“When it comes to our hair, I proudly say that my hair has never been cut my whole life. I don’t know any other way than having my hair braided by my parents, aunties, or sisters. During these times they all would talk about our hair. How to care for it, who should and shouldn’t help care for it, and the overall benefits of keeping our hair long and well kept. I look forward to meeting yous and sharing what little bit of the entireties that I have learned throughout my life.

Boozhoo Gakinawiiya, indenwemaaganidog! Waabinoo Bines indizhinikaaz, migizii indodem. Gaawaabaabiganikaag indonji gaanizhoogamaag endaag. Hello all of you my relatives! I am Waabinoo Bines of the Eagle clan. I come from White Earth and I live in Naytahwaush.

I have been born and raised on my Rez and have lived here my whole life. I am 17 years old and am a senior at Mahnomen High School. I have literally spent my whole life being raised around ceremonies with a lot of exposure to the use of our Ojibwe language. My family tells stories of me being propped up on a tree in my dikinaagan (cradle board) while they attend and performed ceremonies while I got to watch, listen, and learn. Being actively raised by my parents,k aunties, Niiyawe’ehwag and my community as a whole. I’ve been very fortunate to hace learned both of our spiritual ways, cultural ways, and a vast understanding of our language.”