LTBB Education Department

Let's Learn Anishinaabemowin!

DID YOU KNOW that Robin Wall Kimmerer, beloved author of Braiding Sweetgrass, is coming out with a new book in November?! Are you as excited as we are?! If you preorder The Serviceberry from Birchbark, you’ll receive a special bookmark with your copy! We’ve been waiting over 10 years for Robin’s next book and she does not disappoint with this sweet message about gratitude in The Serviceberry. Head to the link in our bio to preorder your copy!

In Anishinaabe culture, Miskomino Giizis, or the Raspberry Moon, embodies themes of growth, abundance, and sweetness. Just as raspberries reach their peak in July, it is a time to celebrate the bounty of the earth and to express gratitude for the gifts it provides.

This period reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of nurturing and caring for the natural world. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and strengthening bonds within the community.

As we observe the Raspberry Moon, let us also reflect on our own growth, both individually and collectively. May we be inspired by the sweetness and abundance of this season to cultivate gratitude, nurture relationships, and strive for harmony with the world around us.

The Farms will be closed for the holiday.... Thursday, July 4...........See you at the fields on Saturday.

The items ready at Bergs is:
green beans
swiss chard
kale
basil

2024 Language Camp. July 26th & 27th.

The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) received funds to allocate for the NAFWS’ Scholarship. Our goal is to help Native American and/or Alaskan Native students pursue their career and educational goals in the field of natural resources, by providing financial assistance. The NAFWS National Scholarship amount is $1500.00 to $2500.00 and will be given to recipients for the Fall of 2024.
DEADLINE: Post-marked by OR received by email by July 19, 2024 by 10 pm Mountain Time.

📚Don't forget to Apply for the 2024 NAFWS Student Scholarship!
📆: DUE July 19th, 2024 at 10 PM MT
🤓: More information, FAQs and application, go to: https://ow.ly/PfK150RZ9EF

We are excited to partner with MSU Extension Food Systems and a capstone team from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability to offer this professional learning opportunity that takes a deeper dive into food system education. https://bit.ly/DP-SummerInstitutes

Zaagaabgonii (come into bloom)

Gchi-Wiikwedoong Gbeshiwin Maawnjidowin Temgok Anishinaabemowin
(GTB Language Camp Gathering Where the Language is at)
2024 Anishinaabemowin Language Camp Call for GTB Presenters and/or Workshops

Tuesday, August 13th
Wednesday, August 14th
Thursday, August 15th

STRONGHEART CENTER - 2700 STRONGHEART WAY, PESHAWBESTOWN MI

Submit Proposals to Present
Title
Workshop Length (Workshops are typically 1.5 hours and for 15-20 attendees)
Workshop ideas but not limited to:
• Cultural Teachings
• Crafting
• Harvesting
• Traditional Foods
• Medicines
• Appropriate Age
• Materials - Will you provide your own materials, or what supplies will you need and cost?
• Workshop Fee

Deadline to submit proposal: Friday, July 19th, 2024, 12:00PM

Please submit proposals at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ehiLmvg35LOrJksQ3pMHCdCLBIeb53pIX8GMSKtFTgs/viewform

Presenters accepted will be notified by July 26th, 2024

Mino Miin Giizis – Happy Blueberry Moon! 🫐

Anishinaabemowin (the Anishinaabe language) is known for its complexity and descriptiveness, and our word for blueberry pie is an excellent example of this. While miin (blueberry) is one of the smallest words, the word for blueberry pie is one of the longest: miinibaashkiminasijiganibiitooyiingwesijiganibakwezhigan. Say that three times fast! This word is made up of many other words and word parts that describe the way blueberry pie is made. Translated literally, it means “blueberry sauce that is put between two pieces of bread that are facing each other.” This example is not meant to scare you away from Anishinaabemowin, but to help you discover the fascinating ways our Ancestral language works and why it is so important to hold onto. Elders say “All of our teachings live in our language” and this is true because of those descriptive words and the Anishinaabe thought patterns that created them. But how do you pronounce that?! Check out this month’s Anishinaabemowin Calendar video in which we will include the pronunciation, and practice along for your next best party trick!
***We are currently trying to update our recording software, so videos will not be posted until the end of July.***

Just like the number of letters in blueberry pie, our foods, flowers, and medicines are abundant this time of year. Our word for summer, Niibin, is even related to niibina (a lot; plenty; an abundance). There is an abundance of breezes and sunlight, of grasses and leaves, of mosquitos and flies. And for better or worse, these are all things we deal with when picking those abundant blueberries. Do you have a favorite blueberry-picking spot? Does your family go every year, making those delicious dishes afterward that are just so much tastier with wild berries? Always remember that mino bimaadiziwin (living a good life) requires balance. Responsible harvesting of blueberries or any other food or medicine is important so we can find more next year and so the next generations can find them as well. Leave unripe blueberries on the branches – these are usually colored white-yellow or white-red instead of that deep blue-purple. Likewise, only pick up to about 3/4 of the blueberries on the bush and leave the rest on the branches. The makwag (bears) and other critters will thank you! When we take care of Shkaakamikwe (Mother Earth) and all she gives us, she will take care of us right back.

Want to speak with Shkaakamikwe? Take on the challenge of learning one new Anishinaabemowin word each day with our Anishinaabemowin Calendar! It is important to not just see these words but to hear them too. Please watch our video, created to help with your pronunciation of these calendar words by scanning the QR code on the calendar or viewing the other post made today on our page. ***We are currently trying to update our recording software, so videos will not be posted until the end of July.***

💖

We are looking for Native American artists! For the first time, our semiannual exhibit Art Drawn From Nature will feature many forms of art exclusively by Native American Artists, including but not limited to weaving, ceramics, beadwork, sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, and mixed media. Artists can submit up to two works of art for consideration. Select representative(s) from the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, will serve as the guest jurors for this exhibit. Featured in KNC’s Glen Vista Gallery, this exhibit will coincide with the larger traveling exhibit Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge, Shared Science, currently on view in the KNC main exhibit hall. Click here to apply: https://naturecenter.org/visit/arts-at-knc/

Free program this Wednesday, July 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Charlevoix Public Library - Deborah Richmond, historian of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, will share the story of the Burt Lake Band and the event in 1900 that stripped the Band of their reservation land known as the Burt Lake Burnout. Embark on a historical journey as Richmond unveils the captivating tale of the Burt Lake Band Burnout. Immerse yourself in the rich narrative as she masterfully recounts the challenges faced by this resilient community as their homes were burned by the local sheriff and a land developer interested in selling their property around the up-and-coming resort area of Burt Lake.

Let's walk with each other in a good way.

Miigwech to everyone who is taking the time to reflect, listen, and learn.

Miigwech to everyone who is sharing and amplifying the voices of Indigenous people across this land we now call Canada.

The Language The Language is a podcast dedicated to the revitalization of Anishinaabemowin. By second language learners, for second language learners.

Wiigwaasmin - Cherry
Wiigwaasminan - Cherries
Hear them here along with other foods!
https://www.anishinaabemdaa.com/grammar/inanimate-food

Michigan Fresh Cherries coming soon! Visit our website to learn how to safely use, store and preserve the versatile Cherries in jams, jellies, syrups, frozen and more. Preserve the taste of summer now to enjoy all winter. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan_fresh_cherries

Minomin- Wild rice salad Recipe:
1 cup Minomin (rice).
1.5 cups nibii (water) .
Add to instant pot. Pressure cook setting high for 30 mins. Let steam slow release for 10 mins.
Once cooked drain and rinse Minomin with cold nibii. Add to a large bowl.
Wash and Cut up 1 pint of fresh Ode’minan (🍓 strawberries) and add to Minomin.
Wash 1/2 pint fresh Miinan (🫐 blueberries) and add to bowl.
Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Add 2 tablespoons of Ziisbaakwaaboo (Maple Syrup) stir and enjoy.

Let's Learn Anishinaabemowin!