Learn our languages: Hear the names of MAIC's rooms in Anishinaabemowin and Dakhóta

Explanations

Kinnikinnick – Apaakozigan

The common name Kinnikinnick is said to be derived from an Algonquin word meaning “the mixed” or “something that is mixed” referring to the various ingredients and smoking blends that are ritually used by the Anishinaabe people. In Minnesota, Apaakozigan is commonly used by Ojibwe fluent speakers.

Coneflower – Waabigiizisobagoons

There are variations of the Ojibwe word for Coneflower. Waabigiizisobagoons refers to the Purple Coneflower.

Niibi Hall

Niibi Hall is derived from the Ojibwe word Nibi, which means water.

How we did this

A committee of Minneapolis American Indian Center staff, community members, and project partners chose the center’s rooms names to reflect our culture, values, and sacred medicines. The committee decided to include QR codes to audio files of the room names in Ojibwe and Dakhóta because the languages are traditionally oral. There also may be different spellings for certain words depending on region/tribe. Many thanks to the language and knowledge keepers who contributed to this project.