During the summers 2026 through 2028, Anishinaabek people will complete a 7th Fire Jiimaan (Canoe) Journey from the St. Lawrence River, through the Great Lakes, to Madeline Island in Lake Superior, retracing our ancestors’ historic migration.

In order to prepare for the journey, paddlers will engage in a chi jiimaan (voyageur canoe) training and certification program, September 7th through September 12th on shores of Lake Winnebago, Sherwood, Wisconsin. Brought to our group in partnership with NOW Outdoors, this program will prepare our paddlers to lead their respective communities in participation on the journey.

This fundraiser has been created with the intention of minimizing the financial barriers Anishinaabek may face in accessing the training and certification. The costs covered by registration for the program include fees for our trainers, visiting us in Wisconsin from their home in Ontario, camping and permit fees, food, lodging, shuttle transport, and educational materials. We also wish to provide travel costs for our participants from across Turtle Island. The goal of this fundraiser is to sponsor 10 participants who otherwise would not be able to participate in the Chi Jiimaan Training and Certification Program. Any additional funds raised will go towards additional scholarships. Your contribution is invaluable in supporting our community members.

This 7th Fire Jiimaan Journey fundraiser is coordinated by Minadjidawin, a fiscally-sponsored organization. Your contribution is tax deductible and tax information will be provided on your donation receipt.

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WHY DO A 7th FIRE JOURNEY?

Anishinaabe oral history describes how seven prophets came to our People when we lived along North America’s northeastern coast. Each prophet shared a prophecy (called a fire) describing an era of time in which certain events would occur. The first three fires describe the Anishinaabe People’s great migration from the East Coast, journeying up the St. Lawrence River, through the Great Lakes to the “land where food grows on water.” It took our ancestors over 500 years to complete this migration, as there were many stops along the way. Finally, we found the sacred food, Manoomin (wild rice), growing throughout the Great Lakes region.

It was prophesied that during the time of the 7th Fire, humans would come to a crossroads. The road they chose would determine our collective fate. One road leads to death, destruction, and suffering through the poisoning of the air, land, and waters. The second road lights the 8^th and final Fire, leading to eternal peace. Returning to a life in harmony with the laws of the natural world lights the 8th Fire. Within the gift of free will to choose which path we will follow, there is hope for ourselves and all living beings on Mother Earth.

Launching on the Summer Solstice in June 2026, we will retrace the path of our ancestors beginning in the northeast and paddle westward, along the St. Lawrence River using Voyageur canoes or “Chi Jiimaanan.” This journey will continue over a series of summers, until we arrive at the last stopping point of the Great Migration - Mooningwanekaaning, also known as Madeline Island, in Lake Superior.

As the people of the 7th Fire, we are responding to the call of the Prophecy to go back along the trail, seeking what our Ancestors have left for us to find. More than a physical voyage, it is a spiritual and cultural commitment to remember who we are and to honor the wisdom of those who came before us. Through the 7th Fire Jiimaan Journey, we are determined to help light the 8th Fire. Would you consider joining us?

The Journey Begins: Chi Jiimaan (Voyageur Canoe) Training

By Minadjidawin

The Journey Begins: Chi Jiimaan (Voyageur Canoe) Training

Support Anishinaabek from across Turtle Island prepare for the 7th Fire Jiimaan Journey

Team Members