The Ojibwa (Anishinaabe) people of North America had written down complex geometrical patterns and shapes on birch bark scrolls. These writings enabled one to memorize complex ideas, and to pass along history and stories to the next generations. Several such scrolls are in museums including one on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. One recent study of a few scrolls details the complex math and memorizing scheme associated with the symbols that were used long ago. The bark provided an excellent natural medium to write upon, preserve, and to pass along ancient thoughts and ideas. The Ojibwa, Aanishanabe or Chippewa (also Ojibwe, Ojibway, Chippeway, Anishinaabe, or Anishinabek) are the largest group of Native Americans/First Nations north of Mexico, including Métis. ... Anishinaabe is a self-description often used by people belonging to the indigenous Odawa, Ojibwe, and Algonkin peoples of North America, who share closely related Algonkian languages. ... The Ojibwe language is an Algonquian American Indian language spoken throughout the Great Lakes region and westward onto the northern plains. ... Species Many species; see text and classification Birch is the name of any tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, closely related to the beech/oak family, Fagaceae. ... The Smithsonian castle, as seen through the garden gate. ...

The scrolls and traditions are still alive today, and passed along from generation to generation. The Midewiwin are once traditional group that still keeps the scrolls and the teachings alive. The Midewiwin (also spelled Midewin and Medewiwin) is from the term for the Grand Medicine Society of the aboriginal groups of the Great Lakes region in North America. ...