The Story Behind “The Witch Tree’ On Lake Superior

THE SPIRIT TREE

Did you know that Minnesota is home to a sacred spirit tree on the shores of Lake Superior? It is sometimes referred to as 'The Witch Tree,' but its' real name is Manidoo-giizhikens, which means "Spirit Little Cedar Tree" to the Ojibwe people, and it has important spiritual significance to the Ojibwe in Grand Portage.

We know that the word 'Witch' can be a frightening word for many, which can give people the absolute wrong idea about this sacred ground. Although we know there are 'good' witches and 'bad' witches in the witchy world, it still sets a different stage for something so sacred to so many people.

So how did this sacred tree that means so much to the Ojibwe get the nickname 'The Witch Tree '?

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Native Report/YouTube

PAINTERS AND THEIR PAINTINGS

It probably comes as no surprise, but it wasn't given that name by the Ojibwe at all. No one knows for sure, where the name came from but Travis Novitsky said in an online article said that the name Witch Tree came from a non-native painter named Dewey Albinson. From what he knows, back in the 1950s, Albinson did a painting of the tree, and named the painting "The Witch Tree." It just became popular over the years.

He said in the article that The Spirit Tree is in a spiritual place. "To me, every place I go in the woods is spiritual, but there are places that are extra special, and this is one of those places. So as we walk down there, it's okay to talk, but just try to keep your voices low and just be respectful."

You can see the painting of Dewey Albinson's 'The Witch Tree' by clicking here. It appears that the painting was sold at an auction in January of 2024 for $450.

I've also heard that you cannot visit this sacred tree without being escorted by someone in the Ojibwe Tribe, due to vandalism in years past.