This song was originally sung by the Ode’min Kwe Singers and released on their album, New Moon Medicine. It was first translated into Anishinaabemowin by Helen Roy in 2009 and has been lovingly used to teach humility, respect and Ojibwe language for many years. This song reminds us to connect ourselves with all living things, no matter how big or small.

The first verse refers to the Creator, so the phrases are slightly different than all the other verses which consider the different generations of humans and forms of animals around us. Creative students might think up many more verses to thank different parts of the world that sustains us.

Verses one and two below can help you learn the song. When you have learned those two, go on to sing the other verses like the second verse with just the last word in lines one and three changed to honor a different group of beings.

Sung by Margaret Noodin
Humble Song Art by Shannon Noori

Humble Song
1 – Nitaam-azhigane / First Verse

Gidaa-dibadendizim ikidod Gizhemanidoo
(You all should be humble says the Creator)

Gidaa-jiingwanitawaanaan
(We all should bend down before her / him)

Gidaa-dibadendizim ikidod Gizhemanidoo
(You all should be humble says the Creator)

Gidaa-gikendaamin gikendang
(We all should know what the Creator knows)

Gidaa-naadamaadimin ji-ani-ishpaagaabawiyang
(We all should help each other to be raised up)

Gidaa-naadamaadimin
(We all should help each other)

2 – Niizhing-azhigane / Second Verse

Gidaa-dibadendizim ikidowaad Gimishoomisinaanig
(You all should be humble say the Grandfathers)

Gidaa-jiingwanitawaanaan
(We all should bend down before them)

Gidaa-dibadendizim ikidowaad Gimishoomisinaanig
(You all should be humble say the Grandfathers)

Gidaa-gikendaamin gikendamowaad
(We all should know what the Grandfathers know)

Gidaa-naadamaadimin ji-ani-ishpaagaabawiyang
(We all should help each other to be raised up)

Gidaa-naadamaadimin
(We all should help each other)

These are the words that change in the song to complete the circle of respect: