Aangodinong zanagad izhi-maajii-dagwaagig. Giishpin mikwendaamang waatebagaa-giizis miinawaa waawaate miinawaa waatenamoonangog da-minobimaadiziyang (Sometimes the start of autumn is difficult. If we remember this is the time of the leaves becoming bright and the northern lights and there are ones who shine light on us then we can live well.)

This simple two-verse song carries several language lessons.

The “waate-” found in Waatebagaa-giizis communicates a network of ideas:

– the “waatebag” (leaves getting lighter)
– the “waawaate” (bright northern lights)
– the “waatenamaw” (light shined on someone)
– and the “waateyaa” (light of the early morning)

By connecting words, we connect ideas and learn a network of knowing.

For those who are eager to use song as a way to practice and make natural some of the beautifully complicated grammar of Ojibwe “waatenamawishinaanig” teaches us how to ask for something collectively. Any verb that involves two beings (me and you, you and them, all of us and all of you etc. . .) can take “ishin” at the end to say “please do this for me.” Adding “ishin” + “aanig” asks, “please do this for all of us.” For those using dictionaries, you will see these works marked as “vta” or verbs that are transitive and animate, meaning the action is done by one being for (or to) another being.

Here are a few example for you to practice:

waatenamaw + ishin + aanig
shine a light on us

naadamaw + ishin + aanig
help us

waabam + ishin + aanig
look at us

mikwenim + ishin + aanig
remember us

Waatebagaa-giizis Song

Waatebagaa-giizis oh wey
September
Waatebagaa-giizis oh wey
September
Waabiziwan aniibiishan
Light-colored are the leaves
Waawaate ani mizhakwak giizhigong
Northern Lights arrive when it is clear in the sky

Waatebagaa-giizis oh wey
September
Waatebagaa-giizis oh wey
September
Waatenamawishinaanig
Provide some light for us
Waateyaa apii waategamaag omaa
Early in the morning when the water sparkles here