Freezing Up Moon
11th Moon - November Freezing Up Moon (Mshkawji Giizis):
This is a time of preparation for winter and the earth and creatures are preparing to fast and slow down. Communities prepare for the season of scarcity by turning to spiritual teachings, songs, and stories.
Other Names for this Moon: Whitefish Moon (Algonquin), Frost Moon (Cree, Assiniboine), Digging Moon (Tlingit)
"The winter months are an important time of year for the Anishinaabeg. Once snow has fallen, stories are told around the fire. It is important to share traditional knowledge for a variety of reasons. Stories to teach lessons, to remember the year, to reflect upon what to keep or change for the year to come. " Deb Milliken, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Thinking About Cedar:
Join Elders Deb and Barry Milliken, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, as they tell us about the cedar tree. Learn about the tradition of making cedar wreaths along with traditional knowledge about cedar as a medicine, and the roles of family members during the winter months with artist and storyteller Moses Lunham, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. Learn about cedar, it’s uses, and it’s importance.
Cedar Storytelling SessionDerek Sands, Bkejwanong Territory, Indigital Films, captured this Cedar video in partnership with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board & Deb and Barry Millken and Moses Lunham, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
This Cedar video may be viewed in its entirety or viewed in two-three parts:
Part 1: The story of the cedar tree (0.00 - 10.49);
Part 2: Traditional Knowledge shared and the process of making a wreath (10:50 - 38.03) (there is also a nice break at 25.04 which transitions from collecting materials to creating the wreath).
Learning FROM the Land
Get Involved in the Learning and Creating!
Go outside and find a cedar tree.
Explore and ask questions.
Gather natural materials as you connect with being outside.
Create a natural materials found art piece in response to the story of the Cedar Tree shared by Deb and Barry Milliken
Create your own cedar wreath or centerpiece or wall display
Explore the changes happening in nature at this time of year.
Learning IN & FROM all of Creation
Anishinabek Curriculum Enhancement Resources
Turtle Calendar 6 to 8.pdfThe Turtle Tells Us About the Calendar
Science: Elements, Grades K- 4
Elements K to 4.pdf
Science: Elements, Grades 5 - 8
Elements Grade 5 to 8.pdf
Trees & Plants: Understanding the Various Gifts of Plants and Animals from the Indigenous Perspective, Grades 7-8 Science, Language, Geography, & Anishinaabemowin
KEB-resources-trees-and-plants.pdf