This short prayer was written by the evening language class at the Milwaukee Indian Community School. Parents and community members come to practice speaking so that the children of the school can share what they learn and together families can work to restore the language to their lives. One thing everyone needed was a prayer for those occasions when even the newest speakers and most humble students are put on the spot and asked to give thanks before a meal.

It is important to understand the words so that the sentiment is real rather than memorized. This is only one version of what a person might say and while it is simple, it is powerful and flexible. Learn all the words, use them in this prayer and other sentences.

Aambe Anishinaabemodaa epiichi anami’aaying.

Prayer Before Eating

Jibwaa Giwiisinimin Ezhi-Anami’aayang
How We Pray Before We Eat

Gizhemanidoo gimiigwechiwi’igoo.
Great Spirit we all thank you.

Niminwendaagozimin maampii ayaayang akiing.
We are happy here on earth.  

Gimiigwechiwi’igoom Aadizookaanag
We are thankful for our traditional stories.

Giiwedinong
In the north

Waabanong
In the east

Zhaawanong
In the south

Ningaabii’anong
In the west (1)

Nimiigwechiwi’aanaanig, nimishomisinaanig, nookomisinaanig
We are thankful for our grandfathers, our grandmothers

miinwaa oniijaanisinaanig.
and our children

Gimiigwechiwi’igoo, Gizhemanidoo, owe miijim gaa-miizhiyaang.
We thank you, Creator, for this food you have given us. 

Gimiigwechiwi’ininim gii-bi-dagoshineg maampii noongom.
I thank all of you who arrived here today.

Ahow, Mii’iw

Note:
(1) In some places the west is known as epaangishimong (where it sinks).