Gichi-Manidoo-Giizis January Art by Patrick Ross Research completed by Endaanis Feather January is the hardest time of year to get food because of scarceness of game. A majority of the work was done indoors. Storytelling took place during this moon and many people gave thanks for renewing of the new year.

Namebini-Giizis February Research completed by Delayna Jones This moon recognizes how the Sucker fish gave up it's life for the month of February to feed Indian people. It is during this time that the Indians cut holes in the ice to provide fresh air for the fish to breathe. Fishermen speared only enough fish needed to feed their families and the sucker fish are revered during this month.

Onaabani-Giizis March Research completed by Temara Harrison The more northern tribes knew this as the Full Crow Moon. Seeing the first crow appear into the winter camp was a sign that warmer weather is near and signaled that it was time to move into the sugar-bush. Crust on the snow occurs when the nights are at freezing and the day time temperature is just above freezing. The continual freezing and thawing forms crust on the snow.

Iskigamizige-Giizis April Completed by Alayna Iceman April is when the Anishinaabe boil maple sap into sugar. When the Ojibwe people saw the arrival of the first crow appear into the winter camp they became happy because it meant warm weather is here and it was time to move to the sugar-bush.

Zaagibagaa-Giizis May Rosella Iceman The fifth moon of creation is flower moon where all plants display their spiritual sides for all the world to see. This life giving energy is one of the most powerful healing medicines on mother earth. During this moon we are encouraged to explore our own spiritual essences.

Ode' imini-Giizis June Abby Hart That is when strawberries begin to ripen. The medicine of the strawberry is reconciliation. It is during this cycle that communities held their annual feasts, welcoming everyone home, regardless of their differences over the past year, letting go of judgement or self righteousness. The strawberry is also considered a healthy berry for the heart.

Abitaa-Niibini-Giizis July Research comleted by Kaitlyn Brown The seventh moon of creation is the half-way summer moon, it is when great changes begin. It is during this time that we harvest the ripening berries of summer and dry them for winter months. We use our knowledge of plants for medicine and berries for seasoning during this season and show our appreciation by preparing a feast for our harvests.

Manoominike-giizis August Research completed by Kailynn Raincloud The eighth moon of creation is the wild rice or good berry moon. Good berry refers to the shape of the strawberry which is shaped like a human heart. Wild rice is very good for the heart and if you want biimidiziwin then manoomin should be part of your diet.

Waatebagaa-Giizis September Native people have always been great observers of nature and have been able to predict when things occur at certain times of the year. September is when the leaves turn color and the beginning of the Fall season. Game is hunted, dried and stored away for the winter camp.

Binaakwe-Giizis October Completed by Keyaylah White A close relative to the Ojibwe are the Cree. The Cree call the full moon in October the moon of the falling leaves and say this is the time to stow the tools and to put the garden to bed for winter. When the leaves fall to the ground you can see the nests of summer.

Gashkadino-Giizis November By Marlana Kingbird The moons are named after things found or observed in nature. Fishermen looked forward to November to see when the lakes freeze over so they can ice fish to feed their families.

Manidoo-Giizisoons December The twelfth moon creation is the little spirit moon, a time of healing by receiving both vision of the spirits and bimaadiziwin good health or living a good life. We may walk the Red road with purest of intentions and we can share this most positive energy with our families. Photo:May Full Moon over Little Cedar Spirit Tree Photo by Paul Sundberg