Migration & Origins
Where did the Ojibwe originally live before they began their migration?
Near the Atlantic Ocean.
What kind of shelter did the Ojibwe live in?
Wigwams.
How did the Ojibwe’s way of life change with the seasons?
Their food and activities changed with each season.
What is the Ojibwe migration story about?
Their journey west from the ocean to Lake Superior.
What does it mean that the Ojibwe were “people on the move”?
They often moved with the seasons.
What ocean was near their first homeland?
The Atlantic Ocean.
What natural material was commonly used to cover their homes?
Birch bark.
What food was important to the Ojibwe during the fall?
Wild rice.
Who first wrote down the Ojibwe’s oral history in a book?
William Warren.
Why was the Ojibwe migration an important part of their identity?
It tells where they came from and why they live here.
Along which river did the Ojibwe travel during their migration?
The St. Lawrence River.
Why were wigwams practical for a people who moved often?
Easy to build, take down, and carry.
Which food was harvested in the spring from trees?
Maple sugar/sap.
What was William Warren’s background?
His father was European American; his mother was French Ojibwe.
How did the Ojibwe adapt to the new lands they settled in?
They used the forests, lakes, and animals for survival.
Which large lakes did they travel around on their journey west?
The Great Lakes.
Name two types of natural resources the Ojibwe used daily.
Wood and water (also birch bark, fish, wild rice).
What activity was common in the summer months?
Fishing, berry picking, and gatherings.
Why is oral tradition important for the Ojibwe?
To pass history and culture to the next generation.
What are some examples of Ojibwe sovereignty (self-rule)?
Making their own decisions and living by their traditions.
Where did the Ojibwe eventually settle?
Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Why were the Ojibwe called “people of the woods and water”?
They lived in forests and near lakes/rivers.
What did the Ojibwe do in winter to survive the cold?
Hunted animals and lived in warm wigwams.
How do stories help us understand Ojibwe history?
They explain beliefs and preserve history.
Why is it important to study the Ojibwe today?
To understand Minnesota history and respect their culture.