Anishinaabe Dreams

Stories of Tradition, Survival, and Identity

Sharon Brunner

• Publisher: Modern History Press
• Year: 2026
• Topic: Social Sciences
• eBook ISBN:
  9798896561132
• Subtopic: Native American Studies
• Index: Social Sciences

Step into a rich and living world where stories, traditions, and dreams guide the path of a people. Anishinaabe Dreams: Stories of Tradition, Survival, and Identity invites readers on an accessible journey through the culture and history of the Anishinaabe, blending engaging storytelling with reflective poetry.


From the timeless Creation Story and the wisdom of the Seven Grandfathers to the meaning behind sweat lodges, vision quests, pow wows, crafts, and community life, this book brings Indigenous teachings to life in a way that is both informative and deeply human. Author Sharon Brunner draws on personal experience and years of cultural involvement to share insights that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. She provides an unflinching look as to the sources of historical trauma, including Indian boarding schools, and how they have created the present situation.


"Whether you are discovering these traditions for the first time or seeking a deeper understanding, Anishinaabe Dreams offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at resilience, identity, and the enduring power of cultural knowledge. Sharon Brunner uses the strengths of prose, poetry, and pictures to portray the culture of the Anishinaabe People in a way that "beginners", both Native American and others, can understand and appreciate. Each cultural vignette pulls the reader forward."
-- Deborah K Frontiera, award-winning author and editor of the U.P. Reader.


"Anishinaabe Dreams is a gift to anyone interested in the Ojibwe experience. Sharon Brunner shares her Native American culture, traditions, history, and experiences in an accessible and informative way. The poems intermixed with the history and discussion add an extra element of understanding to what it means to be Ojibwe--to be a survivor--both yesterday and today."

-- Tyler R. Tichelaar, PhD, and award-winning author of Charley Kawbawgam: Ojibwa Chief and Lake Superior Pioneer


"Sharon Brunner's book, Anishinaabe Dreams, is a wonderful introduction to the culture and beliefs of the Anishinaabe Native American tribe. The book takes the reader into a myriad of aspects of an ancient belief system that was nearly lost to time and the intentional erasure of their culture by the Indian boarding schools. Anishinaabe Dreams not only restores some of what was lost but also introduces readers to traditions that most are unfamiliar with. Welcome to dreams nearly lost."

-- Mikel B. Classen, award-winning author of True Tales: The Forgotten History of Michigan's Upper Peninsula


SHARON BRUNNER is the author of eleven books exploring Yooper life, Native American history, historical trauma, and the paranormal. Holding a Master of Social Work degree, she has served Native communities for over thirty years as an educator, consultant, tribal advocate, and longtime child welfare committee volunteer for the Sault Tribe.


From Modern History Press

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Table of Figures
• Preface
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 - The Creation Story
• Chapter 2 - The Clan System
• Chapter 3 - The Seven Fires
• Chapter 4 - The Seven Grandfathers
• Chapter 5 - Midewiwin Society
• Chapter 6 - Medicine Wheels
• Chapter 7 - Child-Rearing Practices
• Chapter 8 - Vision Quests
• Chapter 9 - Sweat Lodges
• Chapter 10 - Birchbark Canoes
• Chapter 11 - Wigwams
• Chapter 12 - Dreamcatchers
• Chapter 13 - Fur Trading Days
• Chapter 14 - Three Fires Confederacy
• Chapter 15 - The Migration of the Anishinaabeg
• Chapter 16 - Anishinaabeg Treaties
• Chapter 17 - Indian Boarding Schools
• Chapter 18 - Bear Walkers
• Chapter 19 - Historical Trauma
• Chapter 20 - Pow Wows
• Chapter 21 – Baskets, Quillwork, and other Crafts
• Chapter 22 - Legends and Myths
• Chapter 23 - Sugar Bushing
• Chapter 24 - Additional Poems
• Appendix A - Anishinaabemowin to English
• Appendix B - English to Anishinaabemowin
• Appendix C - Rules of Pronunciation Anishinaabemowin
• Appendix D - The History of the Indian Boarding Schools
• Appendix E - Historical Trauma
• Appendix F - Historical Notes
• Bibliography
• Acknowledgments
• About the Author