Elders often speak about the importance of Anishinaabemowin to Anishinaabe culture and society. In addition to routine communication, the language is essential in the officiating of Ojibwe ceremonies and the repatriation of sacred items as well as in providing a unique way of understanding the world. The survival of Anishinaabemowin is directly related to the survival of Anishinaabe identity and culture.
Cultural protocols and understandings are built into Anishinaabemowin communication. For instance, the word boozhoo (“hello”) not only acknowledges the original spirit of Nanaboozhoo and guides relationships based upon respect, but conveys the process of using the breath of life (“boo”) to express the feeling of life (“zhoo”). The word for old woman (mindimooyenh) describes one who holds everything together from the family to the nation. Bawaajige (“he/she is dreaming”) communicates travelling in the form of spiritual light when the body is at rest. Aaniin, which can be used as a greeting, conveys acknowledging the light within another person that is the same light within oneself. (excerpt from The Canadian Encyclopedia)
Curve Lake Cultural Centre
Curve Lake offers Anishnaabemowin classes from nursery school through secondary school. A high percentage of the population are fluent in Anishnaabemowin, especially in the Michi Saagiig dialect. There is a small group dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the language.
Workshop with DJ Fife
D.J. Fife, a young Curve Lake First Nations man who loves traveling by foot or canoe on the lands of his ancestors works as warden at the Petroglyphs Provincial Park (Kinoomaagewaabikong).
D.J. shared his story as to how he learned his language with the help of his grandparents. He also shared a primer on the Anishinaabemowin language and introduced some basic vocabulary. Words like Aanii (hello), Boozhoo (greetings), Miigwech (Thankyou), Ziisbakdoke Giizis (April – Maple Sugar Moon) are enriching for any lover of language and reconciliation.
Word of the Day
James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw is Anishinaabe from Minnesota. He offers innovative approaches to learn the Ojibwe Language online. The Anishinaabemowin varies from the language spoken near us in Bobcaygeon. However in the language instruction on YouTube, you can hear a fluent speaker, learn some grammar. More importantly James gives an explanation of the word imparting the deeper meaning of the language and often inspires through the spiritual connections that the language has to day to day living.