Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) July Series

Date: Tuesdays, July 6, 13, 20, and 27

Time: Noon-1:30pm

Cost: $80 *100% and 50% Scholarships Available

Instructor: Michael Zimmerman Jr

Location: Zoom

REGISTRATION BEGINS JULY 1st

Register at: www.mycche.org | 218-387-3411 | office@mycche.org

It is possible to begin speaking Anishinaabemowin at any age. It is never too late to learn. We welcome you to join us in starting to learn Anishinaabemowin. In this class, we will cover the basic information you need to start to understand the scope of Anishinaabemowin.

Session Outline:

Week 1: Sounds and structure

Week 2: Verbs and nouns

Week 3: Resource utilization and practice

Week 4: Conversation practice

The sessions are recorded and available to those registered for the class.

“Anishinaabemowin (also called Ojibwemowin, the Ojibwe/Ojibwa language, or Chippewa) is an Indigenous language, with a strong concentration around the Great Lakes. Elders share that the term Anishinaabemowin acknowledges the creation story of the Ojibwe people: “Anishinaabe” means “the spirit that is lowered down from above,” “-mo” refers to expression through speech, and “-win” refers to the life energy within, used to do so. Linguists also explain that “-win” is a nominalizer that turns the verb Anishinaabemo (“he/she is speaking the Anishinaabe language”) into a noun”

“Elders often speak about the importance of Anishinaabemowin to Anishinaabe culture and society. In addition to routine communication, the language is essential in the officiating of Ojibwe ceremonies and the repatriation of sacred items as well as in providing a unique way of understanding the world. The survival of Anishinaabemowin is directly related to the survival of Anishinaabe identity and culture.” “Anishinaabemowin is considered an endangered language.”

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/anishinaabemowin-ojibwe-language

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 is currently a consultant on Potawatomi language for his band and Forest County as well as working full time as the Ojibwe Language and Culture Instructor at the Indian Community School of Milwaukee where he teaches k4 through 8th grades.