Mille Lacs Band Elders authored stories for Ojibwemowin books
Through the Aanjibimaadizing Project, 16 first speakers from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe have teamed with linguists, teachers, and Ojibwemowin (Ojibwe language) experts to create three new books for Ojibwe language and culture learners. Conceived and presented only in Ojibwemowin, the stories reflect a rare authenticity as they transmit cultural values, increase vocabulary, and reinforce identity.
All three books are now available from Amazon and from the Minnesota Historical Society at https://www.mnhs.org/mnhspress/books/forthcoming.
Each book is edited by Anton Treuer and Michael Sullivan Sr. and illustrated by a renowned Ojibwe artist.
Anton Treuer, professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, is the author of The Language Warrior’s Manifesto and 14 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.
For a video about the project, see youtube.com/millelacsband.
Nishiimeyinaanig (Our Little Siblings)
Illustrated by Wesley Ballinger
In these 26 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 sports, games, and life lessons of all kinds.
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.
$17.95 paperback, ISBN: 978-168134-177-4, ages 10+
128 pages, 100 color illustrations, index, 6 x 9 inches
Anooj Inaajimod (They Tell All Kinds of Things)
Illustrated by Jonathan Thunder
In this anthology of 23 charming and original stories, people get into and out of trouble, make and solve problems, and have funny and surprising adventures. The tellings range from hilarious personal reminiscences to legendary exploits. From the true story of a family that raised a fawn until nursing it became too painful for its adoptive human mother to the squirrel that accidentally took the ride of its life across Mille Lacs Lake on the back of an owl, here is Ojibwe storytelling at its finest.
Jonathan Thunder, a member of the Red Lake Nation, is a multidisciplinary artist who works in canvas painting, animation, filmmaking, and 3D projection mapping. He is the illustrator of Bowwow Powwow by Brenda Child.
$17.95 paperback, ISBN: 978-168134-178-1, ages 10+
128 pages, 100 color illustrations, index, 6 x 9 inches
Akawe Niwii-tibaajim (First of All, I’m Telling a Story)
Illustrated by Steve Premo
In 80 brief original reminiscences and cultural stories, Elders of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe transmit a storehouse of experience and memories, wisdom and foolishness, and complex identity. Join Waasigwan (Shining Feather) as he navigates racism against African Americans in an Ojibwe community, learn about the cultural nuances of an Ojibwe naming ceremony, and experience the deeper meanings in the Ojibwe wild rice harvest. These are the stories that make us who we are.
Steve Premo, an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, is a graphic designer, illustrator, and fine artist.
$18.95 paperback, ISBN: 978-1-68134-179-8, ages 14+
240 pages, 100 b/w illustrations, 6 x 9 inches
All three titles are now available from Minnesota Historical Society Press at https://www.mnhs.org/mnhspress/books/forthcoming.