Boozhoo-Greetings,
People think that boozhoo is a French word, an Ojibwe greeting taken from bonjour. However, it is not. Nanaboozho was given a top notch job from the Great Spirit. Many friends tell me, that I should share many of my stories. So, I will do so.
Ahkewenzee Gah Be boon ee keyn, old man winter maker is now this moon of April, fighting to keep his white blanket on the ground of our Mother Earth. It warms up, his white blanket is gone, and all the trees watch with great hopes that Old Man Winter has gone home. Then again and again he comes back putting his white blanket of snow on the ground. Finally he leaves to his home (gee way dinoong ohdah kee men awn), the cold land of the North.
The trees begin to bud, the birds in their old order return home amongst us. Leaves are slowly growing on the trees. The animals take off their winter coats. New foods in the forest are now coming of life. In the woods all of nature smiles, and say yes, yes, she is here, “See gwun,” the beautiful lady of spring. Even the crane sitting deep in his swamp sounds out in agreement “See gwun” then lays down her green blanket on the ground.
Mother Earth sighs with relief. The loons return, put their new baby on their back as they swim around in happiness. All smile and sound out in relief, that Old Man Winter has finished his job and headed home.
Yes, she is here, our beautiful lady of spring, “See gwun.”
I have friends and know some families who have a daughter born in spring, named “See gwun.” Yes, life goes on with the stories of our people.
William “Billy” Blackwell
Grand Portage
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