How are language and culture informed by location?
In “Prayers in a Song” Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist Tall Paul (Paul Wenell Jr.) raps about his struggle to learn his indigenous language, Anishinaabemowin. Learn about his journey toward a deeper understanding of his Native identity.
This resource is part of The Ways, a collection of educational media resources from PBS Wisconsin Education for middle and high school classrooms. The collection explores connections between traditional ways and those of today and expands and challenges current understanding of Native identity and communities through language and culture stories from First Nations communities around the central Great Lakes.
Explore the full collection: pbswisconsineducation.org/the...
Chorus
Gichi-manido wiidookawishin ji-mashkawiziyaan
(Great Spirit help me to be strong)
Mii dash bami'idiziyaan
(So that I can help myself)
Miizhishinaam zaagi'iiwewin
(Show us all love)
Ganoozh ishinaam, bizindaw ishinaam
(talk to us, hear us)
Mii-wenji nagamoyaan
(That is why I am singing)
Nimishomis wiidookawishinaam ji-aabajitooyaang anishinaabe izhitwaawin
(Grand father help us to use the Native ways)
mii-ji-bi-gikendamaan keyaa anishinaabe bimaadiziwin
(so that we'll know how to live the Native way/the good life)