The Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Makwa (Bear) Relationship

“The Wisconsin Center for Wildlife and the Wiscosnin Department of Natural Resources invites you to join us for the next seminar in the 2023 CNR Spring Seminar Series! This year’s seminar series, titled “The Science and Culture of Black Bears: Human Perspectives on a Large Carnivore” continues Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 4 pm in room TNR 170 on the UWSP Campus. Waabishkaa Binesikwe (White Thunderbird Woman) presents “The Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Makwa (Bear) Relationship.” Waasbishkaa Binesikwe is a Carnivore Biologist and Graduate Student in Psychology. She is an Ojibwe Tribal Member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. She will be discussing the emotional and spiritual relationship the Anishinaabe tribes share with Makwa (bear). Makwa is regarded as a Gaurdian/Protector within the tribes, and are also protectors or the plant/tree beings on which they depend for food and cover. She will share perspectives on how the understanding of this spiritual connection can help scientific knowledge mature, help protect future bear populations, and ensure tribal viewpoints are respected.