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The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway
The Ojibway is one of the largest groups of Native Americans, belonging to the Anishinabe people of what is today the northern United States and Canada. The Mishomis Book documents the history, traditions, and culture of the Ojibway people through stories and myths passed down through generations. Written by Ojibway educator and spiritual leader Edward Benton-Banai, and first published in 1988, The Mishomis Book draws from the traditional teachings of tribal elders to instruct young readers about Ojibway creation stories and legends, the origin and importance of the Ojibway family structure and clan system, the Midewiwin religion, the construction and use of the water drum and sweat lodge, and modern Ojibway history.
Written for readers from all cultures—but especially for Ojibway and Native youth—The Mishomis Book provides an introduction to Ojibway culture and an understanding of the sacred Midewiwin teachings, aiming to protect this knowledge by instilling its importance in a new generation. Encouraging the preservation of a way of life that is centered on respect for all living things, these vibrant stories about life, self, community, and relationship to nature are just as relevant to the modern reader as they were hundreds of years ago.
Written for readers from all cultures—but especially for Ojibway and Native youth—The Mishomis Book provides an introduction to Ojibway culture and an understanding of the sacred Midewiwin teachings, aiming to protect this knowledge by instilling its importance in a new generation. Encouraging the preservation of a way of life that is centered on respect for all living things, these vibrant stories about life, self, community, and relationship to nature are just as relevant to the modern reader as they were hundreds of years ago.
114 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1988
30 people are currently reading
840 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 9, 2010
This book was an excellent and insightful look into ojibway history and culture, from the perspective of the ojibway people. I conisder reading this to be an important learning experience that I feel has helped me get in touch with my culture.
May 22, 2013
"The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway," by Edward Benton-Banai is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that translates hundreds of years of Native American oral tradition into a format that is accessible to just about anyone. Broken up into fifteen distinct chapters, the book recounts the creation of the universe, Earth, animals, and man while exploring the origins of Ojibway government, religion, and the importance of balance in nature and in human life. It is respectfully told from the perspective of a wise grandfather (Mishomis) and is interwoven with key vocabulary, explanations of cultural objects, and gentle context cues that recap main ideas from previous chapters. The book gently instructs and welcomes all who wish to hear the tales.
Mishomis is clear from the start that he is “preparing this place [the contemporary world] to be a place of rebirth for traditional Indian ways” (1) and that “together, we can begin the journey back to find what many of our people left by the trail” (2). Readers later come to discover that Ojibway prophets hundreds of years ago foretold of the arrival of a “Light-skinned Race,” a subsequent military attack on Indian people “aimed at taking away their land and their independence as a free and sovereign people” (91), and a time when a New People would emerge and “retrace their steps to find what was left by the trail” (93). The author is clearly one of the New People, devoted to teaching the young and dedicated to the hope for a future that is respectful of nature, one that allows for the strengthening of traditional Native American culture and values.
One of the traditional values that is frequently highlighted is the importance of mutual respect between a man and a woman. Mother Earth is a woman who is to be protected and treated with respect by Original Man. Additionally, “the power to change the Creation should lie only in the hands of Mother Earth and the Creator” (55). When Original Man finds his mate, he learns that “The most important thing that bound Anishinabe and the Firekeeper’s Daughter was the feeling of ma-na’-ji-win’ (respect) that they shared between them. This foundation of respect was to be very important to guide future unions between men and women” (22). When men and women started to lose that respect for one another, a flood (reminiscent of the Epic of Gilgamesh or Noah’s Arc) was sent to purify the Earth. After the flood, the spirit of Original Man learns that the moon is a woman, the counterpart to the Sun (a man). “Alone, man is backwards and undeveloped. He needs the light that woman gives to make him whole” (37). The idea of the importance of mutual respect between a man and woman is again described in the form of a solar eclipse, “to remind all women and men of their responsibility to each other even in the midst of all their earthly tasks” (39). Seeing how important this idea of mutual respect is, I am even more saddened by the way that Native American social structures and gender roles were disrupted with the advent of colonization.
Three symbols from the text jumped out at me. I was first struck by the characterization of the whirlwind, whose job is to help keep humans from trying too hard to find fulfillment in life. “My purpose is to tease those who take themselves too seriously” (54). I am reminded of how easy it is for humans to feel overwhelmed, as if we’re spinning in a whirlwind. In the words of Mishomis, “If we try too hard to make the right decisions in life we might miss important signs that could lead us to the proper fork in life’s path” (54).
The second symbol was that of a choice between “two roads,” possibly “the road to technology and road to spiritualism” that would need to be chosen by the Light-skinned Race (93). The correct road would light “an eternal Fire of peace, love, brotherhood and sisterhood” and the wrong road would “cause death to all the Earth’s people” (93). This chapter certainly places a great deal of responsibility upon people outside of the Ojibway tribe. I understand the reasons for that, but it leaves me feeling more than a little worried.
The third symbol was that of the buffalo, “guardian to Indian people everywhere” (112), left standing on only one foot, “striving as best he can so that indian people might have a future in this world (113). Mishomis’ sincere invitation to readers, Native American children in particular, to help support the Buffalo in his efforts to stand on all four legs reminded me of how important future generations (Ojibway or not) are to the future of this story.
Mishomis is clear from the start that he is “preparing this place [the contemporary world] to be a place of rebirth for traditional Indian ways” (1) and that “together, we can begin the journey back to find what many of our people left by the trail” (2). Readers later come to discover that Ojibway prophets hundreds of years ago foretold of the arrival of a “Light-skinned Race,” a subsequent military attack on Indian people “aimed at taking away their land and their independence as a free and sovereign people” (91), and a time when a New People would emerge and “retrace their steps to find what was left by the trail” (93). The author is clearly one of the New People, devoted to teaching the young and dedicated to the hope for a future that is respectful of nature, one that allows for the strengthening of traditional Native American culture and values.
One of the traditional values that is frequently highlighted is the importance of mutual respect between a man and a woman. Mother Earth is a woman who is to be protected and treated with respect by Original Man. Additionally, “the power to change the Creation should lie only in the hands of Mother Earth and the Creator” (55). When Original Man finds his mate, he learns that “The most important thing that bound Anishinabe and the Firekeeper’s Daughter was the feeling of ma-na’-ji-win’ (respect) that they shared between them. This foundation of respect was to be very important to guide future unions between men and women” (22). When men and women started to lose that respect for one another, a flood (reminiscent of the Epic of Gilgamesh or Noah’s Arc) was sent to purify the Earth. After the flood, the spirit of Original Man learns that the moon is a woman, the counterpart to the Sun (a man). “Alone, man is backwards and undeveloped. He needs the light that woman gives to make him whole” (37). The idea of the importance of mutual respect between a man and woman is again described in the form of a solar eclipse, “to remind all women and men of their responsibility to each other even in the midst of all their earthly tasks” (39). Seeing how important this idea of mutual respect is, I am even more saddened by the way that Native American social structures and gender roles were disrupted with the advent of colonization.
Three symbols from the text jumped out at me. I was first struck by the characterization of the whirlwind, whose job is to help keep humans from trying too hard to find fulfillment in life. “My purpose is to tease those who take themselves too seriously” (54). I am reminded of how easy it is for humans to feel overwhelmed, as if we’re spinning in a whirlwind. In the words of Mishomis, “If we try too hard to make the right decisions in life we might miss important signs that could lead us to the proper fork in life’s path” (54).
The second symbol was that of a choice between “two roads,” possibly “the road to technology and road to spiritualism” that would need to be chosen by the Light-skinned Race (93). The correct road would light “an eternal Fire of peace, love, brotherhood and sisterhood” and the wrong road would “cause death to all the Earth’s people” (93). This chapter certainly places a great deal of responsibility upon people outside of the Ojibway tribe. I understand the reasons for that, but it leaves me feeling more than a little worried.
The third symbol was that of the buffalo, “guardian to Indian people everywhere” (112), left standing on only one foot, “striving as best he can so that indian people might have a future in this world (113). Mishomis’ sincere invitation to readers, Native American children in particular, to help support the Buffalo in his efforts to stand on all four legs reminded me of how important future generations (Ojibway or not) are to the future of this story.
May 14, 2012
This was given to me by a student at the Community and Tribal College I work at. This book does a great job of explaining Native(focus on Ojibwe) customs, beliefs, and history.
February 22, 2021
This book is a collection of Ojibwe beliefs and traditions handed down from elders. Each section tells of the culture, history and traditions of the Ojibwe people. Different sections include the Seven Fires Prophecy, the Clan System, and the Ojibwe Creation Story. The book is written so well, pitched at a level that both children and adults can enjoy and learn from, with accompanying illustrations.
April 23, 2024
Such a beautiful and important book 🧡
January 4, 2025
Definitely not only a kids book. A treasure trove of Indigenous knowledge from the creation story to procedure and protocols around relationships and healing
December 21, 2025
I loved reading the traditions and teachings of my people! I never heard some of these, as I’m slowing finding my roots, I suggest everyone read!
November 11, 2024
1. The Ojibway Creation story
2. Original Man walks the Earth
3. Original Man and his Grandmother Nokomis
4. The Earth’s First People
5. The Great Flood
6. Waynaboozhoo and the Search for His Father
7. Waynaboozhoo and His Return to the People
8. The Seven Grandfathers and the Little Boy
9. The Old Man and the First Midewiwin Ceremony
10. The Clan System
11. The Pipe and the Eagle
12. The Sweat Lodge
13. The Seven Fires
14. The Migration of the Anishinabe
15. Conclusion: stepping into Modern History
Beautiful book-making with rich textured paper and line drawings that made me want to sharpen my colored pencils and color them in. (I see that a coloring book does exist.) The writing style is a grandfather (Mishomis) and grandmother (Nokomis) telling us stories and teaching the values of their culture. Separating syllables and marking accents in occasional Ojibwe words made them easier to read and a great contribution to making the stories feel like a real grandfather was sharing them with us.
In the creation story, Original Man (named Anishinabe) is placed on Mother Earth (as opposed to being made from clay in Genesis or crawling from a hole in the earth in SW Indian traditions) where he marries the daughter of the Firekeeper (presumably a spirit being?). Their four sons go off in the four directions, receive gifts of sweetgrass, tobacco, cedar and sage, learn about the world, and marry the daughters of the four doorkeepers of the directions. There is a flood story as in Genesis. In both the Creator sends the overwhelming waters to purify the land from the evil humans have done, but here instead of an ark, Waynaboozhoo (a descendant of Anishinabe) saves himself and animals on a giant log and muskrat gives his life to retrieve a bit of earth from which to grow a new land. No account is given of how the earth was repopulated with only one person saved. Presumably others saved themselves in similar ways.
There is much interaction with spirits. In fact, Gitchie Manitou is said to have put spirits— an extension of himself—in everything. The traditional values presented here (wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth) would make for a beautiful and peaceful life if humans were capable of living them out, which neither the Light-skinned People nor Indians do. Not surprising given the history of Black Coats (Jesuits) and abusive church-related Indian schools, Christianity is totally rejected.
I have read accounts of the Anishinabe migration from the east coast that sounded like historical fact without referring to any archaeological or documentable evidence. This book treats the account as oral history and refers to where and when such a migration may have taken place.
2. Original Man walks the Earth
3. Original Man and his Grandmother Nokomis
4. The Earth’s First People
5. The Great Flood
6. Waynaboozhoo and the Search for His Father
7. Waynaboozhoo and His Return to the People
8. The Seven Grandfathers and the Little Boy
9. The Old Man and the First Midewiwin Ceremony
10. The Clan System
11. The Pipe and the Eagle
12. The Sweat Lodge
13. The Seven Fires
14. The Migration of the Anishinabe
15. Conclusion: stepping into Modern History
Beautiful book-making with rich textured paper and line drawings that made me want to sharpen my colored pencils and color them in. (I see that a coloring book does exist.) The writing style is a grandfather (Mishomis) and grandmother (Nokomis) telling us stories and teaching the values of their culture. Separating syllables and marking accents in occasional Ojibwe words made them easier to read and a great contribution to making the stories feel like a real grandfather was sharing them with us.
In the creation story, Original Man (named Anishinabe) is placed on Mother Earth (as opposed to being made from clay in Genesis or crawling from a hole in the earth in SW Indian traditions) where he marries the daughter of the Firekeeper (presumably a spirit being?). Their four sons go off in the four directions, receive gifts of sweetgrass, tobacco, cedar and sage, learn about the world, and marry the daughters of the four doorkeepers of the directions. There is a flood story as in Genesis. In both the Creator sends the overwhelming waters to purify the land from the evil humans have done, but here instead of an ark, Waynaboozhoo (a descendant of Anishinabe) saves himself and animals on a giant log and muskrat gives his life to retrieve a bit of earth from which to grow a new land. No account is given of how the earth was repopulated with only one person saved. Presumably others saved themselves in similar ways.
There is much interaction with spirits. In fact, Gitchie Manitou is said to have put spirits— an extension of himself—in everything. The traditional values presented here (wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth) would make for a beautiful and peaceful life if humans were capable of living them out, which neither the Light-skinned People nor Indians do. Not surprising given the history of Black Coats (Jesuits) and abusive church-related Indian schools, Christianity is totally rejected.
I have read accounts of the Anishinabe migration from the east coast that sounded like historical fact without referring to any archaeological or documentable evidence. This book treats the account as oral history and refers to where and when such a migration may have taken place.
October 13, 2022
This book explains Ojibway spiritual beliefs, history, language, and legends in short lessons. I learned a lot from this! These would make great bedtime or campfire stories for elementary age kids. I remember in 4th grade (ages 9-10) learning about our state’s history and this would be a great tie-in. I think that there is a coloring book that goes along with this as the illustrations are simple line drawings.
The purpose of this book feels by-Indigenous-for-other-Indigenous, yet it also feels important for other groups to learn and revere the ways and culture of the people many White ancestors did their best to exterminate. We can’t undo the evils committed in the past, but we can do our best to listen, learn, and respect now. And encourage! Encourage these kinds of things to be written, shared, discussed, compared, and celebrated!
I enjoy learning more about the tribes who first settled Michigan. Lots of places in Michigan still hold their Ojibway names! I can feel a kinship, as I grew up here and am tied to this land too. Otters, turtles, shells, lakes, the gossiping of blue jays, the many gifts cedar trees provide... I find it easy to understand how people can view these things as sacred. My ancestors too are from the Great Salt Water. (My grandfather’s people were the Lenni Lenape.) I have a lot to learn, so children’s nonfiction books provide a good overview to get started.
The purpose of this book feels by-Indigenous-for-other-Indigenous, yet it also feels important for other groups to learn and revere the ways and culture of the people many White ancestors did their best to exterminate. We can’t undo the evils committed in the past, but we can do our best to listen, learn, and respect now. And encourage! Encourage these kinds of things to be written, shared, discussed, compared, and celebrated!
I enjoy learning more about the tribes who first settled Michigan. Lots of places in Michigan still hold their Ojibway names! I can feel a kinship, as I grew up here and am tied to this land too. Otters, turtles, shells, lakes, the gossiping of blue jays, the many gifts cedar trees provide... I find it easy to understand how people can view these things as sacred. My ancestors too are from the Great Salt Water. (My grandfather’s people were the Lenni Lenape.) I have a lot to learn, so children’s nonfiction books provide a good overview to get started.
December 11, 2017
This book is well written and quite informative. It combines creativity and cultural tradition all in one. I was happy that it included some Ojibway in it, as in the language, and did my best to try to pronounce them. I love the artwork as well, the entire book is quite well put together. It was intriguing to learn more about Ojibway culture and their beliefs. I recommend if anyone can get their hands on this book, it might be difficult to find, that they do read it. Though do keep in mind that there are many different Creation stories among the Indigenous people [as there are a vast variety of different Indigenous cultures] and even among Ojibway clans and tribes the stories might differ a little. This book perfectly amalgamates the traditional Ojibway of oral story telling, and also including ways in which to carry ones self, to act with each other, and how to treat nature, which so heavily is ingrained within Ojibway teachings.
July 1, 2025
I remember reading something from Eastman (Ohiyesa) about how children would have loving teachers who cared for them, which understanding makes knowing about the abuse at residential schools even worse.
This book is attempts to recreate that experience, with the kind voice of a grandfather and grandmother giving the history and beliefs of the Anishinabe.
Valuable on its own for that, but also some very interesting things, like mentioning before the creatio of the Earth a hot planet, cloudy planet, and a cold planet, possibly sounding like Venus and Mercury and perhaps Mars. Good be a good part of a comparative religions course, as well as for history.
This book is attempts to recreate that experience, with the kind voice of a grandfather and grandmother giving the history and beliefs of the Anishinabe.
Valuable on its own for that, but also some very interesting things, like mentioning before the creatio of the Earth a hot planet, cloudy planet, and a cold planet, possibly sounding like Venus and Mercury and perhaps Mars. Good be a good part of a comparative religions course, as well as for history.
December 18, 2020
Don't let the presentation of this book fool you: while designed for Ojibway and other Indigenous youth, it is a solid introduction to traditional Ojibway teachings for anyone who wants to learn. And Edward Benton-Banai links these teachings together into an organic whole. Anyone who reads this cannot help but recognize how much we have lost of a sense of the sacred. Now, more than ever, is the time to recover it, and with it, to begin to bring wholeness and healing into our relationships with each other and all creation.
January 8, 2022
I am a novel reader when it comes to the themes of indigenous people’s way of life in the Northern America. Through this book, the author presents how the way of indigenous communities live is the antithesis of colonial capitalism, from the early 1.000 AD to today’s modern world. This is an inspiring and moving book for all of us amid our doubt about what modern capitalism could really deliver its premise of prosperity instead of poverty.
February 7, 2019
This is a great read that summarizes the key teachings of the Ojibway people. I recommend for adults or children who are interested in learning more. The artwork is very well done, and children could colour the pages if they desired.
January 28, 2020
This is a kids book, meant to introduce children to the Anishnaabe creation stories. It was a good introduction for sure, and it's written like mythology. I'm probably ready for a grown up book about the same stuff.
February 11, 2022
I really enjoyed reading these Ojibway stories/myths. This book has really taught me a lot about Indigenous culture and is a most poignant read considering the events in Canada last summer. I loved the tone of the book throughout and the illustrations were an added bonus.
May 1, 2023
So hard to rate. I know this book isn’t written for me. I read it to better understand the origin stories of some of the Native folks in my region.
Both deeply moving and also repetitive - because that is storytelling!
Both deeply moving and also repetitive - because that is storytelling!
March 20, 2024
Another magnificent read, I was lucky enough to have a dear friend gift me her copy that her grandfather gave to her. The teachings & history in this book are very amazing and beautiful. It tells of resilience, wisdom, courage, love, humility, loss, and sadness.
September 13, 2024
This has been on my book list for some time and when I discovered it at a bookstore in Bayfield WI I knew it was time. The Mishomis Book provides an undistorted account of the Ojibwe culture history and philosophy( bringing our teachings back to our life and daily practices.
December 30, 2024
This is a collection of lessons on Ojibway religion, history, and culture from a member of the tribe. Is is very well written and easy to read! I'm glad that I got to learn more about the tribes that live in my area.
April 20, 2025
This is a great collection of tales. Some I'm familiar with and some are new to me. I like the way the stories are told - like someone is telling them to you in person. Would recommend if you want an intro to some of these tales.
May 25, 2018
The legends of the Ojibwe are very interesting.
September 4, 2019
Review to Come
Book read for Native American History class.
Book read for Native American History class.
January 22, 2021
I appreciate how much I learned in this book, and was surprised at how deeply some of the words resonated.
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January 27, 2021Read for a class and it was very informative and engaging :)
April 28, 2021
Chi Miigwech
December 17, 2021
Really helpful for understanding the creation stories and some practices of the anishanaabe.
April 6, 2022
Beautiful account of traditional teachings. Love the incorporation of Ojibway words with phoentic spelling.
December 24, 2025
This book provides insight to creation stories that guide the people. It is a must read for people of all ages seeking a balance in life.
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January 28, 2023❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews