Band Member Voices

May Culture Column - AS ANISHINAABE: AGINJIBAGWESI AND THE SACRED GIFT OF LANGUAGE

By Nazhike, Mille Lacs Band Member

As Anishinaabe, we know our language, Anishinaabemowin, is not merely spoken words. It is a sacred gift given by the Creator and the manidoog. It connects us deeply with the spirits, our ancestors, and each other. One of our teachings speaks of a small but beautiful bird named Aginjibagwesi, known today as the Goldfinch, who first brought the language to our people.

In the earliest days, our ancestors did not speak as we do today. They communicated through gesture, feeling, and dreams, yet there was a disconnect. The manidoog saw that without lan guage, we struggled to fully share our knowledge, ask for help, and connect to creation. So the Creator chose Aginjibagwesi, with its striking yellow feathers and sweet song, to carry the language down from the spirit world as a gift.

Aginjibagwesi flew from place to place in the lands of the Anishinaabeg, singing its powerful song. With each note, sylla bles formed, words came alive, and Anishinaabemowin began to flow into the hearts and minds of our ancestors. They could now speak clearly to the Creator, giving thanks through songs and ceremonies, strengthening their bond with the manidoog.

But Aginjibagwesi’s gift was even greater than speech itself. The bird’s song awakened within us something that had always been there, the connection to spirit. This language, we were taught, is not human-made but spirit-given. Every word spoken in Anishinaabemowin carries the resonance of the manidoog, linking us to the unseen world and bringing balance to our lives.

Sometimes, we feel separated from our language. Colonization and forced assimilation tried to silence Anishinaabemowin. Yet, the truth remains that the language cannot truly be lost, be cause it already lives within us. The language echoes within our spirits, waiting patiently to be remembered. We do not have to search for it externally; we need only awaken what is already inside us.

Our language keepers understood this deeply. Though some have walked on, their teachings remain. They prepared us, re minding us we are carriers of this sacred responsibility. Their passing does not mark an end, but a powerful call to action.

Today, when we speak Anishinaabemowin, we honor the legacy of Aginjibagwesi, our ancestors, and all those who nur tured the language. Each word spoken in our homes, ceremonies, and communities is an offering back to the spirits. It reaffirms our identity, strengthens our relationships, and ensures our survival as Anishinaabe.

We must trust that this sacred gift is ours to carry forward. The language, already living within our Anishinaabe spirits, sim ply awaits us to take action. It is time to speak Anishinaabe mowin boldly, knowing we hold within us the knowledge of our ancestors. Aginjibagwesi still sings, reminding us that the lan guage of the manidoog is alive, vibrant, and meant to flourish.

Let us speak with pride, understanding that every word connects us with our ancestors, the spirits, and generations to come. Aginjibagwesi gave us the language; now it is our sacred task to speak it into the future.

Miigwech.

JOE’S THOUGHTS - TRIBUTEs Part II

GAA-TIBAAJIMOD (told by) JOE NAYQUONABE SR., WAABISHKIBINES GAA-TIBAAJIMOTAWAAJIN (transcribed by) JAMES CLARK, OZAAWAANAKWAD

This month I would like to do another tribute article, as we have lost some very honorable and respectable people. Many of which meant a great deal to me. Here’s some of the many words I have about these amazing Anishinaabe.

We lost an Elder lady here at Mille Lacs, who was a very cultural, spiritual, and first speaker of our language. I have known her since childhood. If there was one person who lived the Anishinaabe way, it would be her. Like everyone else, life was hard. Still, she wasn’t feeling down or defeated, even after working and raising a family, and losing a husband. She sat on our Ceremonial Drums, fourth-degree Mide, and a lover of all Anishinaabe people. From head to toe, she was filled with love. She was known for making beautiful blankets by the bundle. She is someone I would get my blankets from. I always tried to give her more money than she asked for, but she’d never take it, saying, “You take care and help the Anishinaabe.” I appreciated her and the things she would do for me and the Anishinaabe people. Even up until her final times, she was traveling to attend our ceremonial dances. Chi-miigwech Asin for all you did for the people here, for the things you carried into the future generations, and until the next time we can visit.

Also, just another talk about that old man Chi-obizaaniban we lost last month. He carried such rich and deep knowledge of how the Anishinaabe use that which we were given by Wenaboozhoo and the Creator. He also had so many We’enhs — I hope they are all doing well with the loss. He was such a good judge of knowing what was needed to be done for people who needed help. When to be tough and when to be soft with people is a tough line to follow, but he knew how to walk it. Miigwech, niijii, for everything you helped me with, everything you taught me, and for that which I carry forward.

Niibiiiwewinwini. Cookie Bearheart, my friend. A man who carried the songs of our Ceremonial Drums. A friend whom I could rely on to come when our community needed help. He came over when I asked to teach the handshake songs to our singers. But he also came over when we needed him at the dance, always. He always answered my call and for that I appreciate all the work he did for his community of ours, and the knowledge he held.

The loss of all these people who I talked about is hard for me. They were all people I grew up with, grew old with, and people I valued. They were all examples of how to be Anishinaabe — examples I try and live by every day. It is hard with their loss. We hope to continue the things they taught us. I will remember them all when we have a dance. They are probably with us anyway dancing over there anyway. They left us with some good stuff; let’s use it and share it.

Miigwech.