Wisdom Weavers: Explore the Ojibwe Language and the Meaning of Dream Catchers

Follow a day in the life of a young Ojibwe child and learn key words and phrases from the Ojibwe language in this enchantingly illustrated children's book.

The Ojibwe people are the largest Indigenous group of Turtle Island, now known as North America, and live around the present-day Great Lakes. After their land was taken by Europeans, many Ojibwe children were placed in boarding schools that forbid them to use their native language. Though this led to a decline in fluent speakers, there is a growing movement to restore the strength of the Ojibwe language.

In Ojibwe culture, a dream catcher (izhi'on) protects people, especially children, from harm by catching bad dreams in its web and allowing good dreams to pass through the feathers hanging at the bottom.

Dream Catchers introduces children to the Ojibwe language from an Indigenous perspective. International speaker, author, and creator of Ojibwe Word of the Day, James Vukelich, presents a selection of words and phrases throughout the day while his son learns about the Ojibwe tradition of the dream catcher. Created with children ages 6 to 11 (beginner- to mid-level readers) in mind, Dream Catchers is an engaging and accessible way for children to discover the Ojibwe language and learn key phrases and words like:

• How to welcome the morning - Mino-giizhigad
• How to say I love you - Gizhawenimin
• How to be grateful - Miigwech
• How to make an offering - Biindaakoojige
• School - Gikinoo'amaadiiwigamig
• Tree - Mitig
• Backpack -Bimiwanaan
• Sun - Giizis
• And more!

This inspiring story features 12 main phrases as well as additional words to learn in Ojibwe, introduced throughout the visually captivating and representative scenes from illustrator Marcus Trujillo, a tribal member with the Pueblo of Laguna in affiliation with the Village of Paraje. Dream Catchers immerses young people in a vibrant traditional culture while helping to keep the Ojibwe language and customs alive.