Neyankenmaagejig Anishinaabemowin (About Us)

This site represents many things, most of all, it is evidence that Anishinaabemowin is alive and well. One component of a living language is one that is not only spoken fluently, but also used creatively. Unfortunately, Anishinaabemowin is also defined as endangered because we are losing speakers faster than we are gaining them. This is why saving the language has become of utmost importance in many communities - on the rez, in the cities, in schools, in homes, in the lodge; where there are elders who speak the language and where there are none.

Southeast Michigan is one place where speakers and students meet each week to make a difference. We have created this cyber space so that the ancient sounds are not lost and can be connected to anyone willing to listen, learn, and labor with us in the effort to maintain Anishinaabemowin. We are humbled by our teachers and those who have preceded us in this work. Rather than reinvent the wheel, we'd like to show you all the wheels we've found and how they have been put to use in Ojibwe classes on the University of Michigan campus.

During the past year we have been able to make many additions to this site due to support from the Gilbert Whitaker Fund for the Improvement of Teaching; the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; the School of Information; and the Program in American Culture at the University of Michigan. If you have questions about this website please contact Margaret Noori or Howard Kimewon.

Additionally, anyone interested in the language can join our group, "Noongwa e-Anishinaabemjig" which meets each Thursday at the U of M. "Noongwa e-Anishinaabemjig" are "People who speak Anishinaabemowin today." Our group follows the language "nest" model which encourages communities to create a place where language is protected and nurtured. All ages, all levels, all nationalities are welcome. Look below for meeting information.

Noongwa e-Anishinaabemjig meets Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Directions are posted below.

Please e-mail Margaret Noori with any questions or if you would like to be added to our e-mail list to receive any schedule updates.

Room: 3512
505 S. State Street
3700 Haven Hall
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1045

Here is a detailed map and directions from MapQuest.