MIDEWIWIN

Midewiwin: translation

Ojibweceremonial complex, entailing an unfolding or hierarchical series ofinitiationsinvolvingtransformationandhealingrites and including elements ofbear ceremonialism. While the complex is supposed to be secret, it has been discussed by a number of scholars, includingJohn Grim. It also features in the translations and creative fiction ofGerald Vizenor(e.g., inSummer in the SpringandBearheart:The Heirship Chronicles).