13 Moons is a deep dive into the traditional Vision Keepers’ teachings through the eyes of a coming-of-age young woman named “Little Current.” Little Current is a dancer. She has been raised to be strong, noble and respectful of creation. For example, she knows that everything in Creation has spirit. The plants, the trees, the water, the wind, the rocks and the mountains have spirit. The sky world, including the moon and the other planets, have spirit. All of these are part of our First Family, the natural world.

The Moon is called Grandmother Moon and great respect is paid to her. As a young woman, Little Current has come to a time in her life that she must be aware of all the teachings she needs to become a woman. Through respected “Teachers” (Karen Pheasant, Sherry Copenace) she will “dance” us through all the teachings and ceremony she needs to be a strong, noble and respectful of creation.

These illuminations will be taught in the women’s lodge where the cycles of the thirteen moons will open the doors to her lifetime of understanding and being. Each passing moon will guide her through the changes that will light her way. They will follow times for planting, harvesting, hunting, gathering and the teachings she must follow to be an Anishinaabe Kway (Woman). In the Anishinaabe calendar the names of each month include the word ‘moon’ and reflect the close connection between the cycles of the moon, the plant and animal life and the teachings behind them on Turtle Island. As Little Current dances through all these realms of understanding and becomes more aware and knowledgeable of our traditions and culture so does our honour and respect for these ways.