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Legendary Native American Figures: Nokomis (Nokoma)

Name: Nokomis
Tribal affiliation: Ojibway, Algonquin, Ottawa, Menominee, Potawatomi
Alternate spellings: Nookomis, Nukomis, Nookmis, Nokmis, Nòkomis, Nohkomis, Nohkomaeh, Nohkoma, Nokoma, Nokmes, Nkomis, Nokomos, N'okomiss
Pronunciation: Varies by dialect: noh-koh-miss, noo-koh-miss, or noke-miss
Type: Wise woman, grandmother
Related figures in other tribes: Grandmother Woodchuck (Abenaki), Nukumi (Mi'kmaq), Granny Squannit (Wampanoag), Sky Woman (Iroquois)

 Nokomis is the wise old grandmother of the Anishinabe culture hero Wenabozho, who raised him. The name nookomis just means "grandmother" in Ojibwe.

Nokomis Stories

*Nanabozho, Winona, and Nokomis:
    Audio file of a First Nations storyteller narrating the story of Nanabozho and his grandmother Nokomis.
*Manabozho's Birth:
    Algonquian stories about Nokomis and her daughter, and the birth of her grandson Nanabozho.
*The Story of Manabush:
    Menominee story about Nokomis finding and raising her grandson.
*Origin of Fire and the Canoe:
    Menominee stories about Nokomis unsuccessfully trying to keep Nanabozho from fighting monsters.
*How Women Were Given Menstruation:
    Menominee legend about Nokomis' lover, the Bear, being killed by her grandson.

Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends

Ojibway Tales:
    A good collection of traditional Ojibway folktales, told by a Native author.
The Mishomis Book: Voice of the Ojibway:
    Excellent book by a Native author exploring Ojibway legends and traditions.
Algonquian Spirit:
    Excellent anthology of stories, songs, and oral history from the Ojibwe and other Algonquian tribes.

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Additional Resources

 We Look in All Directions
 Chippewa mythology
 Ojibway language
 Ojibway words
 Minnesota Indians
 Woodland Native people
 The Algonquian tribes



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