Gichi-apiidendaagon Gidanishinaabemonan
Anishinaabemowin & Culture
Our language held in high regard
Anishinaabemowin is not just a language, but a living way of life that connects people to identity, community, land, and spirit.
The Anishinaabemowin and Culture Department supports the revitalization, promotion, and everyday use of Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe culture throughout Bimose Tribal Council communities and schools.
The department works to reclaim and strengthen Anishinaabemowin fluency, cultural identity, intergenerational learning, and traditional knowledge through community partnerships, educational supports, resource development, and culturally grounded
programming.
Who we support
Keeping the Language Alive Across Generations
The Anishinaabemowin & Culture department is here to walk with our people on their language journey. We provide meaningful, accessible pathways to connect with cultural teachings.
Whether you are a fluent speaker wanting to pass down your knowledge, or a beginner taking your very first steps, our programs are built to support you.
Anishinaabemowin Learners
Students and community members of all ages and fluency levels.
Fluent Speakers & Knowledge Keepers
Elders and mentors guiding our revitalization paths.
Member Communities
All 10 Bimose Tribal Council First Nations and their schools looking to expand local language presence.
Programs & Developing Initiatives
Reclaiming Our Voices
Our department is currently in an exciting phase of growth. We are actively securing funding and expanding our staff to build out sustainable, long-term programming across the region. We handle the administrative work, funding applications, and strategic planning behind the scenes so communities can focus on immersive learning and mentorship.
Current & Emerging Initiatives:
- Anishinaabemowin revitalization and promotion
- Development of Anishinaabemowin community language plan and policy
- Community engagement and partnership development
- Recording and preservation of fluent speakers and Anishinaabemowin knowledge
- Development of future Anishinaabemowin programming, mentorship, and immersion opportunities
Foundational Initiatives & Success Stories
Honour the Spirit of the Language
Our current work builds upon a strong foundation of successful cultural gatherings and resources that have already brought our communities closer together.
Spring and Fall Feasts:
Seasonal feasts held in strict alignment with traditional Elder direction to honour the spirit of our language and culture.
Language Camps & Materials:
Language camps focused on immersive and land-based language learning experiences.
Anishinaabemodaa Conference:
An annual gathering bringing together educators, youth, and speakers to celebrate Anishinaabe identity.
Language Learning Resources & Materials:
We've developed Anishinaabemowin flashcards and learning materials used for teaching, language bowls, and community language activities.
Gaa-Gikenimigooyang Resource Project
A bilingual resource project featuring stories shared by Elders from communities served by Bimose Tribal Council. Stories were video recorded in Anishinaabemowin, translated into English, and developed into a side-by-side language learning resource for teachers and learners. The stories reflect personal experiences, community history, and traditional teachings.
Our vision is to reclaim, revitalize, and normalize Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe ways of life for present and future generations.
Contacts
Connect with Our Language Team
Reach out to our department for resource requests, or partnership opportunities.
Phone
(807) 468-5551
cjourdain@bimose.ca
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:00pm
Office Location
598 Lakeview Drive
Kenora, ON
P9N 4C7