Teachings from Manidoo-Giizisoons and Winter Solstice

Written by Shaneeka Forrester, MEd, Cree artist, mother and advocate from Brunswick House First Nation, planting roots in Simcoe County, Ontario.
 
As we move from one season into another, let us reflect on what this transition means to Indigenous communities across Turtle Island and how it is honoured. The changing of the seasons is not only a shift in weather but also a time to acknowledge teachings, traditions and the wisdom of the natural world. 

What is the Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice marks the official beginning of the Winter season. It occurs annually on the day when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, creating the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year. This year, the Winter Solstice will be observed on Dec. 21.

For many Indigenous communities, the Solstice is a time of ceremony, storytelling, and gathering. It is a moment to honour the cycles of the earth, to reflect on lessons from the past, and to prepare for the renewal that comes with the return of longer days.

Transitioning from fall to winter

In many Indigenous communities, fall is an important time of year filled with responsibilities that help sustain the community through the colder months. It is a season to care for the land and harvest crops before they are blanketed in snow.

Celebrations and ceremonies begin to move from outdoor spaces to indoor ones, though some continue to take place outside. As powwow season comes to a close, round dance season begins. Hunting windows open, and communities work together to gather provisions for the winter ahead.

On my reserve, the annual moose hunt is a cherished tradition. It is a time spent together on the land, hunting, learning and sharing teachings.

In my stepfather’s community, band members have their favourite hunting spots, and most weekends are devoted to being out on the land. These practices, rooted in knowledge passed down through generations, remain integral to Indigenous ways of being. Once food has been acquired, it is shared with the community. Many families often exchange their catches, ensuring that elders are cared for and no one is left behind. Just as we honour the lives of the animals we harvest, we also honour the lives and lessons of our community members.

Lessons from winter

In many Indigenous communities, winter is understood as a time for rest, slowing down and gathering together. It is a season for quiet reflection, sharing stories, and receiving teachings. Winter invites us to embrace warmth within our spirits and sustain our well-being through the challenging months. 

Indigenous Elders often speak of teachings received from the living world through time spent on the land. By observing the animals, we learn valuable lessons about how to live during this season. As Elder Wilfred Buck explains, “It’s a time for rest for a lot of the animals and plants, and for the people it’s a time to replenish our spirits, and it’s a time for them to dream.”

Across Turtle Island, Indigenous communities hold deep knowledge systems rooted in astronomy and ancestral understandings of the stars. Just as Greek mythology is woven into the constellations, Indigenous stories are reflected in the night sky. For example, the stories of Wesakechak and the Seven Sisters can be seen during the Winter Solstice and remind Cree Nations of their origins.

How to incorporate these teachings into our lives?

As we move into this season, we can honour these teachings by weaving meaningful activities into our daily lives. Consider engaging in practices such as:

• Crafts – Knitting, crocheting, drawing, scrapbooking
• Puzzles
• Board games & cards
• Listening to stories & teachings
• Reading
• Sharing a meal with a friend or loved one
• Journal
• Star gazing
• Walking

Take this time to observe the land around you and reflect on the lessons the living world has to offer.

December in some Indigenous languages across Canada:

• Cree –  Pawahcakinasîs- Drift-clearing month & Kaskatinowipîsim – Freeze up month
• Ojibway – Bibooni-giizis  – Winter Moon &  Manidoo-Giizisoons – Little Spirit Moon
• Qikiqtaaluk – Tauvigjuaq – Darkest month of the year.
• Mi’kmaw – Kesikewiku’s – The Great Month
• Seneca – Joto:h – When It’s Cold
• Metis – Disaambr – December
• Dene – TthaNárëltth’ër – Martin Shakes
• Hul’q’umi’num’ – Shtsulwe’sum – Time for putting away paddles

Task:

Investigate the word used for December by Indigenous communities in your area. Explore its meaning and consider the teachings it carries. What does the translation reveal about the land, the season and the relationship between people and the environment?