Culture & Traditions

The circle is a scared symbol within the Anishinaabe way of life. The circle reflects the cycles of existence, the interconnection of all beings, and the idea of completeness. With no starting point and no ending point, the circle remains a continuous flow of spirit, energy, and the ongoing path of growth and change.

The medicine wheel uses the scared circle to guide us towards balance within ourselves and harmony within the world around us. Each of the four directions represent a different part of our being. While the center of the circle presents the heart of the journey, it is where we connect with our inner purpose, our spirit and the creator.

The four colors - black, red, yellow, and white hold important teachings that represent diversity, balance, and the gifts of each direction:

East – Yellow (mind ∙ infant ∙ Wind ∙Spring)

·         Teachings:

• • Yellow: Representing the rising sun.
  • East – The direction of the rising sun and representing new beginnings
  • Mind – represents the clarity of our thoughts.
  • Infant – Where new beginnings and potential take root.
  • Wind – Teaches us movement and breath.
  • Spring – The season of renewal, growth, and planting seeds

South – Red (Emotions ∙ Youth ∙ Fire ∙ Summer)

Teachings:

• •  Red: The color of life, blood, vitality, representing passion, love, and the energy that sustains us. 
  • South – The direction of growth, and warmth. Teaching us the importance of taking action, embracing our passions, and developing intelligence.
  •  Emotion: Shows us the value of acting, embracing our passions, and the growth of emotional intelligence.
  • Youth – A time of learning, playing, and discovery.
  •   Fire – Representing warmth, energy, and transformation
  • Summer – A time when life is strong, active, and thriving, reminding us to live with energy and appreciation.

West – Black (Body ∙ Adulthood ∙ Water ∙ Fall)

Teachings:

• • Black: The color of the night sky, the mystery of beginnings, and the place where breams and visions are born.
  • West – Carries the teachings of introspection and reflection which is aligned with the element of water
  •   Body: The body is the vessel which carries us through life.
  • Adulthood – A time of growth, self-discovery, and responsibility. A time when we begin to make choices that shape our path of life.
  •   Water – Shows us to move with flexibility and to honor our emotions.
  • Autumn – A time of change, gathering, preparation and acknowledging the cycle change.

North – White (Spirit ∙ Elder ∙ Earth ∙Winter)

Teachings:

• •  White: Representing the snow in the winter and the stillness that comes with it.
  • North: the direction of wisdom and experience. Teaching us the importance of listening, sharing our knowledge and embracing the natural cycles of life and death.
  • Spirit: The north reminds us of our spiritual roots and our connection to all living beings and teaches us to honor the sacredness of life.
  •  Elder: The stage of life where wisdom is gathered and shared. Elders carry teachings and stories that help guide the community and ensure traditions can continue.
  • Earth: Teaches us the importance of being rooted, steady, and our connection to Mother Earth.
  • Winter: During this season the world slows down, we are then given the opportunity to listen, learn from silence, and connect to the ancestral wisdom.

The source of the word Algonquin is unclear. Some say Algonquin is a name given to us by the French settlers from the Maliseet word, elakómkwik, which means,”they are our relatives/allies.” Others say Algonquin means “at the place of spearing fishes and eels from the bow of a canoe.”

We continue to use Algonquin to describe ourselves and in our language we call ourselves, Omàmiwinini, meaning, “down-river people”. Another common term used to describe ourselves is Anishnabek, meaning “original peoples” or “the good humans.”  Other First Nation people also refer to themselves as Anishnabek, such as the Odawa and Ojibwe.

Algonquins of Pikwakanagan is the only federally registered Algonquin community in Ontario.  In Quebec, there are nine Algonquin communities: Abitibiwinni, Timiskaming, Eagle Village (Kebaouek), Wolf Lake, Long Point (Winneway), Kitcisakik (Grand Lac), Lac Simon, Mitcikinabik Inik (Algonquins of Barriere Lake) and Kitigan Zibi (River Desert) First Nations.

Philosophy

Our philosophy is to only take what you need; give in order to receive; recognize that you are an equal part of all that is; be thankful for everything that you get. Many teachings relate to the Creator. Our teachings are not rigid and can be interpreted in different ways. It is encouraged that each person develops their own special relationship with the Creator. It is this difference, this uniqueness with the Creator that creates meaning.

The Anishinabe Way to Live:

• Treat the earth, and all that dwell upon it, with respect
• Remain close to the Creator
• Show great respect for your fellow beings
• Work together for the benefit of all mankind
• Give assistance and kindness whenever needed
• Do what you know is right
• Look after the well-being of mind and body
• Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good
• Be truthful and honest at all times
• Take full responsibility for your actions