Mino Bimaadiziwin
Join Us for a FREE, Five-Part Series Exploring Anishinaabe Worldview, Teachings & Storytelling Based on the Four Directions
The Sophia Hilton Foundation of Canada and Ganaraska Conservation are pleased to present this five-part speakers series, featuring:
Dr. Jennifer Meness,
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation & Professor of Indigenous Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.
This series also features an intimate gallery setting with stunning textile art created by Master Anishinaabe Quilt Designer Alice Williams from Red Lake First Nation and will take place in the Ganaraska Millennium Building (south-eastern building) at 2216 County Road 28, Port Hope.
Space is limited, please use the Reserve Ticket buttons to secure your spot(s) for each event.
Nanabush: Hero, Trickster, Friend
7–8 p.m., March 25, 2026 – FREE
Join us for an evening of storytelling and discussion featuring the Anishinaabe hero and trickster, Nanabush.
Through his antics, we learn the consequences of our actions and what happens when we are out of balance. Nanabush stories teach us about our relationship to creation and our place in the natural world.
Waabanong (East)
7–8 p.m., April 8, 2026 – FREE
In the Eastern direction sits stories about birth, spring, and creation.
Hear teachings from this direction as we explore this first cycle of life. From our creation in the stars and being lowered to earth, to the way we received our clans, this session focuses on life and our responsibilities as the "Good Beings" on earth.
Zhaawanong (South)
7–8 p.m., April 22, 2026 – FREE
From the Southern direction we learn about the cycle of youth and summer. Summer to Anishinaabe people includes Powwow.
How does powwow relate to smoke and dreaming? How does the Jingle Dress Dance relate to the Thunder Beings? If you think you already know powwow, you will be surprised! Join us for teachings from the Southern direction and hear old knowledge about Powwow revived through the sound-based philosophy in the Anishinaabe language.
Gaabi'anong (West)
7–8 p.m., May 6, 2026 – FREE
As we continue the cycle of the sun and life, we come to the Western direction that teaches us about maturity and being prepared for winter.
The West teaches us about relationships and responsibilities in our role as adults. Through traditional stories and characters such as Pauguk the rattling skeleton, the three women who dreamed of marrying stars, and a story about a mermaid, we can learn about love and the balance between men and women.
Giiwedinong (North)
7–8 p.m., May 20, 2026 – FREE
North is the direction of Elderhood, winter, wisdom, and spirit.
This session explores our relationship with Elders, knowledge, and the Anishinaabe worldview on transitioning from this life into Spirit. Learn how the Round Dance is both social and ceremonial and the embodiment of our connection to Spirit and Ancestors.
