Gaa Bi Kidwaad Maa Nbiising Nishnaabeg:The Stories of the Original People of Lake Nipissing shares the history of Nbissing Nishnaabeg (the people of Nipissing First Nation) from the perspectives of the community, the land, and the lake that holds their name. This social and cultural history explores themes of creation and language; women and gender; family, community, and nation; governance and education; and land and water through the dbaajmowin(an) (everyday stories) and aansokan(an) (sacred stories) of Nbissing. These stories live in the memories of Elders and knowledge holders, on the land and waterways, in Nishnaabemwin (the language), and in community and archival records. The stories are accompanied by photographs from Nipissing First Nation's extensive heritage collection, which challenge the silences and erasures imposed by settler colonialism. Telling stories of strength, joy, and resilience, they document the historical, social, and cultural continuities and changes of the 20th century for this territory and its people. In centring Nbissing Nishnaabeg histories and ways of knowing, as well as text in Nishnaabemwin, Gaa Bi Kidwaad Maa Nbiising Nishnaabeg reshapes what we understand about Nbiising, the little waters of the Great Lakes region. At its heart, this book acknowledges and demonstrates the possibility of history to cultivate, strengthen, and support diverse connections to place and kin, offering direction to the next seven generations.
Glenna Beaucage is the Culture & Heritage Manager for Nipissing First Nation. Katrina Srigley teaches History at Nipissing University.
Gchi-Miigwech / Acknowledgements Nbiising Nishnaabeg Namewin / Nipissing First Nation Gratitude Nbiising Nishnaabemwin / Selected Glossary Section 1. Akii (Land), Dbendaagziyang (Belonging), and Relationality Maajtaang Maa Daajmoyang (The Beginning of Us Telling Our Story): Zhitchkeyang Shki Mno Nendiwin (Building Relationships in a Good Way) Chapter 1. Gabaya'ii Nbiising Nishnaabe: For a Long Time in This Place Chapter 2. Ndinwendaagnag (My Relations): Caring for Nbiising Ndoodemag (Families) and Ndinwendaagnag (Communities) on Nbiising Nishnaabeg Territory Section 2. Settler Colonialism: Nbiising Challenges and Nkwetumoyang (Responses) Chapter 3. Akii Gimoodgaadeg: Bogshkaagin Wawindmaagewnan Aazhdewmong Daapnigaadeg Gdakiimnan Minwa Zaagziwin (Land Theft): Failed Treaties, Contested Surrenders, and Greed Chapter 4. Gchi Mzinigewag Gaa Bi Zhich Kewaad ("They Owe Us a Million Apologies"): Nbiising Dbaajmownan of Residential Schools Chapter 5. Ndinwendaagnag Nokiiwin (Working for My Relations): Seasonal Rounds, Mixed Subsistence, and Money in the Waged Economy Chapter 6. Wiijgaabiwitaadyang (Standing Together as One): Responding to Challenges to Nbiising Families, Communities, and Nation Section 3. Kinoomaage (Teaching), Kinoomaagziyang (We Are Learning), and Maajgii Shkaayang (Mobilizing) for the Next Seven Generations Chapter 7. Pane Gchi Nendaagwad Kinoomaagewin Maa Nbiising Nishnaabe Akiing ("We Have Always Valued Education"): Teaching and Learning on Nbiising Nishnaabeg Territory Chapter 8. Giinwin Maachtaayang Minwa Ji Kinoomaageyang Maa Nbiising Gchi Kinoomaagegamgong (Regaining Control of Nbiising Education): From Provincial Schools to Nbisiing Secondary School Conclusion: Giiwtaashkaang Minwa Waasa (Looking Forward) Nigan (Ahead) Naabyang (Looking) / Circling Back and Looking Forward: Histories for the Next Seven Generations Notes Selected Bibliography
