Mnoomin maan’gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin

Author

Brittany Luby

“Dr. Brittany Luby (Anishinaabe-kwe, atik totem) is the many-greats granddaughter of Chief Kawitaskung, an Anishinaabe leader who signed the North-West Angle Treaty of 1873. With a pen stroke, Kawitaskung agreed to share parts of what is now northwestern Ontario with settlers and their descendants. Because of her many-greats grandfather, Brittany believes that ink is a powerful tool. The words we write lay the foundation for our future. Brittany writes for social justice. She is also a history professor at the University of Guelph, specializing in Indigenous history in North America.”

Bio taken from Good Minds.

Illustrator

Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley

Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley is an Anishinaabe artist from Barrie, ON. He’s a member of Wasauksing, FN. He currently resides in the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsliel-Waututh people.

Translator

Mary Ann Corbiere

Mary Ann Naokwegijig-Corbiere attended school where she grew up, Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island, until Grade 8. Most “Wiky kids” then spoke Nishnaabemwin; English was used only with teachers. After graduating from York University, her desire to be among Nishnaabemwin speakers full-time again took her back home for a few years. She has taught her language at the University of Sudbury since 1989, obtained a doctorate in 2007, and continues working on instructional resources for adult learners.

Mary Ann has provided valuable linguistic guidance to GRASAC over a number of years, and in 2013 she and Rand Valentine generously shared their Nishnaabemwin: Odawa and Eastern Ojibwe Dictionary with GRASAC — it is now incorporated into the GRASAC research database.  Their dictionary can also be accessed online here.

Honored guest

Bazile Panek

Bazile Panek is an Indigenous Consultant with his roots coming from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe where he was born and raised. His culture is an integral part of his life, as he consistently participates in cultural events and ceremonies. In 2022, Bazile graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Native American Studies from Northern Michigan University.

Bazile has a passion for sharing Indigenous knowledges. His passion has led him to work with numerous organizations, governmental agencies, and universities across the nation. He has offered ways to respectfully engage with tribal communities and Indigenous Knowledges.

Bazile’s guiding philosophy in life is to “honor my ancestors by becoming an honorable ancestor for future generations.”

Bio provided by Bazile Panek.