Ojibwemowin Audio - Junior Ranger Words

Representatives of five Ojibwe clans tied to each other, their homeland, and the wild rice lakes. Artist Seth Eastman copied this image in 1849 from the birch bark original.

Wisconsin Historical Society image

 

Learn More

• Ojibwe Culture
• Ojibwemowin Audio - Place Names
• Ojibwemowin Audio - 13 Moons

The Apostle Islands have been home to Native Americans for a very long time. Their culture has been shaped by the environment: the lake, islands, forests, seasons, and everything around us. The Junior Ranger Activity Guide features the Ojibwe (an Ojibwe person) culture because it's so cool! It can help you view the world from a different point of view.

As you read through the Activity Guide, you may not recognize many of the words. Throughout the book, every page has a title written in Ojibwemowin (the Ojibwe Language), and many of the activities include a variety of Ojibwe words.

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. Follow the links to hear the Ojibwe words. Words are organized according to what page they are on in the Activity Guide. The Apostle Islands are a place for all (Gakina awiiya danakamigad) with many stories to tell (Dibaajimowin). After you visit you will have your own story to share. You must complete 5 activities in the Jr. Ranger Activity Guide that match your age group. The butterfly, trout, and bear represent different age groups. Look for the appropriate symbol at the bottom of each page. 
 

 

Age groups broken down into symbols

Memengwaa (Ojibwe for "butterfly) 5-7 years old.




Namegos (Ojibwe for "lake trout") 8-11 years old.




Makwa (Ojibwe for "bear") 12 and up.

 

 

Julian Bay lagoon, Stockton Island

NPS photo

Babaamigoziwin aadizookaan - Migration Story

Mewinzha - A long time ago	Waabanong - In the east	Miigis - Shell
Bangishimog - In the west	Miijim - Food	Nibi - Water
Wayaanag Gakabikaa - Niagra Falls	Baawiting - Sault Ste Marie	Gichigami - Lake Superior
Manoomin - Wild rice

 

Local students learning about what swims here.

NPS photo/S. Ballou

Maajitaan agwajiing -
Go Outside

The best way to experience the park is to get outside and explore. Run on the beach, hike a trail, climb a tree, jump in the lake, go for a swim, look for animals, paddle a kayak...

Ojibwemodaa! - Let's Speak Ojibwe!

Boozhoo - Hello	Migizi - Bald eagle	Migiziwag - Bald eagles
Asin - Stone	Asiniig - Stones	Gayaashk - Seagull
Gayaashkwag - Seagulls	Gichigami - Lake Superior	Miikana - Trail
Miikanan - Trails	Aanakwad - Cloud	Aanakwadoon - Clouds
Wenabozho Ominisan - Apostle Islands	Digow - Wave	Digowag - Waves
Indizhinaakaaz - I am called	Makwa - Black bear	Makwag - Black bears
Nibi - Water	Noodin - Wind	Ishkode - Fire
Mitig - Tree	Mitigoog - Trees	Zagime - Mosquito
Zagimeg - Mosquitos	Giizhig - Sky	Gigawaabamin miinawaa - I'll see you again
Mitaawangaa - Sandy beach	Jiimaan - Boat	Jiimaanan - Boats
Noongom - Today	Miigwech - Thank you	Baapii - He or she laughs
Bimose - He or she walks along	Gwaashkwani - He or she jumps	Bimaadagaa - He or she swims along

 

Aaniin enakamigad a’aw mikwam? What's happing to the ice?

NPS photo

Continue The Story

The artwork and culutre of the Ojibwe is influenced by our surroundings. The next few phrases represent how we are all connected to nature and our environment.

Anwaataan manidoominesikaan - Finish the Beadwork

Aanzinaagotoon - Winds of Change

Aaniin enakamigad a'aw mikwam? - What's Happening to the Ice?

Ginaabinan - Solve the Puzzle

Ayaangwaamizidaa - Let's Be Careful Out There

 

Stockton Island described by a fourth grade Bayfield student.

NPS image

Gimaada'ookii gidibaajimowin -
Share Your Story

Ojibwe - An Ojibwe person

Minisan - Island

Gichi-apiitendaagwad! - Congratulations!