Three Old Men by Leonard Kimewon-ba
Originally from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, Leonard Kimewon-ba lived in Michigan for many years, returning frequently to Wiki for family events. He and his wife Elizabeth grew up as first speakers of the language and never stopped using it at home and with friends. Some of his children are now teachers of Anishinaabemowin. Leonard-ba taught classes around the U.P. and reached out to students wherever they were through on-line and newspaper lessons and language camps. Susan Askwith attended his classes for many years and says Leonard-ba taught the deeper meaning of words and phrases, how they are used in different contexts, how the language changes and has evolved, and some of the traditional values and ways of living. The stories and lessons posted here will help you connect with Anishinaabemowin through the classes he offered in Baaweting, for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. We are thankful to Leonard-ba for the time he took to create his own written versions of the stories and to share the worksheets he used with his students. His teaching job entailed lots of travel and evening hours every week even after he had been retired many years. Gimiigwechwigo, Leonard-ba!
Listen to Leonard read the story in Anishinaabemowin:
Additional lesson resources: