The Anishinaabe people have long inhabited parts of southern Canada and the northern Midwest of the United States. It is believed that seven prophets came to the them with predictions of how their lives would play out according to their prophecies. Many believe that we are now at the time where the Seventh Fire Prophecy will come to fruition.

            The Seventh Fire Prophecy states that New People will emerge to resurrect the Anishinaabe Nation and culture. Additionally, they will have to choose between two paths; one that is green and inviting, the other that is black and charred. In the prophecy, they choose neither and instead turn around to reclaim the wisdom of those before them, and live a traditional Anishinaabe way of life. If they choose the correct road, it will light the Eighth and final Fire, resulting in a life of peace and brotherhood among Turtle Island’s (Earth’s) people. If not, then the destruction that has been brought to this country will come back and cause suffering and death to all of Earth’s people. 

            I interpret this prophecy as a stage of revolution among the millennial and gen-z generations of Anishinaabe and other Native American people throughout the country. Until 1978, openly practicing traditional Native American ceremonies and dances was outlawed in the United States, and many of the country’s Native people were forced into boarding schools stripping them of their language and culture. Because of these laws and the impacts of colonization, many Native Americans were raised without their culture, and have since sought out ways to reconnect with this part of their identity. 

            This series highlights individuals across Michigan who are examples of this, and how these younger generations are putting in the work to save and preserve their traditional culture.