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The following handout was written for a youth activity at the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History in November of 2007 and has been edited to be used again in November 2008.
The Anishinaabeg have always considered the Earth to be a Mother to the people which makes us relative of all the animals and elements. This relationship has always been one that emphasizes respect and appreciation, especially for those things that are rare. Copper is one of the native elements held in high regard and used in many ceremonies.
You can play audio below or download the mp3 from the column on the right.
| Giiwedinong |
Michigan |
gii moonegade |
zaawzhooniyaa. |
| In the north |
of Michigan |
it was mined |
copper. |
| Copper was mined in northern Michigan. |
| Epangishimag Anishinaabeg |
benjibaajig |
gii |
bi |
meshtonmaagenaa'aa |
zaawzhooniyaa. |
| Western people |
from over there |
did |
here |
trade for it |
copper. |
| People from the west came here to trade for copper. |
| Bimaadzjig |
biiskaanaa'aa |
zaawzhooniyaa |
giishpin |
ogimaawaad |
maage |
gego naangazawaad |
| People |
wear it |
copper |
if |
they are leaders |
or |
someone in high standing. |
| Leaders and important people wear copper. |
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