More Than Words - Trees, Birds, Plants, Places, and more!

Join instructor Mike Zimmerman Jr. in exploring the natural world and the (sometimes hidden) embedded meaning of the words used for various nouns in Ojibwe related to beings, place names, etc.

"One's way of seeing the world gets shaped by immersion in the world around them and the Ojibwe people's culture is a great example of that. A very important way to show this relationship is to look at Anishnaabemowin (Ojibwe language) for in the translations are ways to see this world that may be different from what we are used to. Learning a little bit of the language helps to preserve it and saves those ways of thinking." "In Anishinaabe and many other indigenous languages, the same words are used to address all living beings as we would our family. Because they are our family. What would it feel like to be part of a family that includes birches and beavers and butterflies? In indigenous ways of knowing, other species are recognized not only as persons but also as teachers who can inspire how we might live. We can learn a new solar economy from plants, medicines from mycelia, and architecture from the ants." - Frrom an article by Robin Wall Kimmerer Author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

It is possible to begin speaking Anishinaabemowin at any age. It is never too late to learn. Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) is traditionally an oral language, where it is important to not just see the words but to hear them. Bring your questions to the sessions!

Did you see the Mitigoog Gichi-onigamiing Mazina’igan (Trees of Grand Portage Poster) and wonder how to say the words or what the Anishnaabemowin words might be communicating?

Anishinaabemowin and Culture Instructor: Michael Zimmerman Jr. is an enrolled member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana. He has formerly worked as their Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Tribal Historian, and lead Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act consultant. He previously worked as the Ojibwe Language and Culture Instructor at the Indian Community School of Milwaukee. He is currently a consultant on Potawatomi language for his band and Forest County as well as a language instructor at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.