The Trees Speak, part 4: Why We Must Learn to Remember the Old Language

Manidoo-giizisons (Little Spirit Moon), January 1, 2023

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Boozhoo indinawemaagan, gidinimikoo miinawaa! Biindigeg miinawaa nindaadizooke wigamigong; enji-zaagi'iding miinawaa gikendaasong. Hello my relatives, I greet you in a good way! Welcome once more to my storytelling lodge, a place of love and learning.

Today, I wish to contemplate the importance of reviving the ancient language and employing it to reconnect with the spirits of the Universe.

In ancient times, the Anishinaabeg (Turtle Island peoples) all spoke a common language and could see their ancestors, the anangowininiwag (star people), in the far-off night sky. All our inawemaaganag (relations) were able to understand and talk to each other. The stars, plant people, stone people, four-legged creatures, winged beings, and all living entities communicated in the same language.

On an unfortunate day, the people of Turtle Island lost their balance, thinking they were superior and more intelligent than the rest of creation. Consequently, GICHI-MANIDOO (the Great Mystery) restricted their vision and bewildered them by introducing a variety of languages.

After that time, the Anishinaabeg were unable to use their original language, known as "telepathy," in the same way. Only a handful of individuals born with mashkiki ("medicine") still comprehend this language.

It is believed that our inawemaaganag, the spirits of the Sky, Waters, and Earth, have always preserved this language. Therefore, we should learn from these spirits and honor them as our ancestors did. The stars, eagles, fish, and trees serve as our teachers, and through ceremonies, observation, and respect for these and many other spirits, we are welcomed back into the circle and instructed in the ancient language.

Through the use of our pipes, drums, rattles, dreams, visions, and traditional storytelling, we reestablish a connection to the essence of genuine communication and the spirit that permeates all things. This is one of the numerous reasons we participate in ceremonies, retell ancient stories, continue to wear our traditional attire, and maintain long hair today.

Ahaaw, miigwech gibizindaw -- alright, thank you for listening.

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- Text loosely based on a teaching by Gianni Crow (Source: Mishkiki) - Illustration: Wenabozho and the Gift of the Tree Nation ©2022 Zhaawano Giizhik

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The Trees Speak: Stories of the Maple Tree

The Trees Speak: Birth of the Bear Berry TreeThe Trees Speak: Debaajimood and the Story Tree

The Trees Speak: Why We Must Learn to Remember the Old Language

The Trees Speak: The Eagle and the Tamarack Tree

The Trees Speak: Stories of the Maple Tree

The Trees Speak: Birth of the Bear Berry TreeThe Trees Speak: Debaajimood and the Story Tree

The Trees Speak: Why We Must Learn to Remember the Old Language

The Trees Speak: The Eagle and the Tamarack Tree