by Kevin Brownlee
Manitoba Museum

Four thousand years ago in southeastern Manitoba, a young man we call Ogiiyose, Noojigiigoo'iwe gaye Dibinawaag Nibiing Onji (Hunter and Fisher from Sheltered Water) was laid to rest by his relatives along the shores of the Lee River. In early July 1997, this Ancestor, along with his tools was discovered eroding from his resting place. The site was named by archaeologists the Two Eagles Site, Niizhoobizowag Migiziwag (Two Soaring Eagles). The Sagkeeng Anicinabe Government, the Manitoba Museum and the provincial Historic Resources Branch worked together to respectfully recover, study, and rebury this Ancestor. Returning the knowledge of the Two Eagles Ancestor to the community in a meaningful way was the primary objective of this partnership.

At the heart of this project is a collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to tell the story of this Ancestor. This book weaves Indigenous Knowledge with human and natural history, showcasing contemporary Indigenous art, ethnographic collections, and stunning photography to bring the fascinating story of the Two Eagles Ancestor to life.

The path to reconciliation will take many directions and forms. This publication was designed and written to become a part of that discourse. Portraying the life of the Two Eagles Ancestor in this way opens a portal into the past to help us all see into the future.