This prayer is the result of Detroit youth from the “Sons of Traditions Youth Group” working together to create a positive message. Each youth contributed a line and Ojibwe.net worked together to help them translate their prayer into Anishinaabemowin. The youth attended the 12th Annual World Sabbath on Sunday January 30, 2011 and delivered their prayer. Listen to a teacher reading the prayer slowly to learn to pronounce the words.
Youth Prayer
God (Gizhemanido) / Great Spirit (Chi Manido) / Grandfathers (Mishomisag), Grandmothers (Gokomisag)
Chi miigwetch |
maanda |
gaa miizhiyaang |
giizhigad. |
Great thanks |
this one |
that you gave us, |
this day. |
I thank you for this beautiful day. |
Naadamawishin |
chigikendamaa |
maanda |
e-kinomaagoyaanh. |
Help me |
to know it |
this |
I am learning. |
Help me with my schooling. |
Nd’daawendaan |
ge niin maanda |
chiniigaanimaamba |
ezhi-shkiitamaa’aa. |
I want |
for myself |
to be put forth in front |
the way to be able. |
I am willing to put forth the effort to succeed. |
G’gawaabamishinaang |
eneweyaanigiziyaang.¹ |
Watch over all of us |
all those in my family. |
Watch over |
my family. |
G’baagosendamaami |
gondag |
ingitizimnaanig |
miinwaa |
nd’nawendaganinanig² |
We all hope |
those |
parents |
and |
relatives |
wii chiminozheyaawaad. |
they will be well. |
Hope that some of my family members are feeling better. |
Naadamaw |
gondag |
nd’nawendaganinanig² |
chiwaamdamwaad |
genwa |
bimaadziwin. |
Help them |
those |
relatives |
look out for them |
(and) their |
life. |
Help all our relations on the road to recovery as a people. |
Miinshinaang |
mashkawiziwin |
miinwaa |
shkwaa’a dendamowin. |
Give us |
strength |
(for what) |
I will suddenly realize. |
Give us the strength and wisdom to make healthy choices. |
G’bizindaaigo |
gii gimiiyaang. |
We listen to you, |
what you give to us. |
We’re listening to you when you give us guidance. |
Note: “eneweyaanigiziyaan” is a term for a group that is all one – it is not exactly relations by blood only.
Note: “nd’nawendaganinanig” is more literally a term for family as it is used in English.