There are 11 tribes in the state of Minnesota. There is a rich history of powerful, unique, and great tribes in our state. Today we honor them by learning about their names, locations, culture, dwellings, and beliefs. Many tribes honor the earth in a responsible and honorable way. They built dwellings out of nature that were easy to move and reuse. People have many unique and fantastic ways to survive in the natural world and use the bounty provided by nature. Additionally, spelling varies for many of the words and names in Native American Culture. Most tribes had an oral tradition. In today’s world there are different ways to take a Native word and write it using English letters. This can lead to some confusion so be careful and use an open mind. We can learn a lot from traditional native tribes and apply it to our lives today.
The two main groups are the Ojibwe and Dakota Sioux. The Ojibwe live in the northern parts of Minnesota and the Sioux live mostly in the southern and central regions. Most tribes have lots of communities that they live in, both historically and today. These tribes lived in Minnesota but also spread to neighboring states and into Canada. Over their history, there have been many treaties that influence where they live and other parts of sovereignty, meaning they can make their own laws on their own lands within the United States. A reservation is a place designated for a tribe or nation that is managed by tribal elders under federal government guidelines. Check out the MN Tribes Map to see all the regions and locations of current tribes and reservations.
Ojibway believe that the earth is a woman and refer to her as the mother or mother earth. Just like a mother, the earth gives you life, protects, and nurtures you. When earth was created woman came first and then man was created. When the earth was young it had a family. The Creator of this family is Kitchie Man-i-to’ (Great Mystery or Creator). He is like the great grandfather who has all the knowledge, wisdom and is always there…in a spiritual sense. The sun (Gee’-sis) is a heavenly being that watches us during the day. The sun is often referred to as the Grandfather. The moon (Nee-ba-gee’-sis) is a heavenly being that watches over us while we are asleep and is referred to as the Grandmother.
The Sioux people communed closely with mother nature. Nature is sacred. They believe everything connects with the Great Spirit and can connect to that spirit with different religious ceremonies and daily activities. Everything exists within Wakan Tanka, “The Great Spirit,” that has power over everything. You can see Wakan Tanka in the sun, moon, stars, earth, and different parts of the world tree.
There were two types of dwellings used by the Chippewas. In the woodlands, Ojibway people lived in villages of birch-bark houses called waginogans, or wigwams. On the Great Plains, the Ojibwas lived in large buffalo-hide tents that are called teepees. The Plains Ojibwa were nomadic people, and tipis (or tepees) were easier to move from place to place than a waginogan.
The Dakota people lived in large buffalo-hide tents that are called tipis (or teepees). Tipis were carefully designed to set up and break down quickly. An entire Dakota village could be packed up and ready to move within an hour. Originally tipis were only about 12 feet high, but after the Dakota acquired horses, they began building them twice that size. Today, Native Americans only put up a tepee for fun or to connect with their heritage. Most Dakota & Ojibway families live in modern houses and apartment buildings, just like you.
Use these links to read further about different tribes, their beliefs, relationship with mother earth, and dwellings.
Ojibway creation story - a good way to describe the earth.
Ojibway ways of believing - describes their beliefs in relation to the earth.
Woodlands way of living - describes Ojibwe life and dwellings.
Learning the language - lots of resources for teachers.
Sioux Indian Facts - describes their lives, traditions, and dwellings.