All of the songs here are favorites of Jim Spry who was born in 1939 in Cloquet, Minnesota, to parents living in Gichi-Onigaming (Grand Portage). His father came from Gaa-waabaabiganikaag (White Earth) to Gichi-Onigaming to work for the CCC, met Jim’s mother, and stayed. He is known along the north shore as a talented singer and guitar-player and made these recordings with Margaret Noodin in 2024 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Elders Nutrition Program, or at homes in Gichi-Onigaming. The translations were done by Margaret with input from Jim and Michael Zimmerman, Jr.
The songs are a blend of literal and literary translation because not every English word can (or should) be represented in Ojibwe. In some instances, the love for others, gratitude for the power that guides our lives, and awe for the beautiful world in which we live can be summed up with just a few Ojibwe words. Singers often use these songs as a way to relearn and reclaim, or learn for the first time, a language that has been heard in the Gichigami (Great Lakes) region for thousands of years.
If you enjoy the songs, have questions about the translations, or would like to let us know where you are singing them, feel free to contact us!
