Written by: Wezhibii’ang Chibinesi / Jim Northrup-ba

Translators (Wejibwemositoojig): Giiwedinoodin /Maaganiit Noodin, Bidagoshingbinesi / Zac Mitness Early gaye Gwayakogaabaw / Rick Gresczyk

End of the Beginning
Ishkwaatamagad eni Maajitaamagak

Someone said we begin to die
Awiya gii ikido gimaajii’ishkwaa’aayaamin

the minute we’re born.
apii ondaadiziyang.

Death is a part of life.
Ani niboyang epiichi bimaadiziyang.

Who knows why the Creator
Awenen gekendaang o’o

thins the herd.
aaniish wenji-maamaad Gichimanido iniw bemaadizinijin.

Another old saying says
Mewinzha gaa ikidong

we must all be prepared
boochigo ji-ozhitaayang

to give up those we love
naganangwa zhewenimangig

or die first.
maagizhaa gaye akawe niboyang.

Take time to mourn.
Dawisen ji-gashkendaman.

Take time to remember.
Dawisen ji-mikwendaman.

Everything happens in cycles.
Gakina gegoo giiwitaashkaamagad.

The pain you feel was once
Noongom mii ezhi wiisagendaman

balanced by someone’s joy
bekish awiya gii minwendaagozid

when that baby was born.
mii apii iniw abinoojiiyensan gaa ondaadizinid.

The loss you feel today
Ezhi gashkendaman noongom

will be replaced by good
niigaanigo

long-lasting memories.
ezhi ani miikwendaman.

Is there a message here? Yea,
Gegoo ina gigikinoo’amoon? Geget sa go,

treat others like this
mino-doodaw awiya dibishkoo igo

is your last day above ground.
noongom giishpin ishkwaa ayaayan oma akiing.