Naming

One of the most important traditions for the Ojibwe is the naming ceremony. Their naming ceremony follows Gennep's model for individual rights of passage: " the basic procedure is always that they must stop, wait, go through a transitional period, enter, and be incorporated" and " these particular rites usually includes exchanging gifts and food"  (Gennep 1977; 28). 

In order to receive one's name, the individual must offer a gift to a name giver. The name giver will then spend time with the individual and then wait until the individuals name comes to him or her. The name giver may not be presented the individual's name for days, months, or even years in some cases . Once the name giver knows the name of the individual, the name giver meets with the person and their family for a "feast" or meal. After that shared meal, the name giver will announce the name. (Interview; Lien 2017, Johnston 1990). 

The naming ceremony is a ceremony that both men and women of any age are allowed to participate in. However, it is much more common for the naming ceremony to occur once an individual has reached adulthood. The goal of the naming ceremony is to receive one's "spirit name" or "Ojibwe name" (Johnston 1990). 

The name giving ceremony typically represents an individual's entrance into adulthood and his a marker of his or her membership in the band and tribe (Johnston 1990).