Yesterday, I was told that Gilbert Caribou, Secretary Treasurer of Grand Portage passed away early Wednesday morning. Gilbert was a fluent speaker and respected elder. He served his tribe for many, many years and will be missed by many. Ojibwe country has lost many speakers over the past year.

Attending Ojibwe Table

I was looking forward to attending an Ojibwe table taught by Larry "Amik" Smallwood. The class meets on Tuesday evenings at the Mille Lacs Band of OJibwe Corporate Commission in Hinckley, MN. Class is open to anyone. This session I decided to bring my mother along. She doesn't need to learn the language but I know she would enjoy listening and laughing at my pronouncation.

The session starts with a potluck.

The session did not happen. Our instructor is assisting with a funeral in LCO.

Next Tuesday, the annual Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Legislative Dinner is scheduled at the Science Museum in St. Paul. I have to decide if I attend the dinner or attend Ojibwe class.

On Monday night I was at the Blackbear Casino playing bingo (didn't win). There was this Indian lady from FDL and asked me a couple of questions. What was interesting about her simple questions is that she asked in English and Ojibwe. Because of the English part, I could figure out the Ojibwe part.

As I continue my Ojibwe journey, I realize that I have been moving too slowly, thinking that I have all the time in the world but as they say, "time flies."