, D’Arcy, “A Nation of Exclusion: Who Gets Left Out When We Talk About Canadian Culture (s),” in “New Visions of Nation: Re-Imagining Canadian Culture(s),” Avancer, The Student Journal for the Study of Canada. (Peterborough, Ontario: Trent University, 1998).