Deanna drift

Waterer / collector & bear protector

My hope is the Bois Forte Tribal Council and the leaders who do not know the cultural significance of bears, that they take it upon themselves and their role in leading this community and learning all aspects - both traditional and non-traditional belief systems. We elected them to take care of our community and its people. So, I feel this is one of their duties to learn. That would be my message to them.

Deanna Drift of Nett Lake Village calls on community leaders to deepen their understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of bears within Bois Forte traditions. She reminds them that true leadership includes learning from both traditional and contemporary knowledge to better serve their people. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.