Gidinwewinaan - Our Way of Sound Lesson Archive

By Nazhike—Mille Lacs Band Member

Gidinwewininaan (Our way of Sound)- Ojibwe language describes the complex and specific family ties that give special connections to the people in our lives. These are written as “my” to say “your...” you swap the “Nin” for “Gi.” Give it a try!!

Ninzigos – My aunt (father’s sister) nih zig gohs

Ninoshenh – My aunt (mother’s sister) nih no shay(nasal)

Nisaye – My older brother nih suh yeh

Nishiime – My younger brother/sister nih she meh

Nindaanis – My daughter nih dah nis

Nindede – My father nih deh deh

Niwiijiwaagan – My friend nih wee jiw wah gun

Noozhis – My grandchild new zhis

Nimishomis – My grandfather nih mish show mis

Nookomis – My grandmother new koh mis

Ninaabem – My husband nih nah behm

Nimaamaa – My mother nih mah mah

Nimise – My older sister nih mih seh

Ningozis – My son nin go zis

Niinimoshenh – My sweetheart/cross cousin nee nim mo sheh(nasal)

Nimishoome – My uncle (father’s brother) nih mish shoom meh

Ninzhishenh – My uncle (mother’s brother) nih zhish sheh(nasal)

Niwiiw – My wife nih wee ew

September Issue

The Ojibwe language has four different verb types. Let's take time to review the VTI verb type. These verbs are the action verbs to it. Like “throw it” and “try it.” Gagwejitoon! Give it a try!

Niwaabandaan = I see it. nih wah bun dahn

Giwaabandaan = You see it. gih wah bun dahn

Owaabandaan = He/she sees it. oh wah bun dahn

Niwaabandaamin = We (exclusive) see it. nih wah bun dah min

Giwaabandaamin = We (inclusive) see it. gih wah bun dah min

Giwaabandaanaawaa = You all see it. gih wah bun dah nah wah

Owaabandaanaawaa = They see it. oh wah bun dah nah wah

Owaabandaanini = 4th person sees it. oh wah bun dah nih nih

Waabandamaan = When I see it. wah bun dum mahn

Waabandaman = When you see it. wah bun dum mun

Waabandang = When he/she sees it. wah bun dung

Waabandamaang = When we (exclusive) see it. wah bun dum muhng

Waabandamang = When we (inclusive) see it. wah bun dum mung

Waabandameg = When you all see it. wah bun dum meg

Waabandamowaad = When they see it. wah bun dum mo wahd

Waabandaminid = When 4th person sees it. wah bun dum min nid.

August Issue

Bakitebii'ige = S/he is posting/commenting. buh kit tay bee’ ihg gay

Gibakitebii'ige = You are posting/commenting. gih buh kit tay bee’ ihg gay

Nimbakitebii'ige = I am posting/commenting. nim buh kit tay bee’ ihg gay

Gaa-pakitebii’iged = What s/he posted/ commented. gah puh kit tay bee’ ihg gayd

Gaa-pakitebii’igeyan = What you posted/ commented. gah puh kit tay bee’ ihg gay yun

Gaa-pakitebii’igeyaan = What I posted/ commented. gah puh kit tay bee’ ihg gay yahn

Dakwaatese = A short video (fb reel, BeReal). duk wah tay say

Minwendan = Like it! min wayn dun

Niminwendaan = I like it. nih min wayn dahn

Giminwendaan = You like it. gih min wayn dahn

Bajiishkidooneni = S/he puckers h/ lips (duck lips). buj jee shkid doo nay nih

Nimbajiishkidoonen = I am puckering my lips. nim buj jee shkid doo nayn

Gibajiishkidoonen = You are puckering my lips. gih buj jee shkid doo nayn

Mazinaakizodizo = S/he is taking a selfie. muh zin nah kizo dizo

Nimazinaakizodiz = I am taking a selfie. nih muh zin nah kizo diz

Gimazinaakizodiz = You are taking a selfie. gih muh zin nah kizo diz

July Issue

Ojibwe Language has many different patterns in order to express different aspects. We have “must be ___” using present tense statements. This is the “-dog” ending. Pronounced like “dough” with a “g” ending. Give it a try!

Nimbakadenaadog = I must be hungry. (nim buk kud day nah dohg)

Bakadedog = S/he must be hungry. (buk kud day dohg)

Gibakadenaadog = You must be hungry. (gih buk kud day nah dohg)

Nimbiizikaanaadog = I must be wearing it. (nim bee zik kah nah dohg)

Gibiizikaanaadog = You must be wearing it. (gih bee zik kah nah dohg)

Obiizikaanaadog = S/he must be wearing it. (oh bee zik kah nah dohg)

Indizhaanaadog = I must be going somewhere. (in dizh zhah nah dohg)

Gidizhaanaadog = You must be going somewhere. (gih dizh zhah nah dohg)

Izhaadog = S/he must be going somewhere. (izh zhah dohg)

Nindayekozinaadog = I must be tired. (nin duh yay koh zin naa dohg)

GIdayekozinaadog = You must be tired. (gih duh yay koh zin naa dohg)

Ayekozidog = S/he must be tired. (nin duh yay koh zin dohg)

Nindaakozinaadog = I must be sick. (nin dah koh zin naa dohg)

Gidaakozinaadog = You must be sick. (gih dah koh zin naa dohg)

Aakozidog = S/he must be sick. (ah koh zih dohg)

Miiziidog = S/he must be miiziing. (mee zee dohg)

June Issue

Gidinwewininaan (Our way of Sound)- Ojibwe Language has many different patterns in order to express different aspects. We have “was ___ but not anymore” using present tense statements. This is the “-ban” ending. Pronounced “Bun.” Give it a try using statements about “me.”

Nimbakadenaaban = I was hungry but not anymore. (nim buk kud day nah bun)

Ninibaanaaban = I was sleeping but not anymore. (nih nib bah nah bun)

Nimiijinaaban = I used to eat something but not anymore. (nih mee jin nah bun)

Nimbiizikaanaaban = I used to wear it but not anymore. (nim bee zik kah nah bun)

Nindizhaaban = I used to go __ but not anymore. (nin dizh zhah nah ban)

Niwaabamaaban = I used to see h/her but not anymore. (nih wah bum mah bun)

Niwiidanokii’aaban = I used to work with h/her but not anymore. (nih wee dun no key’ ah bun)

Nindizhichigenaaban = I used do it but not anymore. (nin dizh zhich chig gay nah bun)

Niwiiji’ayaawaaban = I used to be with h/her but not anymore.. (nih wee jih’ uh yow wah bun)

Nindazhiikanaaban = I used to take part with it but not anymore. (nih duzh zhee kun nah ban)

Ningiiyosenaaban = I used to hunt but not anymore. (nin gee yo say nah bun)

Nindagindaanaaban = I used to read it but not anymore. (nin dug in dah nah bun)

Niminikwenaaban = I used to drink but not anymore. (nih min nik kway nah bun)

Nindanokiisiinaaban = I used to not work but not anymore. (nin dun no key see nah bun)

Indaanaaban = I used to live there but not anymore. (in dah nah bun)

Ninoondawaaban = I used to hear h/her but not anymore. (nin noon dow wah bun)

May Issue

Ojibwe language is known as polysynthetic, denoting or relating to a language characterized by complex words consisting of several morphemes in which a single word may function as a whole sentence. A morpheme is nothing new to us. We use them regularly in English. For example, the word "incoming" has three morphemes; in, come, and -ing. All give their meaning to the word. Give it a try!

Wiishkoban = It is sweet. (wee shko bun)

Wiishkobizi = S/he is sweet. (wee shko biz zih)

Wiishkobaaboo = Maple sap. (wee shko bah boo)

Wiishkobaagamin = Sweet liquid. (wee shko bah gum min)

Wiishkobimaagozi = S/he smells sweet. (wee shko bim mah go zih)

Wiishkobimaagwad = It smells sweet. (wee shko bim mah gwud)

Wiishkobipogwad = It tastes sweet. (wee shko bip poh gwud)

Wiishkobipogozi = S/he tastes sweet. (wee shko bip poh go zih)

Gizhiibatoo = S/he runs fast. (gizh zhee buh too)

Gizhiidaabii’iwe = S/he drives fast. (gih zhee dah bee’ ih way)

Gizhiijiwan = It flows fast. (gih zhee jih wun)

Gizhiiyose = S/he walks fast. (gih zhee yo say)

Gizhiiyoode = S/he crawls fast. (gih zhee you day)

Gizhiiyaanimad = The wind blows fast. (gih zhee yah nim mud)

Gizhiigi = S/he grows fast. (gih zhee gih).

April Issue

Ojibwe language is known as polysynthetic, denoting or relating to a language characterized by complex words consisting of several morphemes in which a single word may function as a whole sentence. A morpheme is nothing new to us. We use them regularly in English. For example, the word "incoming" has three morphemes; in, come, and -ing. All give their meaning to the word. Give it a try!

Wiishkoban = It is sweet. (wee shko bun)

Wiishkobizi = S/he is sweet. (wee shko biz zih)

Wiishkobaaboo = Maple sap. (wee shko bah boo)

Wiishkobaagamin = Sweet liquid. (wee shko bah gum min)

Wiishkobimaagozi = S/he smells sweet. (wee shko bim mah go zih)

Wiishkobimaagwad = It smells sweet. (wee shko bim mah gwud)

Wiishkobipogwad = It tastes sweet. (wee shko bip poh gwud)

Wiishkobipogozi = S/he tastes sweet. (wee shko bip poh go zih)

Gizhiibatoo = S/he runs fast. (gizh zhee buh too)

Gizhiidaabii’iwe = S/he drives fast. (gih zhee dah bee’ ih way)

Gizhiijiwan = It flows fast. (gih zhee jih wun)

Gizhiiyose = S/he walks fast. (gih zhee yo say)

Gizhiiyoode = S/he crawls fast. (gih zhee you day)

Gizhiiyaanimad = The wind blows fast. (gih zhee yah nim mud)

Gizhiigi = S/he grows fast. (gih zhee gih).

March Issue

Ojibwe language use can happen at work. Depending on your job, there are a variety of words that can be used during your day. Start using these words and day by day your language will grow. Give it a try!

Endanokiiyaan = Where I work. (ayn duh no key yawn)

Endanokiiyan = Where you work. (ayn duh no key yun)

Endanokiid = Where s/he works. (ayn duh no keyed)

Giigidowin = Phone. (gee gid do win)

Mawanji’idiiwin = a meeting. (muh wuhn jih’ id dee win)

Bi-mawadisishin = Come visit with me. (bih muh wuh dis sish shin)

Iibii’amawin = A text message/email. (ee bee um muh win)

Niimidana daso-diba’igan = 40 hours. (nii mid duh nuh duh sew dih buh’ ih gun)

Ozhibii’iganaak = A pen/pencil. (oh zhib bee’ ih gun nock)

Mazinaabikiwebinigaans = An iPad/tablet. (muh zin nah bik kih way bin nih gahns)

Awiya gaganoonid = someone is calling me. (uh wee yuh guh guh new nid)

Awiya gaganoonik = someone is calling you. (uh wee yuh guh guh new nik)

Awiya gaganoonag = I am calling someone. (uh wee yuh guh guh new nug)

Awiya gaganoonaad = S/he is calling someone. (uh wee yuh guh guh new nod)

Anwebing = Breaktime/weekend. (uhn way bing)

January Issue

Ojibwe Language use needs to increase soon. A good way to use our language is in the form of an introduction. Announce to whoever can hear, Manidoog included, who you are. The intro has a purpose. It tells everyone what your Shinaabe name is, your clan, and where you are from. If you know the Ojibwe word that goes in ___, use it. If not, you can use the English for now and learn the Ojibwe. Let’s try!

______ indizhinikaaz = ____ is my name. (in dizh zhin nik kaaz)

______ indigoo = ____ they call me. (Nickname) (in dig goo)

___ indoodem = ___ is my clan. (In doo daym)

___ indoonjibaa = ___ is my origin. (in doon jib bah)

___ dash indaa = ___ is where I live. (dush in dah)

___ endanokiiyaan = ___ is where I work. (ayn dun no kee yahn)

Niminwendaan ___ = I like to ___. (nih min wayn dahn)

___ indaanisag ayaawag = _ # __ daughters I have. (in dah nis sug uh yah wug)

___ ingozisag ayaawag = _#__ sons I have. (in goh zis sug uh yah wug)

___ gii-kikinoo’amaagooyaan = ___ is where I went to school. (gee kik kin new’ uh mah goo yawn)

Ni-nitaa-___ = I know how to ___. (nih nit tah)

Ni-wii-___ = I want to ___. (nih wee)

Ningana-waabandaan ___ = I watch ___. (nin guh nuh wah bun dahn)

Nim-bizindaan ___ = I listen to ___. (nim biz zin dahn)

Giin dash = How about you? (geen dush)

December Issue

Ojibwe language has multiple ways to use words continuation. Seeing the different components in which words are used in Ojibwe can help build vocabulary. Phrases like “I like it” and “she likes you” and “it is liked” can use the same root word in Ojibwe with different components added in to express what you are trying to convey to whom you speak. Let’s try!

Giikaji = S/he is cold. (Gee kuj jih)

Giikajizidewaji = S/he has cold feet. (Gee kuj jih zid day wuh jih)

Giikajininjiiwaji = S/he has cold hands. (Gee kuj jih nin jee wuh jih)

Giikajindibewaji = S/he has a cold head. (Gee kuj jin dib bay wuh jih)

Dakate = It is a cold room/house. (Duh kuh tay)

Dakaagamin = It is a cold liquid. (Duh kah gum min)

Dakibiisaa = It is a cold rain. (Duh kib bee sah)

Dakaanimad = It is a cold wind. (Duh kah nim mud)

Dakisagaa = It is a cold floor. (Duh kih sug gah)

Dakadaawangaa = It is a cold sand/beach. (Duh kuh dah wun gah)

Wakewaji = He/she gets cold easy. (Wuh kay wuh jih)

Gisinaa = It is cold weather. (Gih sih nah)

Ingiikaj = I am cold. (In gee kuj)

Gigiikaji = You are cold. (Gih gee kuj)

Giikajiwag = They are cold. (Gee kuj jih wug)

November Issue

Ojibwe Language has multiple ways to use words. Seeing the different components in which words are used in Ojibwe can help build vocabulary. Phrases like “I like it” and “she likes you” and “it is liked” can use the same root word in Ojibwe with different components added in to express what you are trying to convey to whom you speak to. Let’s try!

Minwenim = Like him/her! (min wayn nim)

Minwendan = Like it! (min wayn dun)

Giminwenimaa = You like him/her. (gih min wayn nim mah)

Nminwendaan = I like it. (nih min wayn dahn)

Minwendanjigaade = It is liked. (min wayn dun jig gah day)

Minweninjigaazo = S/he is seen. (min wayn nin jig gah zo)

Naadamaw = Get it for him/her. (nah dum maw)

Naadin = Go get it. (nah din)

Ninaadamawaa = I am listening to him/her. (ni nah dum maw wah)

Ginaadin = You are getting it. (gih nah din)

Naadanamaagwad = It is got. (nah dun nuh mah gwud)

Naadamaagozi = He/she is having it got for h/her. (nah dum mah go zih)

October Issue

Ojibwe Language has multiple ways to use words. Different components can change the word to be what you want to say. Remember that an ojibwe word is an actual sentence. Phrases like “I see it” and “she sees you” and “it is seen” can use the same root word in ojibwe with different components added in to express what you are trying to convey to whom you speak to. Let’s try!

Waabam = See him/her! (Wah bum)

Waabandan = See it! (Wah bun dun)

Giwaabamaa = You see him/her. (Gih wah bum mah)

Niwaabandaan = I see it. (Nih wah bun dahn)

Waabanjigaade = It is seen. (Wah bun jig gah day)

Waabanjigaazo = He/she is seen. (Wah bun jig gah zo)

Bizindaw = Listen to him/her. (Bih zin dow)

Bizindan = Listen to it. (Bih zin dun)

Nimbizindawaa = I am listening to him/her. (Nim biz zin dow wah)

Gibizindaan = You are listening to it. (Gih biz zin dahn)

Bizindaagwad = It is listened to. (Bih zin dah gwud)

Bizindaagozi = He/she is listened to. (Bih zin dah go zih)

September Issue

Ojibwe Language is a polysynthetic language. BIg words, I know! Basically it means that Ojibwe language words are actually full sentences. The word bimibatoo means he/she is running about. Every part of an Ojibwe word means something. Bimi-= going about and batoo = running. You’ll hear bimi- in bimose=he/she walks. And -batoo in Azhebatoo=He/she runs backwards. Let’s try a few more.

Biijibatoo = He/She runs here. (Bee Jih Buh Too)

Biijibizo = He/sShe drives here. (Bee Jih Bih Zoh)

Gizhiibizo = He/She drives fast. (Gih Zhee Biz Zoh)

Gizhiiyose = He/She walks fast. (Gizh Zhee Yoh Say)

Nitaawose = He/She walks well. (Nit Tah Woh Say)

Nitaawigwaaso = He/She sews well. (Nit Tah Wih Gwah So)

Maajigwaaso = He/She starts sewing. (Mah Jig Gwah So)

Maadanokii = He/She starts working. (Mah Dun No Kee)

Nandawanokii = He/She looks for work. (Nun Duh Wuh No Kee)

Nandawaabi = He/She looks for something. (Nun Duh Wah Bih)

Minwaabi = He/She sees well. (Min Wah Bih)

Minobimaadizi = He/She lives well. (Min No Bih Mah Dih Zih)

August Issue

Mazinaateseg, a movie, is a time when we can also use our language. The description of the world around us is what our language uses and movies fit into this world around us. They help give us experiences that we otherwise would not have been a part of, they present perspectives that we may not have been exposed to and they demonstrate the do’s and don’ts of the world around us. A natural fit for how we as anishinaabe learn.

Mazinaatese = it is a movie (Muh zin nah tay say)

Gaapizigan = Popcorn (Gah piz zig gun)

Maanaatese = it is a bad movie, is a poor movie (Mah nah tay say)

Menwaagaming = Pop (Mayn wah gum mig)

Gagiibaadaatese = it is a funny movie, is a comedy (Guh gee bah dah tay say)

Mazina’igaans = a ticket (Muh zin nuh’ ih gahns)

Chi-mazinaatesijigan = The theater screen (Chih muh zin nah tay sij jig gun)

Odaminoowaatese = it is a movie for children, is a kid's movie (Oh dum min new wah tay say)

Minwaatese = it is a good movie; it flashes nicely (Min wah tay say)

Maadaatese = the movie or show starts (Mah dah tay say)

Zegaatese = it is a scary movie (Zay gah tay say)

Mazinaatesijige = s/he shows a movie, watches a movie (Muh zin nah tay sij jig gay)

July Issue

Summertime is here and so are the Manidoonsag (insects). Yes they are called manidoons as in “little manidoo.” Knowing them, and how to mention their presence is a good way to practice. If you find yourself not getting one on you, you may need to spend more time in nature.

Ezigaa = a Woodtick (Eh zig gah)

Ezigaag = Woodticks. (Eh zig gahg)

Odezigaami = S/he has woodticks (Oh day zig gah mih)

Indoodezigaam = I have woodticks. (In doo day zig gahm)

Ezigaakaa = There are a lot of woodticks. (Eh zig gah kah)

Zagime = a Mosquito. (Zug gim may)

Zagiimeg = Mosquitoes. (Zug gim mayg)

Miiwizagimewe = S/he is driven away by mosquitoes. (Mee wih zug gim may way)

Zagimekaa = There are a lot of mosquitoes. (Zuh gim may kah)

Oojiins = a Fly. (Ooh jeens)

Oojiinsikaa = There are a lot of flies. (Ooh jeens ih kah)

Mizizaak = a Horsefly (Miz ziz zahk)

Mizizaakwag = Horseflies. (Miz ziz zahk wug)

Mizizaakikaa = There are a lot of Horseflies. (Miz ziz zahk kih kah)

Mizizaakoons = Deerfly. (Miz ziz zah koons)

Mizizaakoonsikaa = There are a lot of Deerflies. (Miz ziz zah koons ih kah)

June Issue

Summer time is almost here which provides an opportunity for us to spend time with the trees, the sun, and water. All Manidoog! Our phrases during this time can be used to expand our view of the summertime and all the beings we interact with. Check Gidinwewininaan.com for more language learning resources.

Giizis = Sun (Gee zis)

Aabawaa = Warm weather. (Ah buh wah)

Waaseyaa = Sunny. (Wah say yah)

Mitig = Tree. (Mih tig)

Ginwaakozi = The tree is tall. (Gin wah koh zih)

Nibi = Water. (Nih bih)

Zaaga’igan = Lake. (Zah guh’ ih gun )

Ziibi = River. (Zee bih)

Noopiming = In the woods (New pim ming)

Aanakwad = Cloud (Aah nuk kwud)

Zegaanakwad = Storm Cloud. (Zay gah nuk kwud)

Noodin = Wind. (New din)

Giizhig = Sky. (Gee zhig)

Mizhakwad = Clear sky. (Mih zhuk kwud)

Anang = Star. (Uh nung)

Anangokaa = There are many stars. (Uh nung go kah).

May Issue

While we are eating is also a good time to practice the language. Use these words through any meal time whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They use similar language for any meal. Give these words a try but avoid talking with you mouth full. Also check Gidinwewininaan.com for more language learning resources.

Miijim = Food (Mee jim)

Jiibaakwe = S/he is cooking. (Jee bah kway)

Gabaatoon = Boil it. (Gub bah toon)

Ninjiibaakwe = I am cooking. (Nin jee bah kway)

Awegonen jiibaakweyan? = What are you cooking? (Uh way go nayn jee bah kway yun)

Mac ningabaatoon = I am boiling mac. (Mac nin gub bah toon)

Zaasakokwe = S/he is frying something. (Zah suk ko kway)

Zaasakokwaadan = Fry it! (Zah suk ko kwah dun)

Gizaasakokwe ina? = Are you frying something? (Giz zah suk ko kway in nuh)

Zhiiwitaagan = Salt. (Zhee wit tah gun)

Gaa-wiisagang = Pepper. (Gah wee sug gung)

Debisinii = S/he eats enough. (Day bis sin nee)

Gidaanawe = S/he eats it all. (Gih dah nuh way)

Nawajii = S/he eats a light meal, snack. (Nuh wuj jee)

Madwenjige = S/he is heard eating. (Mud wayn jig gay)

Giimoodanjige = S/he sneak eats. (Gee moo dun jig gay)

April Issue

When we awaken, we start a whole new day. Another day to use and build your language. We use similar words every morning as we start our day. We can use these repetitive statements to transition from English to Ojibwemowin. Practicing throughout the day with words that we commonly use, will give us opportunity to build on what we use everyday. Use the following terms:

Goshkozin = Wake up! (Go shko zin)

Gigoshkoz ina = Are you awake? (Gih go shkoz in nuh)

Eya’ ningoshkoz = Yes, I’m awake. (Ay yuh’ nin go shkoz)

Mii azhigwa ji-giizhiitaayan = It is time for you to get ready. (Mee uh zhig wuh jih gee zhee tah yun)

Giziiyaabide’on = Brush your teeth! (Gih zee yah bid day’ own)

Gidaa- = You should. (Gih dah)

Biizikonaye = put on clothes. (bee zik kone nuh yay)

Gegoo gidaa-miijin = You should eat something. (Gay goo gih dah mee jin)

Biizikan = Wear it. (Bee zih kun)

Gidazhigan = Your socks. (Gih duzh zhig gun)

Giziibiigininjiin = Wash your hands! (Gih zee bee gih nin jean)

Gidaa-goshkozi’aa = You should wake up. (Gih dah go shko zih’ aah)

Gishiime = Your younger sibling. (Gih shee may)

Babiichiin = Put on your shoes! (Bub bee cheen)

Gigiizhiitaa = You are ready. (Gih gee zhee tah)

March Lesson

Offering tobacco everyday is what is highly recommended. It can also be an exercise of your language muscles. Working through this daily will allow you to commit it to spiritual memory and enhance your experience as an Anishinaabe. Using your language daily will set your mind on a path that aligns with your spiritual path. Use the following terms:

Indizhinikaaz = I am named. (In dizh zhin nik kahz)

Indoodem = My clan. (Gih ninj)

Indoonjibaa = My origin. (In doon jib bahj)

Nindatamawaa = I am offering (Nin dut tum muh wah)

Asemaa = Asemaa. (Uh say mah)

Ni-wii = I want to. (Nih wee)

Gikendaan = know it. (Gik kayn dawn)

Ojibwemowin = Ojibwe Language. (Oh jib waym mow win)

Miinawaa = And. (Mee nuh wah)

Anishinaabe = Anishinaabe. (Uh nish shin nah bay)

Izhitwaawin = Way of life. (Izh itwah win)

Daga = Please. (Duh guh)

Wiidookawishin = Help me. (Nin dew skwun)

Gikendamaan = that I know it. (Gih kayn duh mahn)

Anishinaabewiyaan = So I am Anishinaabe. (Uh nih shin nah bay wih yawn)

February Lesson

Do you know Giiyaaw? Do you know your body? Knowing our vessel allows us to give it gratitude. Our bodies are on loan from the Earth and we are given each piece of it for a reason. Knowing your body is the start of knowing yourself. See if you can change the rest words for body parts following these examples:

Nininj = My hand. (Nih ninj)

Gininjiin = Your hands. (Plural) (Gih ninj)

Oninj = His/her hand. (Oh ninj)

Nizid = My foot. (Nih zid)

Gizid = Your foot. (Gih zid)

Ozid = His/her foot. (Oh zid)

Nishtigwaan = My head. (Nih shtig gwahn)

Gimisad = Your stomach. (Gih miss sud)

Onik = His/her arm. (Oh nik)

Gikaad = Your leg. (Gih kahd)

Otawag = His/her ear. (Oh tuh wug)

Gijaanzh = Your nose. (Gih jahnzh)

Nindooskwan = My elbow. (Nin dew skwun)

Okaakigan = His/her chest. (Oh kah kih gun)

Gigidig = Your knee. (Gih gih dig)

January Lesson

Identify how you feel regularly. It keeps you in touch with yourself and those feelings will serve as a guide. Being true about our feelings leads us to being true to ourselves and others.

Niminwendam = I am happy. (Nih min wayn dum)

Nimaanendam = I feel bad. (Nih mah nayn dum)

Ningashkendam = I am sad. (Nin gush kayn dum)

Ningoshkwendam = I am surprised. (Nin go shkwayn dum)

Ninjiikendam = I feel happy. (Nin jee kayn dum)

Nimaamakaadendam = I am amazed. (Nih mah muh kah dayn dum)

Niniisaanendam = I feel depressed. (Nih nee sah nayn dum)

Nindoonzaamendam = I am giving too much consideration. (Nin doon zah mayn dum)

Ninzhigadendam = I am bored. (Nin zhih gud dayn dum)

Nindoombendam = I am hopeful. (Nin doom bayn dum)

Niminjimendam = I am holding something in my memory. (Nih min jih mayn dum)

Nimikwendam = I am recalling something to memory. (Nih mik wayn dum)

Nimiigwechiwendam = I am thankful. (Nih mee gweh chew wayn dum)

Nindebisewendam = Does it smell nice Y/N? (Nin day bis say wayn dum)

Nimbagakendam = Do I smell nice Y/N? (Nim bug guk kayn dum)

Miigwech.

December Lesson

Where, who, what, when, why? All the questions we can ask. As the time comes to learn or seek information, we must know how to ask. Don’t let the college way of speaking the language get to you. It’s just that English is insufficient to express an Ojibwe expression. We are meant to understand it even when we use English to describe it. Yes or no questions just add “ina” in the second place. Also, asking questions sets us on our quest to know more. We must ask to know.

Aaniin = How, in what way, what? (Aahn neen)

Awenen = Who? (Uh way nayn)

Awegonen = What? (Uh way go nayn)

Aanapii = When? (Aahn nup pee)

Aandi = Where? (Aahn dih)

Aaniin dash = Why? (Aahn neen dush)

Aaniin ezhimaagozid? = How does s/he smell? (Aahn neen ay zhih mah go zid)

Awenen menomaagozid? = Who smells good? (Uh way nayn may no mah go zid)

Awegonen menomaagwak? = What smells good? (Uh way go nayn may no mah gwuk)

Aanapii minomaagoziyan? = When do you smell good? (Aahn nup pee min no mah go zih yun)

Aandi minomaagoziyaan? = Where do I smell good? (Aahn dih min no mah go zih yawn)

Aaniin dash wenji-minomaagoziwaad? = Why do they smell good? (Aahn neen dush way jih min no mah go zih wahd)

Aaniin enakamagak? = What’s happening? (Aahn neen ay nuk kuh muh guk)

November Lesson

Our senses que up our expressions. When we experience the world in an anishinaabe fashion, colors have distinct meaning, sound has a meaning and so does what we feel. When the seasons change, our senses pick up on the change and create great expressions.

Dakaasin = It is cooled by the wind.

(Duk kah sin)

Dakaashi = He/She is cooled by the wind.

(Duk kah shih)

Dagwaagin = It is Fall.

(Dug gwah gin )

Dagwaagig = When it is Fall.

(Dug gwah gig)

Waatebagaa = There are bright leaves.

(Wah tay bug gah)

Ozaawibagaa = There are brown/yellow leaves.

(Oh zah wib bug gah)

Gaaskibag = a dry leaf.

(Gah skib bug)

Dakaayaa = It is cool weather.

(Duk kah yah)

Biijipon = Snow is coming.

(Bee jip pohn)

Noodin = The wind blows.

(Nue din)

Dakaanimad = It is cold wind.

(Duk kah nim mud)

Madweyaanimad = It is wind you can hear.

(Mud way yah nim mud)

Biidaanimad = The wind comes.

(Bee dah nim mud)

Minwaanimad = There is a good/nice breeze.

(Min wah nim mud)

October Lesson

How are you? As we go around Indian Country, we will be asked this question. Truly expressing ourselves as Anishinaabe, is one way to grow our language usage. In turn, our language usage will grow our expression of ourselves.

Nimbakade = I am hungry. (Nim buk kud day)

Ningiikaj = I am cold. (Nin gee kuj)

Gibakade = You are hungry. (Gih buk kud day )

Gigiikaj = You are cold. (Gih gee kuj)

Mino-ayaa = He/she is well. (Min no ay yah)

Nimino-ayaa = I am well. (Nim min no ay yah)

Mii na mino-ayaayan? = Are you well? (Me nuh min no ay yah yun)

Gigiikaj ina? = Are you cold? (Gih gee kuj in nuh)

Gii-bakade a’aw niwiiw = My significant other was hungry. (Gee buk kud day uh ow nih we yew)

Mii sa giikajid a’aw nimaamaa = Definitely my mother is cold. (Mee suh gee kuj jid uh ow nih mah mah)

Aaniin ezhi-ayaayan? = How are you? (Ah neen ayzh zhih aye yah yun)

Aaniin ezhi-ayaad? = How is he/she? (Ah neen ayzh zhih aye yahd)

Gidayekozinaagoz = You look tired. (Gih die yay kohz in nah gohz)

Bakadedog = He/she must be hungry. (Buk kud day dohg)

September Lesson

Who is who? Anishinaabe are relational to each other, in relations — Indinawemaaganidog! (In din nuh way mah gun nih dohg). The word “my” does not imply ownership. It implies relations. Knowing our relations is knowing ourselves.

Nindede = My father (Nind day day)

Nimaamaa = My mother (Nih mah mah)

Gidede = Your father (Gih day day )

Gimaamaa = Your mother (Gih mah mah)

Odedeyan = His/Her father (Oh day day yun)

Omaamaayan = His/Her mother (Oh mah mah yun)

Nimishoomis = My grandfather (Nih mish shoo miss)

Gimishoomis = Your grandfather (Gih mish shoo miss)

Omishoomisan = My grandfather (Oh mish shoo miss sun)

Mii wa’aw nishiime = This is my younger sibling. (Mee wuh ow nih she may)

Aaniin ezhinikaazod a’aw gishiime? = What’s your younger sibling's name? (Ah neen ayzh zhin nik kaaz zod uh ow gih she may)

Aaniin ezhinikaazonid iniw oshiimeyan? = What’s his/her younger sibling’s name? (Ah neen ayzh zhin nik kaaz zo nid iniw oh she may yun)

Gidinawemaagan = Your relative. (Gih din nuh way mah gun)

Indinawemaaganidog = Those who must be my relatives. (In din nuh way mah gun nih dohg)

Woigoshkoz ina? Miigwech.

August Lesson

A repetitive action builds muscle. The same as our Ojibwemowin muscle. You already have it, you just need to use it. Exercise it and it will become stronger. Use the language you know and you will learn what else you need to know. Then, learn that too.

Nindaa-zaaga’am = I should use the bathroom. (Nind dah zah guh umm)

Aandi izhaayan? = Where are you going? (On dih izh zhah yun)

Indizhaa imaa Oodenaang. = I am going to town. (In dizh zhah ih mah Ooh day nahng )

Mii o’ow babiinzikawaagan waa-piizikamaan. = This is the jacket I want to wear. (Me oh oh bub beanz zik cow wah gun wah peez zik kuh mahn)

Daga naadamawishin i’iw menwaagamig. = Please go get me a pop. (Duh guh nah dum maw wish shin ih iw mayn wah gum mig)

Gagwejim gishiime ji-wiidookook. = Ask your younger sibling to help you. (Gug gway jim gish she may jih wee doo koohk)

Nindazhiikaan o’ow Xbox. = I am occupied (playing) with this Xbox. (Nind duzh zhee khan oh oh Xbox)

Waabamishin ezhi-dazhiikamaan o’ow Xbox. = Watch me be occupied (play) with this Xbox. (Wah bum mish shin ayzh zhih duzh zhee kuh mahn oh oh Xbox)

Youtube ningana-waabandaan. = I am watching Youtube. (Youtube nin guh nuh wah bun dawn)

Mii azhigwa ji-nibaayaan ishpi-dibikad. = It's time for me to sleep it is late. (Mee uzh zhig gwuh jih nib bah yawn ish pih dib bik kud)

Indaa-anokii waabang. = I should go to work tomorrow. (In dah oh uh no key wah bung)

Gidaa-azhe-giiwe giizhiitayan. = You should go home when you're done. (Gih dah uzh zhay gee way gee zhee tah yun)

Gi-izhiwizh ina? = Are you coming with me? (Gih izh zhiw wizh in nuh)

Gibizindoon gaagiigidoyan. = I am listening to you as you speak. (Gih biz in doon gah gee gih doe yawn)

July Lesson

Practice strengthens your language. It's already there for us, we just need to use it. Using what we know everyday strengthens our spirits. Everyday talk can start scripted. Practice makes efficiency.

Gibakade ina? = Are you hungry? (Gih buk kud day inuh)

Eya’, nimbakade. = Yes, I am hungry. (ay yuh nim buk kud day)

Awegonen waa-miijiiyan? = What do you want to eat? (May may)

Waawanoon ni-wii-miijin. = I want to eat eggs. (wah wun noon nih wee mee jin)

Nimbiizikaan o’ow babagiwayaan. = I am wearing this shirt. (Nim bee zik khan oh oh bub bug gih way yawn)

Ningiizikaan o’ow babiinzikawaagan. = I am taking off this jacket. (Nin gee zik khan oh oh bub beans zik kaw wah gun)

Niwaabamaa a’aw ikwe. = I see a woman. (nih wah bum mah uh ow ick way)

Gigana-waabandaan i’iw mazinaatesijigan = you are watching TV. (Gig gun nuh wah bun dawn ih iw muz zin nah tay sij jig gun)

Indaa-nibaa = I should sleep. (In dah nib bah)

Gigawishim = You are laying down for bed. (Gih gaw wish shim)

Indaa-o-anokii = I should go to work. (in dah oh uh no key)

Gidaa-azhe-giiwe = You should go home. (Gih dah uzh zhay gee way)

Ginoondaw ina? = Do you hear me? (Gih noon dow in nuh)

Gibizindoon. = I am listening to you. (Gih biz in doon)

Miigwech.

June Lesson

Identifying other beings is a helpful way to build your language and connection to the world. What their names are is a reflection of our ancestors and their relationship to other beings. When we greet Migizi, we greet with a connection to the ancestors. Building our connection is important. It's best to know the names of our relative beings for access to spiritual energy.

Migizi = Eagle (Mih gih zih)

Baapaase = Woodpecker (Bah pah say)

Meme = Pileated Woodpecker (May may)

Ezigaa = Wood tick (Ayz zig gah)

Gi-waabamaa ina a’aw Migizi? = Do you see the Eagle? (Gih wah bum mah inuh uh ow Mih gih zih)

Ni-waabamaa a’aw Memengwaa = I see the butterfly (Nih wah bum mah uh ow May mayng gwah)

Zagime = Mosquito (Zuh gih may)

Zagimekaa = A lot of Mosquitos (Zuh gih may kah)

Bimaashi a’aw Migizi = The Eagle is soaring (Bih mah shih uh ow Mih gih zih)

Gi-noondawaag ina ingiw Binesiwag? = Do you hear the Thunderbeings? (Gih noon dow wahg in nuh in giw Bin nay sih wug)

Ajidaamo = Squirrel (Uh jih dah moh)

Gekek = Hawk (Gake cake)

Gwaashkwani a’aw Agongos = The Chipmunk is jumping (Gwah shkwun nih uh ow Ug gong gos)

Zhiishiib = Duck (Zhee sheeb)

Woigoshkoz ina? Miigwech.

May Lesson

Eating can be expressed in different ways depending on what the situation is and what the items being consumed are identified as. Some items are animate while some are inanimate. This may be because of the different life energies some edibles contain. Or, it can just be one of those things that are left to the Manidoog to know.

Wiisinin = You eat! (Wee sin nin)

Miijin = You eat it! (Mee jin)

Amo = You eat the living Being! (Potatoes fall into this category) (Uh moh)

Jaagandan = Eat up all of it! (Jah gun dun)

Debisinii = S/he has eaten enough/is full. (Day bis sin nee)

Nawajii = S/he eats a light meal. (Nuh wuh jee)

Ginibanjige = S/he eats quickly. (Gih nib bun jig gay)

Giimoodanjige = S/he sneak eats. (Gee moo dun jig gay)

Gidaanawen = Eat up! (Gih dah nuh wayn)

Maadandan = Start eating it! (Mah dun dun)

Wiisinidaa = Let’s eat! (Wee sin nid dah)

Jaaganjige = S/he eats up. (Jah gun jig gay)

Gidebisinii ina? = Are you full? (Gih day bis sin nee in nuh)

Gi-wii-wiisin ina? = Do you want to eat? (Gih wee wee sin in nuh)

Gidinwewininaan = Our way of sound

Miigwech

April 2022 Lesson

Season change is a big deal for Anishinaabe. Spring is the beginning of an Anishinaabe New Year.

It's like the dawn of a new day. New possibilities come forth. It is definitely a good time to learn new Shinaabe words.

We can describe our world in ways that the English language cannot.

Our world view is held within our language.

Ziigwan = It is spring. (Zee gwun)

Zaagibagaa = The leaves bud. (Zah gih bug gah)

Azhashki = Mud. (Uh zhush kih)

Gimiwan = Rain. (Gim mih wun)

Nichiiwad = Major Storm. (Nitch chee wud)

Boonibiisaa = The rain stops. (Boon nib bee sah)

Aabawaate = Warming up in the sun. (Aah buh wah tay)

Mooka’am = The sun rises. (Moo kuh’ um)

Mizhakwad = Clear sky. (Mizh zhuk kwud)

Bangishimo = The sun is setting. (Bung gish shim moh)

Waanzhibiiyaa = It is a puddle. (Wahn zhib bee yah)

Aaniin ezhiwebak agwajiing? = What’s it like outside? (Aah neen ezhih way buck ug gwuh jeeng)

Gisinaamagad agwajiing = It is cold outside. (Gih sin nah mug gud ug gwuh jiing)

Aabawaa agwajiing = It is warm outside. (Aah buh wah ug gwuh jiing)

March 2022 Lesson

As the Anishinaabe goes out their day, common words come in to play. Whether we work, spend time with family or out by ourselves, there are words that are used regularly. Using these words will build and amplify your view of the world around you. Nourishing the spirit and honoring the manidoog, this perspective will aid us in bringing our language back.

Jiibaakwe = S/he is cooking. (Jee bah kway)

Ninjiibaakwe = I am cooking. (Nin jee bah kway)

Giwii-wiisin ina? = Do you want to eat? (Gih wee wee sin in nuh)

Ingii-wiisin = I did eat (In gee wee sin)

Indizhaa _____ = I am going ____ (In dizh zhah)

Izhaa ____ = S/he is going ____ (Izh zhah)

Namadabin = Sit! (Num mud dub bin)

Ninamadab omaa = I am sitting here. (Nin num mud dub oh mah)

Azhe-giiwe = S/he goes home. (Uh zhay gee way)

Mii azhigwa ji-azhe-giiweyaan = It is time for me to go home. (Mee uh zhig wuh jih uh zhay gee way yawn)

Awegonen i’iw = what is that? (Uh way go nayn ih ew)

Awenen a’aw = who is that? (Uh way nayn uh ow)

Aaniin keyaa = what way? (Ah neen kay yah)

Use everyday to build your Ojibwemowin!! Miigwech

February 2022 Lesson

At some point at the beginning of the day, the anishinaabe will awaken. Preferably at sunrise to greet the manidoo, Giizis (Sun).

The work that goes into preparing an anishinaabe for the day gets fairly repetitive. Health and wellness has been practiced by anishinaabe since the beginning of time. We treat our body with respect as it is a gift from the world to act as a vessel for our spirit. We shall take care of our vessels. And, speak ojibwe...

Goshkozi. = S/he wakes up. (Go shko zih)

Indoonishkaa. = I get up. (In doo nish kah)

Gigiziibiigazhe ina? = Are you washing up/ bathing? (Gih gih zee bee guh zhay in nuh)

Giziiyaabide’on! = Brush your teeth! (Gih zee yah bid day’ own)

Ninazikwe’ = I am combing my hair! (Nih nuh zik way’)

Giziibiigiingwen! = Wash your face! (Gih zee bii geen gwayn)

Ingiziibiigiingwe = I am washing my face. (In gih zee bee geen gway)

Gibiizikonaye. = You are getting dressed. (Gih bee zik cone nuh yay)

Babiichiin! = Put your shoes on! (Bub bee cheen)

Indoozhiitaa. = I am getting ready. (In doo zhii tah)

Use every morning to keep clean and learn Ojibwemowin!! Miigwech

January 2022 Lesson

Using Mii. Like all Ojibwe words, Mii has great responsibility and authority. These three letters can change a concept, point in a direction and identify a situation. Sometimes all at once. It can be one

of the most commonly used words. It has great expressive capabilities. It can share gratitude with Miigwech. It can identify quantity with Mii iw. It can continue on story with Mii dash. Use with care and be deliberate. This single word can change your whole story. It's a powerful form of “that”.

Miigwech. = That is sufficient(thanks). (Mee gwetch)

Mii i’iw minik. = That is enough. (Mii ih iw min nik) Mii dash __. = And then __. (Mee duh shh)

Mii gomaa minik. = That's all for now. (Mee go mah min nik)

Mii dash wenji-__ = That’s why __... (Mee duh shh wayn jih)

Mii imaa. = That's where. (Mee ih mah)

Mii a’aw ingozis = This is my son. (Mee uh ow in go zis)

Mii onow makizinan = These shoes? (Mee oh no muh kiz zin nun)

Mii iwidi keyaa. = That way. (Mee iw wid dih kay yah)

Mii dash wenji-ojibwemoyaan. = That’s why I speak Ojibwe. (Mee duh shh wayn jii oh jib way mow yawn)

Use these at your own risk. You may have some fun. Miigwech.

December 2021 Lesson

As we go about and apply the language, we will start to see the world moving.

To express future and past tense, there are a few nuances that come into play. Nothing that would make you silly, yet you would still be understandable even through the mistakes.

Gii- and Wii- are what we have to identify past (Gii-) and a future intention (Wii-).

Using what you know already, apply these to display what has happened and what is intended to happen.

Ingii-pakade. = I was hungry. (In gee puck kud day)

Giwii-anokii. = You intend to work. (Gih wee un no key)

Gigii-wiisin. = You did eat. (Gih gee wee sin)

Ingii-izhaa. = I did go somewhere. (In gee izh zhah)

Ningii-anokii = I did work. (Nin gee uh no key)

Giwii-pakade. = You intend to be hungry. (Gih wee puck kud day)

Gegoo na gigii-miijin? = Did you eat something? (Gay goo nuh gig gee mee jin)

Giwii-piizikaan ina gidazhigan = Did you wear your socks? (Gih wee pee zik kahn in nuh gid uzh zhig gun)

Niwii-nibaa ji-bawaajigeyaan. = I want to sleep so I can dream. (Nih wee nib bah jih buh wah jig gay yawn)

Ingii-kiizikaan nimakazin. = I did take off my shoes. (In gee key zik kahn nim muk kuz in)

Utilizing Ojibwemowin to express intention will lead you to what you intend.

Miigwech.

November 2021 Lesson

As we go about and apply the language, the kids will hear you. Do you remember words from when you were a kid? We all do. We now need to demonstrate language for our current youth so they can have that experience as well.

Kids are still connected to the spirit world. They need that extra help to decipher this world. To help them grow to the Anishinaabe they are meant to be. Use our language with them. They will be glad you did.

Goshkozin! = Wakeup! (Go shko zin)

Gigoshkoz ina? = Have you woke? (Gih go shkoz ina)

Giziibiigininjiin! = Wash your hands! (Gih zee bee gih nin jeen)

Babiichiin! = Put on your shoes! (Bub bii cheen)

Giziibiiginaaganen! = Wash the dishes! (Gih zee bee gih nah gun nayn)

Boozin! = Get in the car/boat! (Boo zin)

Biizikan gi-babiinzikawaagan! = Wear your coat! (Bee zik kun gih bub beenz zik kaw wah gun)

Giizikan gidazhigan = Take off your socks! (Gee zik kun gih duzh zhig gun)

Gigii-kiziibiiginaagane ina? = Did you wash dishes? (Gi gee kiz zee bee ginah gun nay in nuh)

Mii azhigwa ji-goshkoziyan! = It’s time for you to wake up!

(Mee uzh zhig gwuh jih go shko zih yun)

Utilizing Ojibwemowin in front of kids will help them know it.

Miigwech.