On November 4, the Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) celebrated Baashkaakodin Giizis, the Freezing Moon, with Full Moon Ceremonies at both our Munsee-Delaware and Nipissing campuses. These gatherings were a time to honour the season, feast our Ancestors, and reflect on the sacred connection women hold with the moon. Though separated by distance, both ceremonies carried shared teachings, prayers, and a sense of togetherness under the same moon.

Munsee-Delaware Campus Ceremony with Elder Mary Lou Smoke

At Munsee-Delaware, Elder Mary Lou Smoke led a ceremony focused on the Freezing Moon as a time when Anishinaabeg feast our Ancestors. She shared teachings about the 13-moon cycle, explaining that while all Anishinaabeg follow this cycle, moon names can vary regionally based on seasonal changes. Mary Lou also spoke about the traditional role of women as water carriers and protectors, noting the moon’s influence on water and women’s purification cycles.

The ceremony began with smudging using the four sacred medicines and bear root, setting intentions for the evening. Participants held tobacco throughout the ceremony, later offering it to the sacred fire to carry prayers to the spirit world. Songs and drumming filled the space, including the Anishinaabe Welcome Song, Water Song, Spirit Bear Song, and Migizi Song. Each participant introduced themselves and was encouraged to share gratitude and prayers aloud, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Although 12 people attended in person, Mary Lou reminded us that her late husband Dan-baa, whose passing anniversary was that day, was present in spirit. His presence added a profound layer of meaning to the ceremony. The evening closed with a feast, leaving everyone uplifted and connected.

Nipissing Campus Ceremony with Elder Carol Twance

At Nipissing, Elder Carol Twance welcomed participants through the Eastern door and opened with a rattle song. Each person received tobacco and a yellow prayer ribbon, symbolizing offerings and intentions. Carol explained that tobacco is the first plant given by the Creator and remains central to prayer, while the ribbon holds participants’ prayers to be returned to the earth or hung on a tree.

Carol spoke about the moon’s connection to women and led the ceremony with her sacred bundle, which included her pipe, strawberries, and a copper kettle of sacred water. Participants shared prayers, sang the Water Song, and received sacred water in copper cups, strengthening their connection to the moon. Carol also shared teachings about strawberries, noting that even the leaves can be eaten because they hold medicine or can be offered to the fire.

The ceremony concluded with prayers in the Four Directions and a shared feast, leaving participants spiritually nourished and deeply connected.

Unity Under the Freezing Moon

Both ceremonies reflected the strength of community, the sacredness of women’s roles, and the importance of honouring the moon and our Ancestors. They reminded us that even across different regions, we are united by shared teachings and traditions.

Miigwech to all participants and a special chii miigwech to our facilitators, Mary Lou Smoke, and Carol & Keith Twance.