One of our (the Ojibwe) Seven original Clans, The Crane Clan: Ajijaak: meaning "sandhill crane" — which represents wisdom and equal communication for all Anishinaabe. The Crane (Ajijaak) is also known as Baaswenazhii (Echo Maker) because they would sound their voices to gather our people for Ceremony, Council, and Celebrations. We are reminded by the Crane (Ajijaak) to think carefully and thoughtfully before we speak, and to do so in a clear and honest manner. As Anishinaabe, we believe that the Crane (Ajijaak) is the one who all of our Clans look to for guidance.

My sixth great-grandfather, Keeshkemun, (Chief Sharpened Stone), was a prominent 18th-century Ojibwe leader of the Crane Clan (Ajijaak dodem), born on Madeline Island—known to the Ojibwe as Mooningwanekaaning (the place of the flicker bird) —called Isle Sainte Michel by the French—and known today as Madeline Island. He succeeded his father, Zhedaawish Ajijaak, (Chief Bad Pelican), and married Okunzhewug Kinikinokwe. Together, they became foundational figures in the history of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

The Ojibwe people place a high value on prayer as a means of connecting with the Great Spirit, nature, and the community. Our prayers are not just words; they are our way of living, reflecting our deep respect for the interconnectedness of all living things. The Ojibwe believe that everything is spiritual and plays a role in a great spiritual interaction, and we offer gratitude and respect for all aspects of nature and the universe. Our prayers often include the invocation of ancestral spirits and the natural elements, reinforcing our cultural heritage's integral role in healing practices. Engaging in Ojibwe prayers fosters a sense of unity and peace, supporting the journey toward recovery and wholeness.