Anishinaabemowin
Our language Anishinaabemowin is known by many names in the English language: Ojibwa, Ojibway, Ojibwemowin, Ojibwe, Chippewa.
It is part of the Algic language family, which includes languages spoken as far west as what is now called California and many languages in central and eastern Canada. The largest subdivision of the family is Algonquian (to which Anishinaabemowin belongs) and includes other languages like nēhiyawēwin Cree, Siksiká Blackfoot, omāēqnomenēweqnaesen Menominee, and myaamia Miami.
We welcome all speakers of Anishinaabemowin and other closely related languages and varieties including Potawatomi (Bodwéwadmimwen), Odawa, and Algonquin.
Did you know?
There are Anishinaabe communities as far west as Saskatchewan and British Columbia. They are Saulteaux (SK) and Saulteau in West Moberly (BC)!
Anishinaabemowin in Classes
Our current teachers and Elders come from Manitoulin Island (Manidoowaaling) from Wiikwemkong First Nation and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. They speak the Manitoulin dialect / Eastern variety.
We have members who want to learn or speak Saulteaux, Border Lakes (Southwestern), and their own unique community varieties.
We welcome all learners and respect the traditions and teachings you bring to the program and Society. Wherever you come from and wherever you are at on your language journey, you are welcome to the circle.
Our Teaching Staff
Monica Mabel Benson
Teacher & Elder
Monica is a fluent Anishinaabemowin speaker and Day School Survivor. She has connections to the Wiikwemkong and Rama First Nations.
She is a lead teacher in the language program and also a Director on the Society’s Board.
James ‘Darin’ Corbiere
Teacher
Darin is a fluent Anishinaabemowin artist and has been teaching his language for over a decade. Born and raised in Wikwemikong First Nation, Manitoulin Island, James Darin Corbiere belongs to the Bear Clan of the Odawa tribe of the Anishinaabe Nation.
He is a language instructor and also a Director on the Society’s Board.
Alexis Langan
Teaching Assistant
Alexis is from Cote First Nation. She is a teaching assistant for the language program. She helps with the classroom management, Zoom features of online sessions, and prepares curricula with the instructors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can anyone join the classes?
Yes! All are welcome to attend classes, in-person or online. To join the online courses, you will need access to a device to access Zoom.
I am not Anishinaabe but I am interested in joining the classes. Can I come too?
Yes. All are welcome to attend classes, in-person or online. We ask that all participants, Anishinaabe, Indigenous from other backgrounds, or non-Indigenous, are respectful to our protocols and traditions. These include:
- Not speaking over others
- Respecting Elders and Community Knowledge Holders
- Approaching the circle with humility
What if I understand Anishinaabemowin but cannot speak it. Can I still come?
Yes, of course! If you are a ‘Silent Speaker’ or passive bilingual (for example, you grew up speaking the language but stopped due to trauma), you are more than welcome to attend.
We understand that hearing Anishinaabemowin / speaking Anishinaabemowin yourself might be triggering. If this is the case, we encourage you to attend at your own pace and let the Teaching Assistant(s) and Instructor(s) in class know that you want to speak at your own pace in case you are called on.
The Anishinaabemowin used in class is not what I am used to. My dialect is a little different. What should I do?
We promote and encourage all Anishinaabeg to speak in the ways they were taught by their Elders and in community. We welcome you to bring these teachings and share these differences to enrich all our understandings of this language.
If you feel that the classes are discouraging you in the way you speak Anishinaabemowin, please let us know.
We want to ensure that all Anishinaabemowin dialects are respected in this circle. If we do not meet this expectations, we want the feedback to do better.
How much are classes?
All online classes are free for participants.
We also work to make in-person events free through grant funding and partnerships with local organizations.
How much are resources/ supplies?
We will make all the materials used in online classes available on our website at no cost to you.
For in-person events, there may be a small fee to help cover the cost of specific supplies. These are only for traditional crafts and regalia. We work to cover these supplies in-house through grant funding and donations.
Are classes accredited?
No. Our language classes are not accredited.
If you are learning Anishinaabemowin for a language requirement at a university (for example, the University of British Columbia), speak with an advisor at your university about whether our classes can supplement any credits/requirements.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to us at aaniin [@] nishbc.com.