The Cup Song
This video is from the students of Berens River First Nation, Manitoba. Find out more about their video project here.
A group of Anishinaabe kids from Wisconsin and Michigan were inspired by these students so they created an echo . . . another song . . . another set of voices singing that language we sure would miss if it were gone!
Gi miigwechiwigoom gii nagamoyeg “Minikwaajiganens Nagamowin” Berens Ziibii gakinomaagaazojig!
Thanks to all of you for singing the Cup Song Berens River students!
Nin gii nagamomin gaye!
We sang too!
Note: The words below fit with the tune and replicate the spirit of the meaning. We offer a literal translation for learners rather than the standard English lyrics below the Anishinaabemowin.
e-boozibiigaadeg indaa’aayan
a ticket I have
waabminaagwad booziyaan
there are sights as I am travelling
ni wii waabdaanan wajiwan
I will see the mountains
ziibiin miinawaa mitigwaakiing
the rivers and the woods
noonj da oniizhishin giin onji
it sure would be prettier with you
apii maajaayaan
when I’m gone
apii maajaayaan
when I’m gone
gi wii metsin apii maajaayaan
you will miss me when I’m gone
gi wii metsin ezhi-bimoseyaan
you will miss the way I walk
gi wii metsin ezhi-eneweyaan
you will miss the way I talk
gi wii metsin pii maajaayaan
you will miss me when I’m gone