Nishiimeyinaanig

Aanjibimaadizing

Edited by Anton Treuer and Michael Sullivan Sr.

Illustrated by Wesley Ballinger

Minnesota Historical Society Press (September 29, 2020)

Description

Written in the Ojibwe language, these delightful new stories with animal characters bring to life the creative genius of some of Ojibwe country’s most gifted storytellers

In these twenty-six charming and original stories, animal characters act foolishly and bravely, show wisdom and weakness, and have funny and surprising adventures. Join cunning Waagosh (Fox) as he finds ever more creative ways to trick rabbits; the famous Gaazhagens (Cat), who manipulates children and entertains their grandmother; and a menagerie of animals engaged in sport, game, and life lessons of all kinds. Nishiimeyinaanig (Our Little Siblings) is written for teachers, students, and Ojibwe language and culture enthusiasts ages ten and above. This is Ojibwe entertainment at its finest.

Aanjibimaadizing, which means “Changing Lives,” is a program of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Through the Aanjibimaadizing Project, 15 first speakers have teamed with linguists, teachers, and Ojibwe language experts to create this new literature for Ojibwe language learners. Conceived and presented only in Ojibwe, the stories reflect a rare authenticity as they transmit cultural values, increase vocabulary, and reinforce identity.

Also of interest:
Anooj Inaajimod
Akawe Niwii-tibaajim
Gaa-pi-izhiwebak
Ge-ni-aabadak Giniigaaniiminaang
Awesiinyensag
Naadamaading

Author information

Anton Treuer, professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, is the author of The Language Warrior’s Manifesto and fourteen other books on Indigenous history and language.

Michael Sullivan Sr. is the resident linguist for the Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Immersion School on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation.

Wesley Ballinger, a Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe artist, is a community engagement coordinator for the American Indian Studies Department at the University of Minnesota. He is the illustrator of Hungry Johnny by Cheryl Minnema.

About Aanjibimaadizing:

Reviews and news

Press release about the books from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Inaajimowin p.3

Literary Hub

• This title is also available at your favorite e-book vendor.
• Paperback, 120 pages, 100 color illustrations
• 6 x 9 inches
• ISBN: 9781681341774