The word totem is irregularly derived from the term ototeman of the Ojibwa and Algonquian dialects. The stem of the word is ote, signifying a kinship, and the suffix m indicates a possessive relationship. Groups of persons having a blood relationship were designated by the name of an animal which, in common usage, came to be called their “dodem animal.”
The algics as a body are divided into several grand families or clans, each of which is known by a symbol of some bird, animal, fish or reptile which they denominate the Totem or Do-daim (Ojibwa pronunciation). The totem descends in the male line, and inter-marriages never take place between persons of the same symbol or family, even should they belong to different and distinct tribes, as they consider one another related by the closest ties of blood.
The Anishinaabe acknowledge in their beliefs and teachings to each successive generation, five original Totems. The tradition in which this belief is embodied, is known only to their chief religious leaders. Six beings in human form came from the “great deep” and entered the wigwams of the Anishinaabe. One was blindfolded; but his curiosity could not be restrained, and he lifted the veil. His eyes fell upon an Indian who immediately dropped dead. He was therefore sent back to the place whence these mysterious beings had emerged. The other five remained among the Indians and “became a blessing to them.” From these visitants there arose the five original totems or clans, known as the Awaazissii (Bullhead), Ajijaak (Echo-maker, crane), Zhiishiib (pintail duck), Nookaa (tender, like bear), Moozwagnowe ("Little" Moose Tail).
Clan Older Version of Ojibwa Double Vowel
1) crane uj-e-jauk ajijaak
2) catfish man-um-aig maanameg
3) loon mong maang
4) bear muk-wah makwa
5) marten waub-ish-ash-e waabizheshi
6) reindeer addick adik
7) wolf mah-een-gun ma'iingan
8) merman ne-baun-aub-ay **
9) pike ke-noushay ginoozhe
10) lynx be-sheu bizhiw
11) eagle me-gizzee migizi
12) moose mous mooz
13) rattlesnake che-she-gwa zhiishiigwe
14) black duck (cormorant) muk-ud-a-shib makadeshib
15) goose ne-kah nika
16) sucker numa-bin namebin
17) sturgeon numa name
18) whitefish ude-kumaig adikameg
19) beaver amik amik
20) gull gy-aushk **
21) hawk ka-kaik gekek
The Loon totem claim to be the chief or royal family, and one of their arguments to prove this position is that nature has placed a color [collar] around the neck of the loon, which resembles the royal megis, or wampum, about the neck of a chief, which form the badge of his honor. This dignity, however, is denied by the Cranes and other totems, who aver that the principal chiefs of the Loons are descended from individuals who were on a certain occasion made chiefs by the French at Quebec.
The Me-she-num-aig-way (Immense fish) which, according to some descriptions, is equivalent to the Leviathan mentioned in the Bible, is comprised of the Catfish, Merman, Sturgeon, Pike, Whitefish and Sucker totems. All the totems of the fish species may be classed under this general head. This family are physically noted for being long lived, and for the scantiness and fineness of their hair, especially in old age.
The No-ka or Bear family are more numerous than any other clan of the Anishinaabe, forming fully one-sixth of the entire tribe. This numerous body was subdivided into many lesser clans, making only portions of the bear’s body their totems, as the head, the foot, the ribs, etc. They have all since united under one head, and the only shade of difference still recognized by them is the common and grizzly bear. They are acknowledged war chiefs and warriors of the tribe, and are keepers of the war-pipe and war-club, and are often denominated the bulwarks of the tribe against its enemies.
The Waub-ish-a-she, or Marten family, form a numerous body in the tribe, and is one of the leading clans. Tradition says that they are spring from the remnant captives of a fierce and warlike tribe whom the Algic tribes have exterminated.
The Bus-in-as-see, or Crane family, are also numerous, and form an important element of the Ojibwa tribe. The literal meaning of their totemic name is, “Echo-maker,” pertaining to loud, clear, and far reaching cry of the Crane. This clan are noted as possessing naturally a loud, ringing voice, and are the acknowledged orators of the tribe; in former times, when different tribes met in councils, they acted as interpreters of the wishes of their tribe.
The Mah-een-gun, or Wolf totem family, are few in number. They are looked upon by the tribe in general with much respect. They derive their origin on the paternal side from the Dakotas.
The crane, catfish, bear, marten, wolf and loon are the principal families, not only in a civil point of view, but in numbers as they comprise eight-tenths of the whole tribe.