G’miigwechtoonaa, G’miigwechweaa’naa (We give thanks for things, We give thanks to others)
We have found that one of the most common reasons to learn the language is a desire to give thanks using the language that has echoed in this place for centuries. Humility and the ability to slow down and count your blessings, ask for guidance, and be present for others are fundamental concepts beautifully expressed in Anishinaabemowin.
The following text was sent to us by Andy Chosa, translated by Howard Kimewon and transcribed by Margaret Noodin. Take time to learn it!
| Today we give thanks for our many blessings. |
| Noongwo |
g’miigwechweyaanaa |
GizheManido |
minik |
miinigwezwii’anan |
miinwaa |
maanagooing. |
| Today |
we give thanks to |
the Creator |
for so much |
fortune |
and |
what we have been given. |
| We give thanks for the sky above and the earth below. |
| G’miigwechtoonaa |
maanda |
maampii |
aki |
g’bagidnamaagoing |
wii iyaaying |
| We give thanks for |
this |
here |
earth |
we have been offered |
to be on |
| miinwaa |
maanda |
n’waamdaaming |
giizhigong. |
| and |
this |
that we see, |
the heavens. |
| We give thanks for the rising of the sun and the moon. |
| G’miigwechweaa’naa |
g’bagidnamaagoing |
giizo |
miinwaa |
dibikigiizo |
wii |
aabjikaazying. |
| We give thanks to them, |
we have been offered |
the sun |
and |
the moon |
to |
use. |
| We give thanks for the beauty of our surroundings. |
| Gaa miigwechweaa’naa |
kina gego |
gwenaajong |
g’gaa miinigoing. |
| We give thanks to them |
all things |
beautiful in this place |
we have been given. |
| We give thanks for our parents who brought us into this world and taught us about life. |
| Kchi miigwetchwinim |
maanda |
bimaadziwin |
gaa miizhiyang |
gashe |
miinwaa |
gos. |
| Thank you both for |
this |
life |
we are given |
mother |
and |
father. |
| We give thanks for our brothers and sisters who shared our childhood with us. |
| Gaa miigwetchwigo |
noongwa |
maamwe |
gii bi kooganiiyaang |
ge niinwe |
nikaayeg |
miinwaa |
miseyeg. |
| We all thank you |
today |
together |
who were raised here |
with us |
brothers |
and |
sisters |
| We give thanks for our friends who have journeyed along life’s path with us. |
| Gaa miigwetchweaananing |
genwa |
kwiijkenanig |
gaa bi wiijsemigoo’ing. |
| We are thankful for |
our |
friends |
who walked along with us. |
| We give thanks for the laughter of the children. |
| Gaa miigwetchweaananing |
gondag, |
baapwin |
miinwa |
chinendamowin |
genwa |
binoojiyag |
eyaamwaad. |
| We are thankful for |
them, |
the laughter |
and |
the happiness |
our |
children |
they have. |
| And we give thanks for the love in our hearts. |
| Gaa miigwetchwigo |
maanda |
zaagidwin |
odenang |
eyaamaan. |
| We all thank you for |
this |
love |
in our hearts |
we have. |
