Ogimaa Songab Midegah Ogichidaa is a hereditary chief of the Red Bear Pembina lineage, and an officially appointed Senior Chief of the Adik Doodem (Anishinaabe Caribou Clan), descending from the original treaty signatories of the Red Bear Chieftaincy of the Pembina Band of Chippewa Indians.
He serves as a treaty representative for the continuation of rights established under the 1789 Treaty of Fort Harmar and the 1863 Treaty of Old Crossing, consistent with the principle that rights continue through identifiable descendant groups.
The authority carried by Chief Midegah arises through traditional hereditary succession and appointment, recognized lineage within the Pembina Band, and continued traditional governance maintained through Anishinaabe systems, including service as a Lodge Chief within the Nishwaaswi Ishkodewaakonigamig Anishinaabeg, the Anishinaabe 8th Fire Traditional Governance Lodge, and as a traditional Firekeeper.
Chief Midegah is also a practitioner, Teaching Lodge and Star Lodge officiator, and oral teacher within the Midewiwin faith, under the lineage and lodge protocol structure carried forward by Hereditary Chief and Midegag Peter O’Chiese, as maintained through Noodin Aanabish James Great Walker and Chief Tom “Sacred Medicine Bear” Dostou who served as his principal Elders/Teachers within this lineage and governance structure.
This leadership represents the continuity of the original treaty relationship, carried forward through lineage, Lodge, and governance structure, and does not arise from administrative recognition or external systems.
Chief Midegah’s authority and responsibilities have been carried through the following affirmations within traditional governance:
Position / Role: Clan Headman “Ogichidaawi”
Date: February 10, 2018
Sponsorship by Adik Doodem Clan Mother Patricia LaFountain, ceremony at Francis Eagleheart Cree Lodge of Turtle Mountain
Position / Role: Acting Treaty Chief
Date: March 1, 2021
Under the direction of Full Red Bear Chieftaincy Treaty Chief Albert Dennis Lambert, Ogimaa Maa’lingan
Position / Role: Full Treaty Chief
Date: October 13, 2024
Position / Role: Senior Chief “Ogimaa”
Date: December 7, 2024
Location / Authority: Nishwaaswi Ishkodewaakonigamig Anishinaabeg, Anishinaabe 8th Fire Traditional Governance Lodge
These affirmations reflect continuity of authority carried through lineage, Lodge, and governance, and do not constitute creation of authority, which originates from the Creator and continues through the people.
