The Ojibwe believe that spirits are fearful of snakes and displaying this symbol will let them know they are to journey alone. American author Harry Behn smokes a ceremonial pipe, a common ritual within Native American culture. Lee Staples, a spiritual leader for the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation in Central Minnesota, says that one must understand Ojibwe beliefs about life in order to understand Ojibwe beliefs about death. Thanks for this reliable current information. Ottawa Indian Tribe. Sharing our Ways means with our people not the whole world. d.write('