The Otter

The Otter

|Nigig | Nikik | Nambie|

The Otter has a place in many First Nation cultures.  The Otter is sometimes a part of creation stories -both of creation and of rebuilding – and sometimes as part of life lesson stories on survival that are handed down, generation to generation.  The Otter is often referenced as a key figure in the western migration of First Nations.  In most cultures the Otter is looked upon as a good and helpful creature who aids in the wellness of man.   As well, the Otter is often described as an entity who delivered the tools to heal to the Midewiwin or shaman.  The Otter has been found in the birch bark etchings of the Ojibwa and Cree Mide, most often in reference to Otter skin pelts in which the Mide kept their medicine.

The importance and symbolism of the Otter is different even among different communities of the same nation, but the theme that often emerges among cree, dene,  and ojibwe cultures is that the Otter is associated with aiding man (Anishnabe) and delivering knowledge and medicine.

Most of the stories of the Otter are hidden deep within the songs and chants of Midewiwin society, and there their secrets are kept.  Many of the songs and the rituals of healing of the Midewiwin have been lost to time.

Grand Medicine is inspired by the Otter, his connection to medicine and his role to assist man.  Our logo that represents us  comes from this inspiration.  We have stylized our logo so as not to interfere with the Mide etchings and selected a symbol that best describes an otters physical characteristics; he who swims like a fish and has legs.