Poor Bear

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares a humorous yet heartfelt story about a bear that climbed into her car, teaching an unexpected lesson about responsibility and compassion. Through her young daughter’s innocent response, she reflects on the deep understanding that bears are relatives deserving of care, not fear. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

What is Makwa Zoongide'ewin?

Makwa Zoongide'ewin is a podcast series that shares stories and reflections from the Drift/Benner Family of Nett Lake Village, Bois Forte Nation. Four generations speak about their deep and enduring relationship with the bears that share their homeland. Through voices of elders an youth, listeners learn about the Bear Clan, cultural teachings, and the balance of respect, protection, and coexistence that defines Ojibwe life. These stories reveal how ancestral knowledge, humor, and spiritual connection should continue to guide the community’s understanding of kinship with the natural world.