Nimiigwechwendam (I Am Feeling Grateful)

Swamp-Singers-195

This song originates from Bud Biron at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He taught it to Lee Boisvert who taught it to one of us. It is used by many to express gratitude. The Bimaadiziwin version of the song was recorded by the women’s hand drum group, Miskwaasining Nagamojig (Swamp Singers) in Ann Arbor, MI, 2012. Over the years, many women have used this song to get them through difficult times and to help heal themselves and the ones they love. It can be repeated as many times as needed and is useful as a way to focus on survival.

There are now two versions of this song. The original version was created in the eastern part of Anishinaabewakiing and includes “maaba” which is an eastern way to say “this animate thing.” Some may wonder why “bimaadiziwin” (life) is considered animate, but that question is the one the original song-writer likely wanted us all to think about and each answer in our own way. Most dictionaries will list “bimaadiziwin” as an inanimate noun, but these are the variations often found in songs and teachings.

In Cook County, Minnesota and Grand Portage, children sing a western variation of the song which is also a song of gratitude but varies slightly to contain two verbs, one is “miigwechwendan” which is the word one would use to talk about all the things we might be grateful for. In this case, the song says “nimiigwechwendaan mino-bimaadiziyang” which literally translates to “I am grateful for the way we all are living well together.” The lesson here is that each of us is part of a connected community.

The lyrics and score here were written by teachers and singers who want to see Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi) and all Indigenous languages lead learners to peace and mutual understanding. We encourage you to adapt the song as needed. Please let us know if you translate it into another language or have questions about teaching it where you live.

Download Full Musical Score