Anishinaabemowin

by Margaret Noodin

baazhigwaadiziwin—persistence

Ningii-bazhinemin, we have barely escaped
nightly, a threshold looms in the cold.

Again, we sing ourselves strong—
Anishinaabikwewag, women of history and persistence.

Observe: constellations have long illuminated patterns,
relentless stories, adizookanag,
of who we might be, noongom aawiiyaang
gemaa waa-aawiiyang, or become.

Across skies trace belonging, ezhi-dibendagoziyang
in...

Margaret Noodin sings a poem in Anishinaabemowin and discusses Native American languages and heritage. Produced by Ayana Contreras. Need a transcript of this episode…

Ode’iminibaashkiminasiganke
She makes strawberry jam

ginagawinad wiishko’aanimad, waaseyaagami
mixing sweet wind and shining water

miinawaa gipagaa nibwaakaa,
with thick wisdom

bigishkada’ad, dibaabiiginad
pounding, measuring

gakina gaa zhawenimangidwa
everything we’ve cared for

gakina gaa waniangidwa
everything we’ve lost

nagamowinan waa nagamoyaang
the songs we have not yet sung

miigwanag waa wawezhi’angidwa
the feathers yet to decorate

ezhi-zhoomiingweyaangoba
and...