- This event has passed.
Wisconsin Historical Society | Indigenous Storytelling Series: Leon C. Valliere “Ozaawaagosh”
February 15, 2022 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
In Ojibwe culture, winter is storytelling season. The Wisconsin Historical Society is celebrating that by featuring Ojibwe storytellers in a four-part virtual series every Tuesday evening from Jan. 25 – Feb.15, 2022.
On Feb. 15, join us for a webinar with Leon C. Valliere, also known as Ozaawaagosh, an elder and ceremonial leader who serves the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa as director of the Ojibwe Language Program.
Teaching in the Lac du Flambeau Public School, Lakeland Union High School, and Lac du Flambeau community, Mr. Valliere serves students of all ages. In addition, Mr. Valliere also provides instruction, consultation, and curriculum to other Ojibwe language programs in the region.
Ozaawaagosh considers himself to be fortunate, as his upbringing included fluent Ojibwe language speakers in his household and community. He was raised by traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering family. Ozaawaagosh continues this lifestyle and promotes the “original” aspects of Ojibwe culture within the community known as “Waaswaaganing.”
Ozaawaagosh also promotes bi-cultural existence and survival. He continually encourages youth to reach their full potential. Mr. Valliere’s formal education was obtained at UW-Stout; however, he credits time spent with noted elders in the northern territory as his true education. His interests include birchbark canoe building, Ojibwe history, and Ojibwe music.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Liz Arbuckle at liz.arbuckle@wisconsinhistory.org or 715-685-2667.
