Niizh Miishikeag

(Two Turtles)

Boozhoo, Welcome to the Negake and Stone family deweigan page. This is Niizh Miishikeag (neej me-sha-kay-uk), a gift presented to all members of our family at the family reunion of 2002. There was thought when it was created, and the painting on the drum head is a result of my friend Lou's translation of my minds eye.

The Eastern facing turtle is here to greet all new members into our family, to remind us to teach them their history and remind them where they came from. When we call to the spirits with our songs and prayers the western turtle will meet and remember them. Also it reminds us that our family has been here for a long time, and we are just the Ottawa that are here for the time being. As our ancestors thought for us...we need to think for our childrens children for seven generations*.

The painting on the drum head is the artwork of Lucius Antoine, a Grand Traverse tribal member and good friend. Kitchii-Migwetch Lucius.