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about Midegah Ogichidaa

Lineage and Historical Context:

Chief Midegah is a Headman in the Adik Doodem, Caribou Clan, appointed by Matrilineal Clan Mother Patricia Brunelle-Barker-Lafountain of the renowned "star woman" bloodline.
He carries a Council Fire Stone from the Niswi-Mishkodewinan or Three Fires Peoples, obtained at the Garden River Ojibway Nation, as well as the 8th generation Opwaagan or Ceremonial Pipe of the Ojibway and Pottawatomi Nations. Additionally, he carries a Midewiwin Creation Story master scroll and songs of the Peacemaker also from the sacred Birch Bark Scrolls.
His ancestor, Grandfather Chief Pewanakum, signed the 1789 Treaty of Fort Harmar on behalf of Great Chippewa Nation (Ojibwe) Grand Chief Mamongazeda, (also his father-in-law), promising perpetual protection by the United States—a promise yet to be honored due to the northern border division by Canada (British Crown).
Ancestors Chief Red Bear and Chief Joseph "Savage" Montrieul signed the 1863 Pembina Chippewa Treaty at Old Crossing, exchanging land for a reservation that was never provided.
In 1892, Chief Midegah's grandfathers rejected the McCumber Agreement, with Article 8 recognizing the creation of the Reservation for Red Bear, which remains unfulfilled.

Recent Legal Achievements:

From 2021 to 2023, Chief Midegah represented his family's treaty rights in the Pembina Judgement Settlement, culminating in a Temporary Restraining Order in the District Court of Washington D.C.
In August 2023, the court ruled that the Turtle Mountain Band's sale did not abrogate his family's treaty rights, with his family maintaining access to civil and legal remedies, a right that the members of the Turtle Mountain Band NO LONGER HAVE.

Current Roles:

Serving as a traditional Firekeeper, Spiritual Authority, in the Anishinaabe 8th Fire Lodge.
Selected as Chief Firekeeper, Spiritual Authority, at the March 2025 Equinox Ceremony of the Grand Council of the Americas by Abuela Mima, Chief Grandmother of the Mayan Peoples, to serve as the Firekeeper.

Education and Military Service:

Graduate of The American Military University and the University of Utah, with a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership (Magna Cum Laude).
14-year Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Afghanistan Combat Veteran, recipient of numerous medals including:
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Star
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd Award)
- Navy and Marine Corps Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
- Navy Unit Commendation Medal
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award)
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- NATO Medal ISAF Afghanistan

Significance of Being a Firekeeper:

As a Firekeeper, Chief Midegah holds a deeply respected and spiritual role within the Anishinaabe and Mayan communities, where his ancestry originates as they ran north and south trade routes historically. Firekeepers are seen as spiritual custodians, responsible for maintaining the sacred fire during ceremonies. This fire serves as a connection to the spiritual world, symbolizing purification, transformation, and the continuity of life.
The role involves preserving cultural traditions and teachings, as the fire acts as a focal point for storytelling and passing down ancestral knowledge.
Firekeepers are community leaders, entrusted with ensuring that ceremonies are conducted with respect and integrity. Their role requires dedication, discipline, and a deep understanding of cultural and spiritual practices.
The sacred fire is central to many Indigenous beliefs, representing warmth, sustenance, and the heart of the community. It carries prayers to the Creator and ancestors, bridging the physical and spiritual realms.