Raptors (Giiwosebinesiwag)

Nitamdibaajimowin: Introduction

This project is an attempt to consider the identity of birds by more than color, size and weight. After meeting the raptors who are part of The Schlitz Audubon Raptor Program, we wanted to create a digital resource for understanding culture and identity across species in the city.

A row of flowers in the Woodland art style by Neebin Southall

Debwetaagwadoon: Facts

Giiwosebinesiwag gigikenimaanig.
We know hunter-birds.

Ginisidawinoonaanig.
We recognize them by sight.

Gibwanisi babaamose ingo bitoosin giizhigong.
The hawk walks about on the first level of the sky.

Zidan abajitoonaawaa miijim ji-debibidoowaad.
They use their feet to grab food.

Okoonzh abajitoonaawaa wiiyaas ji-biigobidoowaad.
They use their beak to tear meat.

Aanind goshkoziwag giizhigong gaye nibaawag dibikong.
Some are awake all day and sleep all night.

Migizi, Giniw gaye Zhiibingo-naniisi nandawenjigewag megwaayaak gaye awasaakwaa.
Eagle, Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon hunt for food in the woods and beyond the woods.

Aanind goshkoziwag dibikong gaye nibaawag giizhigong.
Some are awake all night and sleep all day.

Ginisidotoonaanig.
We recognize them by sound.

Aangodinong bineshiinh nagamo mii gaye aangodinong nandonged.
Sometimes a bird sings and sometimes calls out to others.

Apii gikinabizidan oshki-nagamowin anaaminagamowinked.
When learning by listening to a new song, a bird creates a “sub-song.”

Noongom apii waziswankewaad waabishki-zhaabwaate`iigini abajitoowaad ji-wiindamaadiwaad minik mashkoziwaad.
Today when making nest with white plastic they tell each other how strong they are.

Interactive Cards

Please enjoy learning more about the raptors with our interactive cards. If you are viewing the cards on your phone or tablet, tap them to flip them over. Special thanks to Bernard Perley for creating the raptor drawings.

Migizi

(Bald Eagle)

Migizi babaamigiziige ishpeming. The eagle flies around surveying high in the sky.

Boodawidoombe

(Barn Owl)

Boodawidombi boodawidombi apii dibishigiishkaag. The barn owl speaks by blowing while sitting when it is dark.

 

Bipiigwe

(Kestrel)

Bipiigwe o’de nisaan gichibineshiiyan. The kestrel is able to kill big birds.

Zhiibingo-naniisi

(Peregrine Falcon)

Zhiibingo-naniisi gizhiibizo apii bakaded. The Peregrine flies fast when hungry.

 

Gaakaabishii

(Saw-whet Owl)

Gaakaabishii zegaajimo apii eniwed. The Northern saw-whet owl tells a scary story when making a sound.

Giiwosebinesiwag Nagamowin (Raptor Song)

giiwosebinesiwag

Here is a song written and sung by Margaret Noodin to honor the raptors.

Giiwosebinesiwag – Raptors
gidishpaashim – you soar
zagaakwaang – above the woods and the hard times.

Gikinoo’amawiyaang – You teach us
ji-debibidoomaang – to grab tight
bawajiganan. – to our dreams.

Gego zegiziken – Don’t be afraid
wiindamawiyaang – you tell us
ji-dakwanjigen. – to take a bite.

Nitaawaziswanken – Make your nest well
mii mikwendaan – and remember
azhegiiwen. to return home.

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