Bimose Tribal Council’s Education Department recently held its inaugural Anishinaabemowin Mamaandodaatiwin from August 11th to August 14th, 2025, at the beautiful Gichi-Mikinaak Lodge in Vermilion Bay, Ontario. The camp was designed to bring together beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers of the Anishinaabemowin language for an immersive and enriching week dedicated to language learning and cultural connection.
The agenda for the camp was carefully planned to encourage participants to come with open hearts and curious minds, fostering a welcoming environment where laughter, play, and speaking the language were always encouraged. Activities included orientation breakouts tailored for different fluency levels, sessions on family terms, tobacco teachings and interactive games.
One of the highlights of the camp was the opportunity to learn specific terminologies that are integral to culture and daily life, such as bannock making and fishing terms. Participants were not only given the knowledge but also engaged in hands-on activities to put these words into practice in sessions led by Anishinaabemowin speakers and teachers, Bernice Greene and Judy Land.
The camp also featured special presentations and ceremonies, including an opening ceremony led by Howard Copenace and a Miigwech ceremony including give-away and traveling songs to close the gathering. Drums in attendance were the Gaagagekiizhik School Drum and the Migisi Sahgaigan School Drum.
A shout out goes to the special guests and teachers who made this camp a success: Howard and Sheila Copenace, Elaine White, Bernice Greene, Judy Land, Dennis Chartrand, Toni White, Dorothy Jordan, and Marietta Jourdain for their dedication and leadership throughout the program. In addition, we recognize the hard work of our education staff (Ankit, Pat, Ashlee, Emily, Jasmine, Lyn) and extra helpers, Thunder Bird, Richard Darling, Keenan Cameron and Kim Leduc for ensuring we hosted a successful gathering.
Finally, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the participants of the Anishinaabemowin Mamaandodaatiwin. We hope everyone came away from the experience inspired, with newfound knowledge to take home, and many opportunities to continue their language journey. We are excited to announce plans for the 2nd Annual Anishinaabemowin Language Camp next year and warmly invite all who wish to learn and grow in their language skills to join us.
This gathering has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, Indigenous Languages & Cultures Program.
Gichi-miigwech – until next year! For more photos, visit our Facebook Page!