Ojibwe Word of the Day

James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw•www.jamesvukelich.com

James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw is the creator of Ojibwe Word of the Day. He has been recognized as a leading voice in Native Language revitalization efforts and spiritual teachings for two decades. His keen insights on the interconnectedness of language and culture were developed in the field speaking with and recording elders and native speakers of the language (many of whom have since passed on) in Canada, Michigan and Minnesota as part of the Ojibwe Language Dictionary Project.

Last refreshed: July 1st, 2025 at 3:25 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Ojibwe Word of the Day Nibi. ᓂᐱ᙮ 'Water.' EP.11

How do you say 'Water' in Ojibwe. Here are some teachings about water. I'll also go over the phrase Nibi gaa-bimaaji'iwemagak 'The water that gives life'.

Jan 23, 2023•9 min

Ojibwe Word of the Day Gidinawendimin ᑭᑎᓇᐌᓐᑎᒥᓐ᙮ ‘We are all related.’ Ep.10

How do you say ‘We are all related’ in Ojibwe? This episode covers not just the words and grammar but some of the deeper philosophical and spiritual points of view in this beautiful word.

Jan 17, 2023•14 min

Ojibwe Word of the Day Biboon. ᐱᐴᓐ᙮ ‘It is winter.’ Ep.9

How do you say It is winter in Ojibwe. We'll discuss what the names of the months/moons are during this season and some of the activities that take place during Biboon 'winter'. Ep.9

Jan 11, 2023•10 min

Ojibwe Word of the Day Mino-bimaadiziwin ᒥᓄ ᐃᒫᑎᓯᐎᓐ ‘The good life’

Ojibwe Word of the Day Mino-bimaadiziwin ᒥᓄ ᐃᒫᑎᓯᐎᓐ ‘The good life’. What odes it mean to lead a good life? How can lead a good life today? I take a traditional perspective on how we can lead a life of peace, balance and good health.

Jan 09, 2023•11 min

Asemaake. ᐊᓭᒫᑫ᙮ 'S/he offers, works with tobacco.'

How to start the day in a good way....This is a traditional perspective n the use of Asemaa 'tobacco' in Ojibwe culture.

Jan 20, 2020•13 min

Ogichidaa/Ogichidaakwe ᐅᑭᒋᑖ ᐅᑭᒋᑖᑴ

This episode of Ojibwe Word of the Day examines the history, meaning, and etymology of the word for 'Warrior' in the Ojibwe Language.

Nov 14, 2019•12 min

Miigwech ᒦᑴᒡ 'Thank you'

This episode of Ojibwe WOD cover the etymology, history, and meaning of the Ojibwe word for 'Thank you'. Miigwech bizindawiyeg Thank you all for listening!

Oct 21, 2019•13 min

Aanji-bimaadizi. ᐋᓐᒋ ᐱᒫᑎᓯ᙮ 'S/he changes her/his life.'

This episode of Ojibwe Word of the Day is about the word to change one's life. It examines how the Language can describe a concept like 'decolonization'. Miigwech!

Oct 14, 2019•13 min

Anishinaabe ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯ 'a person, a human'

This episode of Ojibwe Word of the Day is about the word Anishinaabe 'a person, a human (in contrast to a non-human being)'. It gives us an insight into the history and spirituality of the people and how to relate to each other as both humans and relatives.

Oct 14, 2019•15 min

Zhawenindizo ᔕᐌᓂᓐᑎᓱ᙮ S/he is kind to oneself, has compassionate unconditional love for oneself.'

Oct 05, 2019•14 min

Boonendamowin. ᐴᓀᓐᑕᒧᐎᓐ 'Forgiveness'

This episode of Ojibwe Word of the Day examines the meaning of the word Boonendamowin. ᐴᓀᓐᑕᒧᐎᓐ 'Forgiveness' inthe Anishinaabe/ Ojibwe/Chippewa Language. We break the word down to get a better and deeper understanding of this word. Miigwech Thank you'!

Sep 24, 2019•11 min

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