Protectors

Spiritual Care

Will Peters of the Bois Forte Nation reflects on the sacred responsibility Indigenous people hold as protectors of all beings—the two-legged, the four-legged, the winged, the swimmers, the crawlers, and the standing ones. In this conversation, Peters speaks with urgency about how colonization and commercialization have distanced communities from ceremony, love, and balance with the natural world. He calls for a return to cultural practices—honoring the bears, the trees, the waters, and the songs that once connected people to spirit. Through his words, he reminds listeners that renewal begins with love, strong voices, and the teachings carried by children and families who remember how to care for creation. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

The Yearling

Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village shares a lighthearted story about a mischievous young bear that frequently visited her home, earning the nickname “mangy butt.” Through humor and observation, she reminds us that bears are curious yet gentle beings, often more afraid of humans than we are of them. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Taking A Ride

Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, shares her joy in watching bears with her great-grandmother Mavis and caring for them by leaving food along the road. Her story reflects the love, respect, and connection between generations and the bears that live nearby. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Stand Up For Bears

Margaret Benner from Nett Lake Village emphasizes the need to educate others about the cultural and spiritual importance of bears to Native people. She shares how she greets bears in Ojibwe, honoring them as relatives who understand and deserve respect and protection. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Protectors

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares teachings learned from her elders about the Bear Clan and the sacred role of bears as protectors, healers, and symbols of bravery. She reflects on their wisdom and self-healing nature, drawing connections between the bears’ behavior and the teachings that guide her community. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.