Boozhoo, Migiizii Giizhigad Kwe N’dizhinikaaz. Anishinaabe N’daw. Niin gashe Bawating onjibad. Niin mishomis Genaabajing gaa onjibad. Waawiiyatanong Nd’nookii minwaa N’daad. / Hello, My name is Giizhigad. I am Anishinaabe. My mother is from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. My grandfather was from Serpent River First Nation in Ontario. I live and work in Detroit.

So my name is Christy and I live and work in Detroit, and I just introduced myself in my native language… and I shared my name, Giizhigad, which means 'Eagle Day Woman'. It's referring to Anishinaabe teaching of the eagle, who flies on the horizon every morning to make sure that Anishinaabe people are still doing their ways and their teachings. I was given that name for the work that I've done with native youth over these past ten years here in Detroit. 

Anishinaabe philosophy here in Detroit, and in this area, has a lot to do with connection; I think, connection with both the land and also each other as a people. So the word ‘Aadizookaan’ means, Sacred spirit of the story… and it's actually referring to a storytelling practice that involves a sacred message that is coming through. So it's both a connection to land and also our spirits and our ancestors before us, to really teach us how we should be living here… and also stories of how to repair damages that have been done through colonialism and the destruction of the earth on all of our behalf. So just reconnecting and learning those ways to live well together, I think is the key to Anishinaabe philosophy, which is - Mino Bimaadiziwin - Living Well.