Building the future of our nation

Language & Culture

Ojibwemowin is our sound. It is the sound we were given as a people. Embedded in our language is a cultural inheritance rich in understandings of ourselves, our land and our ancestors. If we want it to survive for the next generation each of us must act.

Outdoor learning - wild rice processing

How can we start

Don’t wait until you know more. Don’t wait to take a class. Start now. Start with what you know and use it as much as you can.

Making healthy foods outside

What can we do

Even though we often hear that language and culture are important, it’s hard to identify what part each of us might play.

Each of us can take an active role in keeping our language alive in our homes. Set goals for yourself and your family.

What do we need to know

We are often reluctant to use our language with our children and with each other for a host of reasons. We just need to make a plan for how to start and then stick to it.

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Make a commitment to use our language

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Make a Commitment 

It takes time and it takes commitment, but each of us have a role to play in using, maintaining, and revitalizing our language.

Use Language Resources

Continuous use of our language will ensure that our future generations will have a firm grasp of the importances of our language.

Start with What You Know

Brainstorm words and phrases you may already know. You might be surprised. You probably know a lot of words you could use each day.

Sample Words

Boozhoo or Aaniin = Hello

Miigwech = Thank You

Giga-waabamin = I'll see you

Weweni = Carefully

Howa! = Wow

Gaawiin = No

Ojibwe = Ojibwe

Our language is encoded with cultural knowledge and understanding. When we learn our language, when we listen to speakers, when we speak Ojibwe to our children, we are unlocking those understandings, and we become more ourselves, stronger still and more resilient.