Midewiwin – Ojibwe ceremonial complex, entailing an unfolding or hierarchical series of initiations involving transformation and healing rites and including elements of bear ceremonialism. While the complex is supposed to be secret, it has been discussed by a number of scholars, including John Grim. It also features in the translations and creative fiction of Gerald Vizenor (e.g., in Summer in the Spring and Bearheart: The Heirship Chronicles).
SOURCE:
Historical Dictionary of Shamanism by Graham Harvey and Robert J. Wallis 2007