11/14/2025
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Moss – the ultimate in biodegradable diapers.
It’s an age old practice. The process entails harvesting moss from a nearby muskeg, removing twigs, hanging the moss in bundles above the stove, and providing an environment for it to dry.
Babies got the special treatment. Moss was warmed up in the frying pan before being packed in place in the Tihkinaakan. The moss is highly absorbent and gets lost in the degrading of natural products once its purpose with the baby is done. Unlike pampers, it leaves no visible footprint.
Kihchiis Ihkwe as a grandmother adopted the traditional role of looking after her grandchildren. Winter was no deterrent to harvesting moss. A baby’s need diaper material is four season and moss was retrieved similarly; a simple walk across the lake during winter or a canoe paddle by summer. The air tight bush stove purchased at the Hudson Bay Company post in Little Grand Rapids provided the heat. In winter, the trip for moss was coupled with harvesting dry firewood. Often, it’s the Mashkiikwahtik (tamarack tree) that grows in the muskegs. Wood was piled on the toboggan and towed home while moss was stuffed in the pashkwewash (backpack).
Prior to 1973 there was no electricity service at Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi. Bush stoves provided a perfect drying environment. Moss was hung overhead. The bush stove was also used to heat the frying pan which, together with the baby nearby, formed an efficient working triangle encompassing the moss, the frying pan (stove) and the baby.
At night, moss changes were performed with light from a kerosene lantern.
With electricity, much has changed. Moss is out, pampers are in and switches turn on lights.
Kihchiis Ihkwe was the eldest child and daughter of Miskwaatesi Oshkiishik and Kihchi Mohkomaan. Here is a profiling of her ancestry:
FATHER – Miskwaatesi Oshkiishik (Moses Owen). Moose Clan.
Grandparents (Mikwaatesi Oshkiishik’s parents)
Taami (Thomas Owen, Sr.) of Pauingassi First Nation. Moose Clan.
Oshiikaniish of Berens River First Nation. Pelican Clan.
Great grandparents (Miskwaatesi Oshkiishik’s grandparents and Taami’s parents)
Shenawakoshkank of Pauingassi - Ancestor of many of the Moose Clan in this region.
Chiikanaan (Mother).
MOTHER – Kihchi Mohkomaan (Alice Keeper). Sturgeon Clan.
Grandparents (Kihchi Mohkomaan’s parents)
Omootayi (Arthur Keeper) from Pauingassi. Sturgeon Clan.
Waashakaam from Little Grand Rapids. Duck Clan.
Great grandparents (Kihchi Mohkomaan’s grandparents and Omootayi’s parents)
Pasikwiikaapaw of Pikangikum and originally from Lac Seul. Ancestor of many of the Sturgeon Clan in this area.
Mahkokwe (Mother) was from Pikangikum and originally from Lac Seul. Bear Clan.
Kihchiis Ihkwe was the oldest child in her family. She married Kihchiis of the Kingfisher Clan.
A sister named Chachaank moved to Pikangikum where she married Nikiwinini (Henry King). Nikikwinini was a son to Kakikeyaashik, youngest daughter of Pasikwiikaapaw and wife We’we.
References:
Ochichaahkons (H. Neufeld)
G. Butikofer
Photo - Ochichaahkons
