Jottings from Janis: Winter nights are made for storytelling
College workshop holds fast to oral Ojibwe traditions
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Janis Fairbanks
The fifth annual Ojibwe Language Symposium at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet offered a weekend of storytelling, listening and games. Nibaa-Gaabaw (David "Niib" Aubid), renowned storyteller from East Lake, said "The most important thing for you to remember is one thing. Don't ever give up."
Last weekend, as they've done for more generations than there are records, Ojibwe descendents gathered for aadizookeng - wintertime storytelling which can be told only at night when there is snow on the ground.
The fifth annual Ojibwe Language Symposium at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College attracted close to 200 participants from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, and Canada Feb. 2-4.
Arne and Ivy Vainio shared my table during the feast. They said conferences like this one are important because they bring the community together to learn the stories of our people.
"Hearin...
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