GIIZHIK // CEDAR // Botanical Tote Bag

100% of profits donated to Anishinaabek Youth | Georgian Bay Biosphere (gbbr.ca)

With the support and encouragement of local Anishinaabek youth, the Anishinaabemowin translation is now included. Anishinaabemowin is one of many indigenous languages spoken with Anishinaabek Territory (Georgian Bay-Muskoka) and beyond. Giizhik (Cedar) is of great importance for many indigenous cultures, as it is also called Nookoomis Giizhik, or Grandmother Cedar. It is important to remember that the plants have names with great meaning, stories and tradition. They had these names long before new ones were asserted upon them. 

 Botanical tote bag with cedar design by http://www.melcoleman.ca/ and hand screenprinted by https://www.northofmuskoka.com/

More about GBAY- Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth:

The Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth (GBAY) is an Indigenous youth-led initiative in partnership with the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB). GBAY works to support Indigenous youth along the rivers and eastern shore of Mnidoo Gamii (Georgian Bay). GBAY is located in Parry Sound, Ontario – within the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850.

Anishinaabe ininemowin (thought/philosophy) is the foundation of GBAY. The projects and programming are connected to Anishinaabe aadziwin (cultural land-based learning). The goal of GBAY is to create safe spaces for Indigenous youth to build strong community and cultural connections.

The multitude of projects, programming, and partnerships of the initiative are examples of Indigenous innovation. In an era of reconciliation, it is necessary for Indigenous youth to see their realities as caretakers of the land reflected throughout Mnidoo-Gamii. It is a human right for Anishinaabek youth to be Anishinaabe.

Instagram: GeorgianBay Anishinaabek Youth (@gbanishinaabekyouth) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: (20+) Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth | Facebook

To learn more about Anishinaabemowin:

anishinaabemowin (ni) | The Ojibwe People's Dictionary (umn.edu)

Anishinaabemowin: Ojibwe Language | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Yearning to learn Ojibwe - Macleans.ca

Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do Is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings by Mary Siisip Geniusz / Birchbark Books & Native Arts