Our Mission
The mission of Manidoo Ogitigaan is to create welcoming spaces where Anishinaabe community members and allies can work together and engage in land-based, community-led Anishinaabe teachings and lifeways, benefiting both our community and the ecological community.
Our vision
We strive for a healthy, vibrant community now and for generations to come. We envision a future where the Ojibwe language flourishes, and our world-view shapes our actions and influences the world around us in a positive way. We think seven generations ahead; our actions now will leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren.
Our story
We are a community-led Native nonprofit based in Bemidji, Minnesota, dedicated to strengthening Ojibwe language, cultural knowledge, and local organizing while improving access to resources for Native people in our region. Our work also addresses social and environmental justice issues that are directly connected to our values and way of life.
Manidoo Ogitigaan began as a vision from Ponemah elder Chi-Ma'iingaaniban (Larry Stillday), his we'eh, and his adopted daughter Nenookaasii (K.E. Rutledge). Over the past decade that dream drew in community members committed to serving the people, and together they built the organization around traditional teachings. To expand access to cultural and language resources and to support others who serve the community, the group pursued formal nonprofit status. Manidoo Ogitigaan incorporated in March 2018 and was granted 501(c)(3) status in July 2018.