The Anishinabe, commonly referred to as the Ojibwa or the Chippewa, ascribed their appearance on this continent to an act of creation. The word Anishinabe translates to "first" or "original man".

The Anishinabe did not originally inhabit the Great Lakes Region. Oral history states that the Anishinabe migrated into the area from the "Great Salt Sea" to the east.

The Anishinabe lived in villages that were composed of family groups and extended kin. The notion of kin (relations) in the Anishinabe society was based on the existence of clans. Clans were the "super-families" of the Anishinabe and were named after animals. These clans were the great fish clan, loon clan, marten clan, crane clan and the bear clan. Subsequent clan divisions of the Anishinabe still trace their ancestry back to on the five original clans. In all, there have been many different clans, but these are only subdivisions of the original five clans.

It was the clan system, along with spiritual beliefs, that imposed order in the Anishinabe society. All members of the same clan, regardless of whether they were "blood" relatives or not, were brothers and sisters. No two clan members of the opposite sex could ever marry.

Anishinabe children were usually named during their first year by an elder or a family member. A feast was usually held for the occasion, and during the evening, the name would be bestowed on the child. Anishinabe children had nicknames as well as formal given names. They were known and referred to by both names, but the use of the nickname was very personal and affectionate. The Anishinabe did not use a system of family names, there was no need for this practice since clan identity served this function.

Anishinabe children accepted a great deal of responsibility at an early age. Young women learned from their mothers and grandmothers, and these tasks were practiced in games and activities. Men and women's roles in the Anishinabe society did not change significantly over time. Children grew up to be like their parents and were educated to be Anishinabe , and to do the things that have always been done.

Historic leadership among the Anishinabe was provided by the elders, usually men, who had demonstrated to their village members that they looked out for the best interests of the people. These leaders were generous, and people followed them because they respected their judgement in civil and political matters. They led by influence and example rather than by controlling wealth and political machines.