Ojibwemowin
That means "Hello" in Anishinaabemowin / Ojibwemowin, the native language of the Anishinaabe / Ojibwe people. You might be more familiar with hearing "Chippewa" which is an anglicized version of Ojibwe. Over 50,000 people in the Northern United States and Southern Canada speak Ojibwemowin, which is an Algonquian language. Although there are several dialects of Ojibwemowin, the main ones are: Western, Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Ottowa. Speakers of all five dialects can understand each other, though there are clear distinctions between them.
Ojibwemowin in Red Cliff
We offer language activities and classes for children and adults in an effort to preserve the language within our community. Our comprehensive Ojibwemodaa Endaaso Giizhik language plan includes various methods of language preservation, including free books and audio for community members, language lessons online, and in-person language workshops.
Join our weekly Language Table every Monday from 5:30-7:00 PM!
The Red Cliff Tribal Council passed Resolution 4.20.21E declaring efforts to revitalize Ojibwemowin.
The Red Cliff Band also offers a 3-year Ojibwemowin Teaching & Training program to create fluent speakers and teachers.
Books/Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the Ojibwe language, the following are good sources of information:
- Miskwaabikaang Ojibwemodaa Endaaso Giizhik - Red Cliff Language Plan
- A Dictionary of the Ojibway Language, Friedrich Baraga, Frederic Baraga, John D. Nichols, Freidrich Baraga
- A Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe, by Earl Nyholm, John D. Nichols
- A Northern Land: Life with the Ojibwe, by Howard D. Paap
- Living Our Language: Ojibwe Tales and Oral Histories (Native Voices), by Anton Treuer (Translator)
- Ojibway Heritage, by Basil Johnston (Author)
- Ojibwe Language Kits for Families - Ojibwemotaadidaa Omaa Gidakiiminaang
- Ojibwemowin Zagaswe'idiwin - Ojibwe Language Society
- Ojibwe History, Lee Sultzman