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For millenia, Native Americans had their own names for the islands and area places. These names were passed down through the generations in stories and everyday communication. Non-natives who came to the area had to quickly learn the Native place names in order to integrate within the community. Many of these Ojibwe names are still used throughout communities today. Sources used for this group of place names come from Gidakiiminaan (Our Earth) - An Anishinaabe Atlas of the 1836 (Upper Michigan), 1837, and 1842 Treaty Ceded Territories, published by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, and additionally, in consultation with local elders. Ojibwemowin (the Ojibwe Language) is traditionally an oral language, so it is important to not just see the words, but to hear them. Hearing and speaking these words helps preserve the culture of this special place. 
The translation of this word refers to the "swamp or medicine river" and is locally used for the Bad River Reservation. Listen to Mashkiiziibii in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "basswood island". The current name of the island is Basswood Island. Listen to Wiigobiish-minis in Ojibwemowin.
The translation of this island name refers to "black bear island". Listen to Makwa-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "the island of hemlock trees". Listen to Gaagaagiwanzhikaag-minis in Ojibwemowin. The literal translation of this Ojibwe word refers to "a bay that is made a long sand bar beneath the surface". Listen to Zaagawaamikong-wiikwed in Ojibwemowin.
The translation of this island name refers to "a bad spirit island". There is no "devil" character in Ojibwe culture. Listen to Maji-manidoo-minis in Ojibwemowin.
The translation of this island name refers to "eagle island". Listen to Migiziwi-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "gull island". Listen to Gayaashko-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to the "island that is at the end". This could refer to the view from Red Cliff as it is at the end of the chain of islands that can be seen from there. Listen to Eshkwegwindeg-minis in Ojibwemowin.
The translation of this island name refers to the "island of ironwood trees". Listen to Gaa-maananoonsikaag-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this word refers to Lake Superior. However, the literal translation refers to "a great lake" but not just in size but also in terms of respect. Listen to Gichigami in Ojibwemowin.
The literal translation of this island name refers to "a long sand bar beneath the surface". Listen to Zaagawaamikong-neyaashi in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "the island of the yellow shafted flicker". The flicker is a local bird that has brilliant yellow colored feathers. Listen to Mooniingwanekaaning-minis in Ojibwemowin.
The translation of this island name refers to "spirit island". Listen to Manidoo-minis in Ojibwemowin.
The translation of this island name refers to "fishing with a hook and line". Listen to Bagidaabii-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "the island of lots of red rocks". The "kaa" suffix is used in Ojibwe to mean "a lot" of something. Listen to Miskwasinikaa-minis-igaaning in Ojibwemowin.
The literal translation of this island name refers to " there are lots of acorns island". Listen to Mitigominikaani-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "the island where the otter rests". Nigig is the Ojibwe word for otter. Listen to Anweshin-nigig-minis in Ojibwemowin. The literal translation of this island name refers to "the great afterwards island". Listen to Gichi-ishkwaayaan-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "the island of raspberries". Listen to Miskominikaani-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this Ojibwe word locally refers to the "Red Cliff Reservation". However, the literal translation of the Ojibwe word refers to "the place where there is red rock cliffs". Listen to Gaa-miskwaabikaang in Ojibwemowin.
The translation of this island name refers to "maple sugar island". Listen to Ziinsibaakwado-minis in Ojibwemowin. The literal translation of this island name refers to "lots of white rocks island". Listen to Waabaabikaa-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "rabbit island". Listen to Waaboozo-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to a "point of land" which is the tombolo on the island. Listen to Wiisaakodewan-minis in Ojibwemowin. The translation of this island name refers to "the island of red willow". Listen to Miskwaabimizhikaag-minis in Ojibwemowin. |
Last updated: May 13, 2022