Ojibway Story of the Birch Tree

[@ColdHarborOP]

A beautiful story for a departed friend. Every time I make a fire I send up smoke in tribute to those that have gone before as my way of paying my respects, and this is a great way you've done the same and given honor to Joe. Thank you for sharing his words and story.

[@MuskratJim]

Meegwetch (Thank YOU) Ojibway Joe, for sharing YOUR traditional story of the Weegwas. I only put it up on KZbin for you. The story belongs to you and your people, but can now be seen by ALL the people of the world... well, those with access to KZbin. The story has only been watched around 260 times in the past three weeks. That's not very many but it has generated the most comments of any of the videos I've posted. So again, Meegwetch to you my friend, from Chi Nibi WabaganOgee

[@sagewiser7093]

Thank you!

[@MayaShantiSoulpeace]

I love this story, beautiful. I respect and love our standing brothers and sisters. Tea made from birchleaves is excellent to clean your kidneys.

[@maiingan07]

Miigwetch! My Uncle told me this story a few years ago, when he was done he gave me some Chaga to take home and make tea. Chaga helps with all kinds of ailments and also prevents one from getting sick. So we take ours in times of health and sickness. One rule my Uncle made sure to teach me was to always leave Chaga on the tree. Never ever take it all because once it is gone, it will never grow back again from the same birch tree. Be well, Ma’iingankwe

[@AdalineIncredulous]

and thank you for this beautifully presented story

[@paulaco-operative6092]

❤️

[@alohm]

I love this. I was just comparing growing up on the shores of Lake Nippising, between many nations. The Irish side of my family descended from Druids that revered the Oak tree. My Algonquin side descended from peoples who revered the Birch tree. I realized this morning that in a photo of the north, there will always be a birch in the photo(when I was young). No wonder they revered the trees, they were a companion in every sojourn into the bush.

[@MuskratJim]

I lived in North Bay in 1971 and 1972.

[@khiyester8201]

People need to hear things like this. The native American people has kept story's among themselves 4 many century's. Thank you 4 sharing

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@6193derek]

I Think it is more accurate to say that the stories were kept from us, as part of the official policys of both the Canadian and American governments, to erase the future from existence, and part of that plan was to segregate us from them in a manner that allowed First Nations culture to become holywoodized for the masses. To say they kept it from us is to ignore the near cultural genocide actuated by our very own governments, lately without our knowledge. The first national no were hunted and oppresses both culturally and physically, while we the people were fed propaganda about it. I’m sorry to say. 😢

[@mountain5623]

You teach our children well. Much love and gratitude. 💜🍃🏔️

[@MuskratJim]

I hope many are blessed by these stories.

[@jasonlawrence2143]

beautiful story thank you from Michigan.

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure!

[@OceanOfLight]

Love this also:)

[@shriyanidemel9401]

Deeply appreciated Thank you. The Wisdom of the indigenous peoples of North America have a lot to teach modern America. If they had listened and respected the Ancient Peoples, how different life may have been . I am learning and am touched in my heart and mind and spirit. We all have One Great Creator in whom we exist and have our very being. May i be taught by this Gracious Spirit Thank you

[@MuskratJim]

Hello Sue from Wales :) This is my first attempt at sharing Native American Wisdom through their stories. I've contacted some people in the hopes of sharing more of their stories here on KZbin. Thanks for watching and stay tuned!!!

[@rital7518]

Don't say "their stories", look in the mirror! It's obvious that you are Native too! And remember that it was Muskrat who saved the World, Turtle Island! Now I will follow you!!!

[@katedavy6272]

Birch has always been my favorite for most of the reasons you mention and a few more. We only took dead, down or dying to use and were very appreciative. I have seen the fungus but was not aware of its use. Thank you also for the story. It shows our interconnectedness Thank you for sharing.

[@MuskratJim]

Where I live I’m surrounded by birches. I can’t look in any direction without seeing at least one and they often grow in groups. It’s a good thing I find them beautiful! Thanks for watching!

[@MsSaturnalia]

One tree so much it offers... Nature is love Mother Earth. Blessings!

[@MuskratJim]

Can you imagine what else is out there that we haven't discovered? All our needs are here if we only know where to look. Thanks for watching.

[@melanieohara6941]

So glad I found this sight! Watching from Lander, Wyoming, just south of Wind River Indian Nation. ❇️

[@MuskratJim]

I'm glad you found me too! I am in New Brunswick Canada (east coast)

[@nigelgericke2533]

That was a beautiful teaching from Ojibway Joe. Thank you for sharing it. 'Ordinary' trees take on new dimensions as we learn to see them through these teachings

[@laurenalacroix-nw3ww]

Hello jim, love canada, & michigan, love birch tree canoes

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you for watching!

[@Hamza-GH-Hofmann]

Thanks. I liked the story very much and shall tell it to my daughters, 8 and 9, who are fond of indigenous and tribal ways and stories. Very sincerely from Germany Guy-Harald

[@ojibway3]

Thanks Jim, God bless Paul

[@MuskratJim]

+ojibway3 Sharing this story was my pleasure. I know I mispronounced my Ojibway name in the video, but I know how to pronounce it now.

[@captnodge]

Cool Native people know so much. Like cobwebs in the sky Not now.and so much better without contrails and noise

[@honeybadgerstudios21]

Love learning about Native American culture, especially the culture in and around Michigan

[@MuskratJim]

You have an incredible wisdom in the way you see things... like someone a thousand or ten thousand years old. We don't 'own' things... we are like the fleas on a dog. We don't 'own' the earth, the earth owns us. Peace to you my friend.

[@missbearamaureen]

go raibh maith agat, (from ireland) meegwetch...so lovely to be reminded of our relationship with our brother and sister trees....

[@PenFrost]

Thank you for sharing. My children enjoyed watching all three of your story videos (Origin of Fire, Picking Up Trash, and The Birch Tree)

[@MuskratJim]

That's great!! Whenever I am filming, I always keep in mind that children and other sensitive viewers may be watching. I don't have any more of those "native" stories in production, but if I have an important lesson to teach, or if I get another idea for one, I will certainly consider making another story video. Thank you so much for watching and sharing with your children.

[@miriam4091]

A beautiful story and singing in the background! Thankyou!

[@therealjoeirox4052]

Chii Meegwetch for sharing I am so glad I am here to hear it, to share it with my children.

[@MuskratJim]

That's wonderful 💕

[@fahlmancomputing8628]

Many of these birch trees also give of their spirit to be poles in the sweat lodges for the healing of all life. Remember when you are in ceremony to touch these birch trees in gratitude and honour the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters.

[@MuskratJim]

Cool, I didn't know that. Thanks for watching!

[@angelacece8590]

Miigwetch, for reminding me...love to you for keeping our stories alive!

[@MuskratJim]

You are so welcome!

[@RareAries323]

Ho wah this made me shed tears of Joy..

[@lionelreesable]

Thank you and best wishes.

[@MuskratJim]

Same to you!

[@Simplysu552]

Wow! beautiful story! We have much to learn from native stories and wisdom. Am interested in learning more from your channel. take care.........Sue from Wales UK

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks Shifty! The Native Americans here really have GREAT stories which were passed on from generation to generation around the camp fire. All the ones I've ever heard are to teach the younger generations from an early age to fully appreciate the resources around them. To be thankful and respectful of their natural surroundings. All the best to you and your too, Shifty.

[@justlaughatlife8461]

Blessing you kind sirs for the story and sharing it

[@MuskratJim]

It was my pleasure... and thanks for watching!

[@SKILLET210]

Many Thanks ;Muskrat Jim, for the great story.we really enjoyed it. Happy Trails From Down The Road A Piece

[@guyrichard2030]

Merci beaucoup Muskrat Jim Many Thanks 👌✌🤗

[@MuskratJim]

You are most welcome, mon ami 🤠👍

[@Married2Nature]

Really great story, really enjoyed it. It just made the birch tree a even more beautiful tree.

[@JesusSaves86AB]

Thanks for sharing that story of the Ojibwe. The birch tree has so many uses, an amazing gift. God bless.

[@MuskratJim]

It really is!

[@martajuliaaria412]

Gracias, gracias, gracias por subir esta valiosa información. No sabia absolutamente nada de este pueblo. Ni nunca lo habia sentido mencionar. Pero me fue mostrado en un sueño: los ojibwe❤. Desde entonces busco información. En el sueño estaba en cuclichas mirando extasiada um gran salto de agua, a mi derecha un arbusto con frutos rojos. Agradezcó este video, sobre el hermoso abedul. Lamentablemente solo hablo español. Ya me suscribi. Desde Neuquen, Patagonia, Argentina ❤🇦🇷

[@DianeLawrence-d1x]

I love to hear the stories, we can all learn from them.Miigewitch

[@Exist_Outdoors_]

Outstanding, thank you for sharing

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure!

[@MuskratJim]

Native American stories ARE awesome :-) I'm glad you liked it.

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you from Atlantic Canada! The Natives of North America have wonderful stories! I just checked out your channel and decided to subscribe to you. Thanks for stopping by :-)

[@christopherhallphoto]

Subscribed. Thanks for the story of the Birch tree!

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks for subscribing! 🤠👍🏼

[@margueritevandersloot9094]

Thank you. I collected some chaga yesterday. I have always loved the birch.

[@notgonnatellya8881]

Thank you for taking time out of your busy life to share The Great Work with us.

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you for spending your time to watch my little production.

[@sarahjoseph290]

Thank you for the story. I'am a South Sudanese Canadian woman from the Kakwa Tribe of the Republic of South Sudan (Kuluba Clan) now married to a Metis Canadian Man, from Nipawyn, Saskatchewan. In 2018 I had a dream of some Ojibway Warriors and Elders walking with me through a forest as I was searching for something. I came across another tribe of indigenious peoples that tried to attack me and the company of indigenous Ojibway warriors, Elders and Medicine Man, that was guiding me along the path, but then the Medicine Man who was with company of Elders and Warriors raise his sweat grass, while holding a bowl and said something to the other tribe of warriors who had their bows and arrows ready and the other tribes stopped and allowed us to safely pass through their territory. Listening to this story brought back the memory of that dream of the Ojibway Warriors, Elders and Medicine Man that was walking with me and accompanying me through the Forest. Our dream came true from Treaty 6 region to treaty 7. A Dream Love story 27 years in the making. From 1993-2020. My husband Jesse and I are now married Traditionally in the Republic of South Sudan on June, 21st, 2020 which happens to be National Indigenious Peoples Day. Part two of our church wedding is in September 2020. I remembered my Grandmother Laiya , Aunts and Uncles(Elders) used to tell us stories of our people around the fire after we ate supper, while we roast fresh corns (maize) and Fresh Peanuts(ground nuts) over the fire and before bed time as desert. Our grandfather Mamara Joseph died before I was born. My adopted parents also relatives brought me and my siblings to Canada on October, 16th, 1992, Regina, Sasktchewan, then Calgary, Alberta.

[@MuskratJim]

Welcome to Canada! It is great to hear your story! My family is mostly from France. My people came to 'Acadia' in the middle 1600's so we've been here in Atlantic Canada for a dozen generations. During that time my people intermingled with the local natives as well. My mother's mother's mother was a native woman.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks for watching, neighbour :-) It sort of felt a little bit like the Mr Dressup Show back in the '70's and '80's. He used to tell stories, did most of the voices himself, and had puppets.

[@heart2handsmassage776]

My favorite tree- lovely story!

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you!

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you Martin! It's a little different from my other bushcraft videos, but I did enjoy making it. Thanks for watching!!

[@Northwestbushcraft]

I absolutely loved this story. Thank you so much for sharing it. All the best from a UK bushcrafter. Ade

[@BBL885]

thank you for sharing these wonderful stories with us

[@MuskratJim]

You are most welcome. I am glad you enjoyed my video.

[@starseed39]

Thank you 😊💜

[@williamkabelman7114]

very awesome story about my ancestors love it

[@MuskratJim]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@andreabuntpercy]

Thanks! I enjoyed that a lot and will share it with my grandson.

[@MuskratJim]

Andrea Percy I'm glad you enjoyed it, and several people have shared these with their children and grandchildren.

[@hgdallen]

Thank you! I'm using your stories to teach our children the stories of their country and the living things we see around us. There's nothing in the regular curriculum that covers this!

[@MuskratJim]

That's wonderful!

[@auntieclassical]

This is a fascinating story. Thanks so much for posting it.

[@MuskratJim]

You're very welcome!

[@stevenmoran1525]

Thank you for this wisdom,

[@MuskratJim]

It was my pleasure to share it.

[@robg1229]

Thank you for your story. It means more now than ever. May our Father in Heaven Bless you

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you for the blessing and thanks for watching. In this video I mis-pronounced my Ojibway name. I found out how to pronounce it over a more recent telephone call. It is three words with the accent or stress on the "AW" syllable: Chi Nibi WabaganAWgee

[@nativerobin]

Thanks Jim ...wonderful lesson :)

[@brookbergsma5089]

Anii from miigiiziiekwe (Eagle Woman from Turtle clan). Thank you for continuing to share our stories of old to help remind our youth

[@MuskratJim]

Greetings from the Atlantic coast!

[@ClimbingMyWayOut]

I'll share this one too with the kids. Thanks for sharing B

[@scarletblack666]

Thank you for such a beautiful story!

[@MuskratJim]

+Scarlet Black As I said in the video, it was given to me by an Ojibway Elder in Northern Ontario (Canada) just above Lake Superior. He has since passed away and I miss his friendship. I made a "Raven feather Tribute" video after he passed. You might be interested in watching it. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7MhaGhiNCbn7M I spoke to his son on the phone about a year ago and he corrected my pronunciation of my "Big Water Mouse" name. It is pronounced: chee nibbee wabagan-O-gee

[@79tazman]

+Muskrat Jim Where are you from in Canada Muskrat Jim I'm from London Ontario Canada

[@MuskratJim]

79tazman I am in New Brunswick, but I have lived in Hamilton, Toronto and North Bay Ontario.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks for dropping by to watch it! I'd like to do more like that if I get some good material :-)

[@karenchakey]

Hi Jim! Very nice lesson, I am going to try this tea someday! Great video Jim, Take Care

[@someonesomewhere7911]

Thanks I used this story for my social project and it really helped!

[@MuskratJim]

Happy to hear that 🤠👍🏼

[@M_Dragonsblood]

I loved watching this video and can't wait for more. I wish that more stories can be made public so that we can learn from them. My family comes from the Oglala. I don't know if we still have family on the rez or not. It has been difficult to track down ancestry especially when if you wrote on the census that you were "Indian" you were sent to the rez or at least that is what I was told. I was told that family wrote that they were "White" to stay off the rez which is why it is so hard to track down the line.

[@MuskratJim]

It's hard to trace native ancestry because of the lack of written records and also European names given to natives. My mother's mother's mother was a native, but her name was Alma Wood, and her parent's names were Marie and Donat Wood. She was a Mi'kmaq and died in her 20's in the 1920's here in New Brunswick Canada. I haven't been able to trace that line any further back. We also had Residential Schools here in Canada where native kids were forcibly taken away from their families to be raised Catholic and White to better fit into Canadian society. That was a terrible mistake.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks for watching, Lilly. I'm glad you stopped by ;-)

[@sasbetasquadron873]

Meegwetch for sharing this cool story... I have always had a profound fondness for the birch tree and have just found out why.

[@MuskratJim]

You are most welcome! I'm glad you liked the traditional story.

[@sasbetasquadron873]

Muskrat Jim will you be adding more stories to your history/legend catalogue? or are there any channels you would recommend for their Accuracy? I am a huge history buff and the suppression of 9,600 years of Turtle Islands history is a true loss to all of humanity...

[@MuskratJim]

SASBETA SQUADRON - I don’t have any plans for more Native stories... my last one was in the summer of 2015 I think. If you do a search on KZbin or Google, you can find lots of Native American stories. Part of the reason for the lost history is because the people of “Turtle Island” never developed writing, all their wisdom and stories were handed down by mouth around a campfire. Too bad for us...

[@sasbetasquadron873]

Too bad you're not doing more, you have a bit of a gift in the art of the story. I have found a number online - some are better than others. There appears to be some confusion however, for example allegedly Ojibwa stories will be Mohawk etc... the National Film Board of Canada is rather bad for this sort of thing... and a certain amount of stories are somewhat tainted by a colonialist bias (if you get my meaning) that makes some quite unwatchable. But I shall keep looking... mining for gems in the coal... lol

[@MuskratJim]

Good luck my friend!

[@PaintedskiesRankin]

Thank you for sharing

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure

[@Marty450]

wow, what an awesome storey Jim!

[@a4t5fan]

Great story. Thanks for sharing it!

[@alexapenn6399]

p.s. the song is perfectly balanced with the sounds of the words in this video.

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you.

[@ninafoster1094]

alexa penn

[@DjinnsĘnigma]

Wanendam nibwaakaawin. Miigwech.

[@charlottewijsmuller2718]

Thank you to share your knowledge

[@MuskratJim]

You are most welcome!

[@nancyvlet7122]

Thank you.. I adore that story.. My grandmother surname is Burch.. and she gave much ask little or nothing ever..She is an uplifting memory for me.. Thank you again.

[@nancyvlet7122]

Birch

[@MuskratJim]

That's awesome about your grandmother... I'm glad you liked the story.

[@OutandAboutWest]

Hey Jim, as promised, I have told this story of "Weegwas" to the kids in my class (age 6 - 8). I usually read a children's book story during our communal lunch, but today I surprised them with your video minus the sound, as I told this Ojibwe story in Dutch. A wonderous moment, with 29 children in utter silence. We talked about it afterwards, as II turned it into an impromptu lesson about this beautiful tree. With your permission :-) your "Fire" video will be up next Monday. Thank you for sharing these stories. I hope you like the fact that this part of your culture is being embedded into the minds and clearly also the hearts of my class. Cheers! -Bas

[@MuskratJim]

Out and About West Hello Bas, By all means, go ahead and use my stories. I recently posted another "native American styled" story called Prophecy. It is not Native American prophesy but Christian Biblical prophecy using words familiar in our native culture. I'm not sure of the religious make-up of your country, but as long as you are interpreting my story in Dutch, it may be okay for you to use. All the best to you and your class of students!! -- Jim

[@OutandAboutWest]

Yep, I saw it already. Nicely done as well! It is on my list, right after Fire, and Trash In The Woods. As with most things, the Dutch tend to be fairly open. Religion being one of those subjects, so no worries :-) In order to be able to pronounce the words/names in the stories properly, I've even downloaded some lessons in the Central Canadian Ojibwemowin Dialect (I hope I say that correctly). It is beautiful. Cheers mate! -Bas

[@Papaj7687]

Dude that is a great story. Good to hear from u.

[@witchmoon11]

Namaste... and blessings!🙏✌❤💝

[@MuskratJim]

Good morning!

[@MuskratJim]

I AM an East Coaster, Willy. Although I loved in Ontario for about eight years. The Ojibway story is from another KZbin friend of mine in Northern Ontario.

[@jacquiblanchard3131]

Love this story, Jim. Wanted to pop in to tell you that I shared this story with backpackboy and his friends this past weekend, as we harvested a little birch bark and chaga. Thank you, my friend!!

[@MuskratJim]

You'd be surprised (ok, maybe not) at how many people have shared my videos with their children. I'm flattered and humbled at the same time. Oh by the way, I mispronounced that Ojibway name they gave me. It is really pronounced "chee nibbee wabaganAHgee" ... three words, and they stress the 'AH' syllable in the third word. Thanks for watching :)

[@jacquiblanchard3131]

I'm not surprised at all, Jim. :D

[@stoneman886]

that was a great story.. thank you for sharing it with us

[@sonikasharma5144]

I am glad that you made this

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you for watching. The story was told to me by an old Ojibway friend I met on the Internet. He used to like my videos, and commented on many of them. He passed away a couple of years ago. I made another video in his memory... it is "A Raven Feather Tribute to an Ojibway Friend" kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7MhaGhiNCbn7M.

[@5.3mily36]

Amazing story Jim! I have selected it to use for a school assignment... In the process, I found that I love your channel!! This past year I have gained a lot of interest in bushcraft and more traditional hunting/trapping so it seems like divine intervention that I found your channel :) Keep making awesome videos and Miigwetch for sharing.

[@MuskratJim]

That’s wonderful! Best of luck to you in your studies!!

[@dianawhaley4851]

Wow, I didn't know, thank you for sharing.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiaackachuch883]

Used for headaches as well. Thank you.

[@cindysquirrelloffgrid9514]

I drink chaga tea every day , great video and story, thank you

[@MuskratJim]

It wasn’t pleasure.

[@PitFireOutdoors]

Excellent video Jim! Good job!!

[@alieliza5589]

Love the story. Thanks for sharing, Jim (:

[@MuskratJim]

I'm glad you liked it. It was given to me by an Ojibway elder who has since passed away.

[@sandraporterlvsporter1324]

Thank you Muskrat Jim, CHI NIBI WABA-GANO-GEE for sharing the medicine for body,mind,and spirit. Aho❤

[@Chris-vw9nw]

I enjoyed this. Thanks!

[@MuskratJim]

You're very welcome. I've written three other Native American stories like this if you're interested: FIRE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inXCl2VppceNesU TRASH: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZK6h4qOh6aGqK8 PROPHECY: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6SXnoqgqt9ngcU

[@Chris-vw9nw]

Muskrat Jim yeah I saw that. Going to check it out

[@yugandali]

a very interesting story, well told. Thanks for posting! If I remember correctly (and I could well be wrong), in Solzhenitsyn's "Cancer Ward," one of the cancer patients tries to cure his cancer with chaga. and it's also interesting that the word "cancer" comes from the Greek word for "crab." Greetings from Tayal tribal land, Taiwan. Lokah ta kwara!

[@MuskratJim]

I'm not familiar with Solzhenitsyn's "Cancer Ward". Thank you for watching!

[@vnmsenior]

Poland and Moscow academy of sciences did studies in the 1950's on chaga and how it affected cancer cells using microscopes. Search up Dr Cass Ingram and chaga, you'll get a bunch of good info and videos.

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you.

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

Great story Jim. Love these.

[@MuskratJim]

+Wheels gone Wild Thanks. This story was given to me by an old Ojibway viewer north of Lake Superior. He died a couple years ago.

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

And he gave you he Ojibwa name of the muskrat...

[@MuskratJim]

Yeah but I pronounced it wrong in this video and another video I did for him after he died. You can see that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7MhaGhiNCbn7M The right way to pronounce it is "Chee-Nibbee-WabaganAHgee" three words and the "AH" is stressed in the last word. I learned the correct pronunciation when his son called me on the phone one day to let me know that his father had passed away.

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

You are doing great.

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure.... I'm hoping to post more of the same in the near future! Thanks for stopping by!

[@jaroslawgarbus5676]

Do you know how many tribe's belong to Cheppewa nation? I'm late but Thank You for story!!!

[@nhandaman2992]

Good story love from Australia

[@MuskratJim]

Australia? Wow !!! Isn't it wonderful that we can share stories all around the world with very little expense or effort these days? I know the Internet has its dark side, but it also is an enabler for the free exchange of ideas. Thank you so much for watching!

[@LeeEisPrettyStrange]

Miigwetch. It is beautiful to hear this story, and inspiring to see you chose the red road

[@MuskratJim]

You are most welcome, Lisa.

[@heathert5455]

I love this♥️ I'm Chippewa from the Swan Creek tribe 😊 I am a granddaughter of Julia Fisher. Her dad was Chief Wabaness (David Fisher). My clan is the Turtle/Bear.

[@MuskratJim]

Aurelia Astrea How wonderful. 👍🏼 I’m glad you enjoyed this story.

[@alexapenn6399]

i like your vids very much - thanks for posting them. i grew up in the country and have a deep connection to the Earth, Indian legend, and the spirits of the land. We had beautiful birch trees and i loved them - their bark has always been a special beauty to me and i know they used to make clothes out of the softness of it. To me, it is has a proud and beautiful spirit. So this native story only makes me sad that the birch should be thought of this way and i do not like the story at all. (i do not like 'The Giving Tree" children's book for the same reason.) Next time i see a birch tree i'm going to pet it and hug it - i know that sounds silly, but i want that story out of my head.

[@MuskratJim]

I'm sorry you didn't like this story, however it is a genuine native Ojibway story. After I published this video, I made a few other "native style" videos, but they were not genuine native stories, just stories I wrote myself. I consider myself a Christian, with Christian beliefs and expectations, so I have stopped producing and writing these "native" stories. I feel that everything in nature is a gift from God and should not be wasted, but appreciated. Thank you for watching.

[@uski59]

That Was A Great Story, Thank You sooo much for posting it. Ive never heard that one.....This reminds me of a native legend about the birch tree & the fire bird,.....its been a while since Ive read it but,...i think a raven hid fire in the birch thats why you see the black mark like a bird on the bark. the book is Wild-Wood WIsdom by Ellsworth Yeager. EXCELLENT book, Its my woodsman bible.......So much to learn about nature,.......so much lost thru ignorance.......

[@MuskratJim]

+uski59 Your story about the raven sounds interesting, I might have to look around for that book!! Nature always has MORE to teach us, no matter how much we've already learned. Thank you for watching, and I'm glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@MuskratJim]

+uski59 Ok, I looked around for Wildwood Wisdom and there are a few books by that name by different authors. One is by Ellsworth Jaeger, another by Bryanna Lamb, another by Filip Brooks, and another by Douglas B. Elliot. I suspect it's the one by Ellsworth Jaeger...

[@uski59]

Yeppers thats it Ellsworth Yeager

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks!

[@uski59]

+Muskrat Jim .......Yeppers thats it Ellsworth Yeager...I just cheched the book. The Legend of the Birch bark page 307- 308. quote from my book....."as long as the world stands, this tree shall be a protection & a benefit to man",....Indians say,...that is why lightening never strikes a birch........Its a must have book for any human being,......filld with knowledge...................the story is also here.....slightly different .....www.uwosh.edu/coehs/cmagproject/ethnomath/legend/legend10.htm

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure, Nate. Thanks for dropping by.

[@nawanamcgaha6065]

I would like to learn more about the fungus of the birch tree , I have many ailments , 🌻

[@MuskratJim]

Drinking Chaga tea is probably your best option, but the Birch offers another common fungus that you can make a tea out of. I made this video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnWUdJWhmsuHhNU I hope it helps!

[@robinstaring622]

Very interesting. Keep the old knowledge going please. ❤❤

[@MuskratJim]

Will do!

[@tammysublett4432]

Awesome, you got a new sub. My grandfather was from a tribe in Central Michigan. Which I know is a combination of two tribe inhabiting the great lakes area.

[@MuskratJim]

Tammy Sublett Thanks so much Tammy! My mother’s mother’s mother was a native from Atlantic Canada, a Mi’kmaq. This is the first of four Native American stories I’ve made. You can find them on my KZbin home page... just scroll down to see them lister there.

[@matejababnik9853]

Hi, do you know if one can find anywhere lyrics of this beautiful song; ojibway square dance (love song) I learn about the song when Marilyn (Elaine Miles) goes to Seattle and have an adventure. Northern Exposure Thank you alot.

[@MuskratJim]

I did a Google Search for those lyrics. Although there are many links to the song, I'm sorry to say the lyrics aren't available. However, here is a link to the song itself: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKCvloGEdrWArac

[@MuskratJim]

Yes it is, Robin :) ...and thanks for your comments, I appreciate it!