Abiinooji Aki was founded by Maryellen Baker, Niiyogiizhigookwe, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe tribal member.
Through a dream she saw Native Women sitting by a Sweat Lodges that were surrounded by very tall pine trees.
These women were laughing, talking, doing beadwork, singing, and playing with their children.
Not too far from the women was a sparkling, raised path above the pine needle covered ground.
She stepped on it and followed it to a beautiful A- frame Log house.
By the house sat White, Black, and Asian women who were crying, sobbing, wailing, and
looking at their children pitifully. They were suffering, and so unhappy.
She looked back at the Native women and said,
“You women take care of your sisters over here,”
as she pointed to the women by the log house.
This vision inspired and directed Niiyogiizhigookwe to build Abiinooji Aki, The Cultural Healing Center, as a place that could provide Native American/Cultural teachings to those seeking the knowledge and healing. For generations, our people have understood that healing comes from connection—connection to land, water, culture, and one another. At Abiinooji Aki, this understanding guides everything we do.
The mission of the Abiinooji-Aki, Inc. Cultural Healing Center is to strengthen the Native American’s mind, body and spirit so that
alcohol and other mind-controlling drugs can no longer influence the lives of our youth and families. We preserve the culture, language, history and ceremonies/rituals of the Ojibwe people. We improve self-esteem through culturally-based social interaction, alcohol/drug free activities which teach cultural ways/methods and by providing culturally-designed therapeutic services to those who seek the Native American way of life.
For more than 30 years, we have walked alongside our community, creating spaces where Indigenous families, youth, and elders can gather in ceremony, learn traditional teachings, and reconnect to their identities. In a world where many of our people continue to carry the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma, these spaces are not just meaningful—they are necessary.
Our work is rooted in the belief that culture is medicine.
Through initiatives like the Women in Water Indigenous International Clearwater Summit, we bring together Indigenous women from across nations to honor their sacred role as water carriers. These gatherings are spaces of healing, leadership, and knowledge sharing, where songs are sung, teachings are passed down, and the responsibility to protect our waters is renewed.
But our work extends beyond one event.
Throughout the year, Abiinooji Aki provides community-based programming that includes cultural teachings, ceremonial practices, youth engagement, and access to traditional medicines. We support individuals and families as they navigate healing, offering guidance grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing—ways that emphasize balance, respect, and relationship.
Many in our community face barriers to accessing these opportunities, including financial hardship, transportation challenges, and limited access to culturally relevant services. We are committed to removing those barriers, ensuring that all who seek connection and healing have a place to come.
Your support makes this possible.
Every contribution helps us continue this work—supporting gatherings, providing materials and medicines, and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected. It allows us to invest in our youth, uplift our women, and honor our elders.
When you give, you are not just supporting a program—you are helping to carry forward generations of knowledge, resilience, and responsibility. You are standing with us in the protection of water, the strengthening of community, and the healing of our people.
Together, we are ensuring that these teachings, these connections, and this way of life continue for future generations.