Traditions Live on in District II

**Storyteller David “Niib” Aubid entertains the crowd in Chiminising.**

By AMIKOGAABAWIIKWE, ADRIENNE BENJAMIN

On Wednesday, January 11, community members in the Chiminising community were treated to an evening of good food and even better laughs at the first Family Fun Night event of the year. District II Representative Wendy Merrill hosted a storytelling event with a potluck which included a best dish contest. When asked why she wanted to host these events, Merrill said, “I wanted more involvement in the communities and to just bring everyone together. I also invited all districts and our friends in the broader community as well so that no one felt excluded. We always aim to serve our Band members, but we have many folks in the communities who may not be Band members but are our friends, loved ones, and even allies. I want to bring everyone together around issues, not turn away. Everyone’s input and thoughts are important. It’s also important to just have fun with each other in our community as well, and this particular evening was a great opportunity for that.”

There were three different categories for the potluck contest: Appetizer, Main Dish, and Dessert. For fairness, the event was judged by folks from other districts, George Morrow, Richard Hill, and Rebecca Churchill.

Here is the list of winners and the list of folks you might want to invite to your next get-together:

• Appetizer: Chicken Nachos by Raina Killspotted

• Main Dish: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Soup by Taria Aubid

• Dessert: Brownies by District III Ge-niigaanizijig Youth

After the delightful meal, folks settled in to hear traditional winter stories by treasured Minisinaakwaang Elder, David “Niib” Aubid. Niib told a handful of joyful stories to a curious and entranced crowd of all ages. During one story, Niib walked around the crowd and handed out golden foil “rocks” to young people in the crowd. Inside of them were beautiful paper butterflies with large wings that could be placed on a finger like a ring. Kids were flying their butterflies around the gym as Niib continued his story. It was an adorable sight.

Niib is truly a gifted and animated storyteller who understands the language level of his crowd. His storytelling style is one of a true teacher and caretaker of the language, who through the actions and theatrics of his performance gave the audience confidence in their ability to understand what was happening and quick bilingual translations to keep up as well. He invited participation in song and in parts of the stories where there were repeated phrases, and he challenged the audience to some simple Ojibwe translations. Of course, as is customary with these stories, there is always a lesson to be learned. Niib missed no steps in hammering his points and life lessons home whether through humor or props. If you ever have the opportunity to see Niib at a storytelling event, make it a priority for you and your family. You won’t be disappointed, and you might even gain some unexpected confidence in your Ojibwe language knowledge and learning potential.

The list of some of those stories is as follows: (printed and written with permission from Niib)

• The Gift of the Feather

• The Legend of the Four Directions featuring Nazhike-awaasanang, Zhaawanesii, and Giwedinobinesii.

• Dancing with Closed Eyes

• Ojiiganang the Fisher Star Constellation