Water is Language
This teaching is based on current work being done by the Decolonizing Water collective on revitalizing Indigenous languages.
Kegedonce John Borrows shares some teachings about Nibi (Water) from his home community of Neyaashiinigmiing.
Zhashagi (Heron in Anishinaabemowin) stands in the water looking for fish as the sun sets.
Anishinaabemowin
Also known as Ojibwemowin and Ojibwe, Anishinaabemowin is a language that is spoken by the Anishinaabe people. Some Anishinaabemowin words are listed below.
Nibi- Water
Bimaadiziwin - Life
Nibi - Water (I am coming towards you)
Ni- I
Bi - To come towards
Ni Bimaadiziwin - I am life
Neyaashiinigmiing - Point of land surrounded by water on three sides
Kegedonce John Borrows shares some teachings about the Anishinaabemowin language.
Kegedonce John Borrows teaches us about mashkiki (plants/medicines) and manidooshensag (insects).
Migiziwag fly high above.
Chichigaawesiinh - Cricket (literally “those little ones who chew things up”)
Noodin - Wind
Tisaaweshii - Cicada
Chigeyate-wemitigozhi-minibaashki-minisagani-biitoosijigani-zhegwaabikinigani-bakwezhigan - Blueberry pie (literally “Old time French man picking berries and putting them between bread, putting them in the oven and watching it explode”)
Oboodashkwaanishiinh means dragonfly in Anishinaabemowin.
Manidooshensag - Insects (literally- little spirits)
Manidoo - Spirit, Manitou
Mashkiki - Plants (the strength of the earth)
Mash- Strength
Aki - Earth
Gijigijigaaneshiinh is the word for Chickadee in Anishinaabemowin.
Waabigwan is the word for flower in Anishinaabemowin.