Chad Solomon, Artist and Storyteller, Treaty 13 (and Rabbit) on "What is a promise?"

Summary

In this video, Rabbit, a character from 'The Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws,' warmly greets viewers in Anishinaabemowin with 'Aaniin,' meaning 'Hello.' He explains the importance of sharing, respect, and keeping promises, which are central to treaties. Rabbit highlights how stories and language help pass knowledge across generations, fostering connection and understanding. He emphasizes that everyone is part of the seventh generation, sharing land, resources, and responsibilities. Rabbit encourages viewers to speak from the heart and keep their promises, ending with the Anishinaabe phrase 'Baamaapii,' meaning 'See you later.'

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker introduces themselves as Rabbit, a character from the 'Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws' book series.
• 🌐 'Aaniin' is a greeting in the Anishinaabemowin language, symbolizing the sharing of one's essence.
• 🎨 Rabbit is also an illustrator and believes in the power of art as a means of communication and idea sharing.
• 🤝 Treaties are described as promises, emphasizing the importance of keeping one's word.
• ❤️ The heart is identified as the source of truth and sincerity when making promises.
• 📖 Storytelling is highlighted as a method for passing knowledge across generations, up to the seventh generation.
• 🏡 Respect is a core value, including self-respect, respect for neighbors, community, and the land.
• 🌱 The Anishinaabe territory is mentioned as a place where sharing resources like water and food is a tradition.
• 🗜️ Despite territorial constraints, the tradition of sharing and keeping promises through treaties continues.
• 🏘️ The concept of 'treaty people' is introduced, indicating a collective desire for safety, clean water, and a good community life.
• 👋 The script concludes with a cultural alternative to 'goodbye', using 'Baa-maa-pii' to express a hopeful reunion.

Q & A

What does 'Aaniin' mean in Anishinaabemowin?

In Anishinaabemowin, 'Aaniin' means 'Hello' and signifies the essence of the speaker sharing themselves with others.

What is the name of the book series Rabbit is a part of?

Rabbit is a character in the book series called 'The Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws'.

What role does Rabbit play in the creation of the books?

Rabbit is one of the people who draw the books, expressing a love for drawing as a way to communicate and share ideas.

What is the significance of sharing in the context of the script?

Sharing is a key value in the script, related to the concept of treaties and the willingness to share resources and knowledge across generations.

How many generations does the script mention sharing knowledge to?

The script mentions sharing knowledge to 'the seventh generation', indicating a long-term perspective on passing down knowledge.

What is a treaty according to Rabbit?

A treaty, as explained by Rabbit, is a promise that is meant to be kept, symbolized by placing a hand over the heart and affirming to keep one's promise.

What does Rabbit encourage listeners to say to demonstrate their commitment to keeping promises?

Rabbit encourages listeners to say 'I will keep my promise' as a way to show their commitment to honoring their words.

How does Rabbit describe the process of sharing and respecting?

Rabbit describes sharing and respecting as interconnected processes that involve sharing resources like clean water, land, and food, and respecting oneself, neighbors, community, and the land.

What does Rabbit share from the Anishinaabe territory?

Rabbit shares clean waters, land, and delicious blueberries from the Anishinaabe territory, following the teachings of their elders to share what they have.

What does Rabbit mean when they say 'we are all treaty people'?

Rabbit means that everyone is part of a community that values and upholds the promises of treaties, striving for a safe place to live with clean water and a sense of security.

How does Rabbit say 'See you later' in Anishinaabemowin?

In Anishinaabemowin, to say 'See you later', one says 'Baa-maa-pii'.