DESCRIPTION:
Many tribal family members have spoken against the inhuman practice of grave robbery (aka data collection) of Anishinaabek people and ancestral remains. It is not appropriate to consider the crime in any sense other than racism. Still, our people carry on the tradition of teaching about medicines and the values of our tribal heritiage in the face of this insult to our ways. I was asked to share this song to honor them as they continue to repatriate ancestral remains no matter where or by whom. My musical way is different from many traditional rituals but I hope they can accept this as a respectful gesture. I helped in many repatriation efforts and each differs. My song reflects an awareness and what came to me as i pondered the meaning of repatriation and NAGPRA. I respectfully defer to the traditional people who lead these ceremonies for our ancestors and ask that they try to understand my good intentions. Miigwecth