Birth

 The beginning of a new life is important in many folk groups and cultures, and the Ojibwe are no exception. "According to the Elders, the relationship between birth and Spirit is foundation" and "much of a newborn's spirit will be determined by how he or she is welcomed into the physical world" (Ruban 2016; 2-6). 

Traditionally, men were not allowed to be in the room when a child was being born. After the baby was born and a midew (member of the Midewiwin or "Grand Medicine Society") cut the umbilical cord, the father would be allowed to take the baby and introduce the child to members of their family and folk group who were awaiting the child's arrival. In addition, he was to introduce the child to the water, sky, ground, and sun (Ruben 2016). Meanwhile, the mother would dig a small hole to place the placenta and ceremonial tobacco in. Alternatively, some women would hang the placenta from a tree with tobacco (Ruben 2016; 8). 

However,  many aspects of the birth rights have changed in the last hundred years and it is unusual for Ojibwe women to practice any of these traditions; they typically opt to have a standard hospital birth.