Nongo maanda, Niizhtana-shi-niizhi-bboon teg Anishinaabemowin-Teg maawnjidowin, Anishinaabe Manidoowaadiziwin. For this years, 22nd Annual Anishinaabemowin Teg Conference, Anishinaabe Manidoowaadiziwin – The Anishinaabe Spiritual Way.

Nji-sa gonda gaa-nagmigaazjig, Getizijig, miiniwaa Eshkiniigjig debendaagozijig, aabji-go gda-mina-nkweshkoonim Getizijig, Eshkiniigjig miiniwaa dash go kina maampii ebi-zhaajig. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Elder Senate and Youth Representatives, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Elders, Youth, and all participants.

Maamowi gdoo-mshkoowaabiikitoonaa maanda ekaadengaadeg nowewin miiniwaa zhiyaawin weweni ginowendimong maanda gchi-towaa-nowewin njisa geyaabi waa-bi-yaajig. Together we strengthen the braid of language and culture preserving this sacred sound for future generations to come.

Pii dash maamowi bi-yaa-ying ji-maamowi-zi-ying, ji-kendimong, miiniwaa ji-baapiying, gdoo-mbigimi miiniwaa dash ooshmi gda-ni-mshkooziimi eshi-ngodwenaawziying. As we come together to share, learn, and laugh, we grow and get stronger as a Nation.

Nongo megwaa gdaaami mewzha gaa-zhi-waabnjigaadeg. Ishkode gii-bskanechigaade miidash maanda giiniwi aabigeg waa-zhi-mkowaataagoziying. Ji-biingidowaa kina bemaadizijig maamowi ji-nendimong. We are in a time now that has been prophesized. The fire has been lit and it is our responsibility to bring all people together in unity.

Gaawii wenpasinoo maanda gdi-nokiiwinaa booj dash wiigo gdi-ni-mshkooziimi ezhi-bebezhigo-ngoweyaangiziying, ezhi-doodemying, miiniwaa ezhi-anishinaabewiying. Our work is not easy but we are continually able to grow stronger together as individual families, clans and Nations.

Ndoo-bgosendaami kina gwaya ji-daapnang wenjishing noojimoowin zhichigewinan. We want to encourage everyone to take healthy risks.

Gnoosh getizijig, wiindimaadig yaawiyig, minendaagozig miiniwaa dash memdige go gchi-piitendandaa maanda minik maampii eyaa’ing enji-maawnjiding. Talk to elders, introduce yourself to each other, enjoy and make the most of the time we have here.

Gewii dash maaba gizhemnidoo ji-mina-gnowaabmig nongo miiniwaa dash go pane. May the creator bless you today and always.

Nji-sa ezhi-manidoowaangizing gbi-maadiziiwinaa ezhi-kinoomaagiziying,
In spirit of Life Long Learning,

Liz Osawamick