Nisto Osap Tiposkawi Pisimuk – Thirteen moons
By Wilfred Buck, Researcher and Knowledge Keeper, Opaskwayak Cree Nation
It should be noted that the names below are NOT the ONLY names given to these moons. The names given to the moons depend on the environment each moon was seen from.
The 13 moons herein are how some Ininew communities in Northern and Central Manitoba saw events, weather patterns, animal behaviour, plant/medicines in relation to Wawipi pisim (the full Moon).
The first moon of the cycle would loosely align with our 12-month calendar, keeping in mind you cannot equate our calendar months to the full moons.
Thus, what is presented here is in no way a statement that these full moons have these names and that all others are wrong! That is not our people's way.
This is just one interpretation of many, because we understand that the Moon is seen from many perspective, latitudes, longitudes, environments and hemispheres.
Moon 1
Kitci Pisim/Mistapiw Pisim (Great Moon/Giant Moon)
Full Moon of deep winter. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 2
Mikisiw Pisim (Eagle Moon)
The eagles return from the South. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 3
Niska Pisim (Goose Moon)
The geese begin to return from the South. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 4
Anikis Pisim (Frog Moon)
The frogs awaken and begin to sing. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 5
Sakipakawi Pisim (Budding Moon)
Trees begin new cycle and summer thunders arrive. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 6
Opaskawiowi Pisim/Ota'imin Pisim (Hatching Moon/Heart Berry Moon)
Eggs are hatching and first berries appear. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 7
Paskowi Pisim/Eyapay Apusci Mooswa Pisim (Moulting Moon/Buck Moon)
Loss of flight feathers for water fowl and deer's antlers have matured. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 8
Opaowi Pisim/Namiw Pisim (Flying Up Moon/Sturgeon Moon)
New generation of birds take flight and sturgeon lay eggs. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 9
Pisim/Ininiw Nipin Pisim (Mating/Rutting Moon/Indian Summer Moon)
Rutting season begins and webs are floating in the wind. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 10
Kaskatinowi Pisim (Freezing Up Moon)
Ice begins to form and all lodges should be prepared for winter. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 11
Nikopiwi Pisim/Pipoon Nikititicikiw Pisim (Frosting Up Moon/Winter Keeper Moon)
Cold long nights begin and stories are told. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 12
Pawacikwanasis Pisim/Mikan Pisim (Blizzard Wind Moon/Wolf Moon)
Strong North winds blow and the wolves walk in file. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Moon 13
Opawacakinasisi Pisim (Frost Exploding Moon)
Sap in the trees begins to freeze and Acakwuskwun (spirit clouds) are in the sky simultaneously. (Credit: Artist for full Moon: Carrie Marie West, Opaskwayak Cree Nation/Artist for full Moon depictions: Mistawasis Buck, Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
