http://ipraudio.interlochen.org/LanguageCamp_WEB.mp3
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians are in the midst of a three-day language and culture camp at the tribe’s Leelanau County Pow Wow grounds.
Tribes from Manistee to Harbor Springs and beyond are working to bring back the first language of the Great Lakes. Only two members of the Grand Traverse Band are fluent today. That’s, in part, because generations of Indian children were forced to attend English schools and leave their language and culture behind.
Speakers believe Anishinaabemowin is more than a way to communicate. It’s an identity of a people and an understanding of an ancient culture.
IPR’s Laura Herberg attended the workshops in Peshawbestown, Monday. To hear the words she captured, click on the audio player above.
The camp was paid for by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. It was the first language and culture camp held on the grounds since 1999.