I am slowly trying to organize myself for my speech. Since I am away from home again; this time I am in Phoenix, Arizona to promote Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations. Hopefully, I can generate a few sponsors for our conference July 31-August 2, 2009 here in Phoenix at the Radisson Fort McDowell.
Mary Hermes is one of our speakers on Language Revitalization. Her panel was a high point of last year's conference.
BIG DRUM
I attended the Big Drum ceremony in Mille Lacs. The Drum chiefs are Ralph Pewaush and Andy Mitchell. What was interesting about this dance, was that Henry Flocken spoke to us (in English and some Ojibwe). Henry was wearing a red tie around his arm. I was going to ask Henry if I could write about this on this blog but he left before I had a chance to obtain permission so I hope it is OK. Henry talked about a dream he had many, many years ago and never understood what the dream meant. Though out all of these years, he would think about the dream but still didn't understand what his message was. Finally he has figured it out and that was the reason he was wearing the red band around his arm. I hope that I describe this correctly. Language revitalization is very important at this time and the speaker have to identify themselves so others will know that they as speakers are available to teach the language to others. Each of these speakers should wear a red band around their right arm to represent that they are a part of this language society.
Earlier in the day, Dave Matrious asked me how my master's program was progressing and I talked about my difficulty with the language and that it would be awhile for me to understand and speak the language and Dave mentioned that he is considering attending UMD in the fall to pursue his bachelor's degree focusing on the language. Dave wants to teach the history and culture aspect of the language. He is currently doing this with the local schools. Of course, now that I have read Chapter 8 of Hadley, I see how Dave's goal is essential to the teaching of language. Even though I am slow with my own Ojibwe learning, I am interested on how others are trying or making on impact on saving the language.
I am sure I will comment on this further.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Boozhoo Mandaamin,
ReplyDeleteCheck out my blog...
http://binesi-odekwe.blogspot.com/
Henry said I was a part of his dream too...I'm the one with food stuff all over the front of my shirt,in the kitchen, doing the dishes...ha ha ha...
The more people that know about these helpful ideas,the better for Henry and all of us, he is making a "mini" movement at the grassroots level...he's in the trenches...he's making a difference...
Miigwech,
Binesi'odekwe
Aaniin Mandaamin!
ReplyDeleteMiigwech for sharing Giniiw's story...I've heard many of his stories, but this one is so relevant to where we are at as language learners and propellers of language revitalization! It is so easy to go through a day without speaking our language, but we can't allow that to happen any longer. Making it a mission...a conscience choice is key!
Miigwech!