Aakoziiwigamig: An Ojibwe Radio Drama

Overview – Episode 1 Script [PDF]

ANNA thinks she has COVID-19 and sister-in-law TANYA drive her to the hospital. Dr. MARK WAAGOSH tells them to self-isolate for two weeks. Meanwhile, TALL MAN JORDAN goes on a rampage in the waiting room because he’s been waiting for over five hours. Police are called. He is finally seen by MARK. Nurse CAROL recognizes him as someone who stole food from her apartment. Then, HELEN comes into the waiting room, pretending to be a hooker. She makes a beeline for SECURITY MAN JOHN. She seems to think they know each other. JOHN denies have met her. JOHN’S fiancée, TANYA, sees this. JOHN tells TANYA to call him on his cell when she and Anna have reached their car safely. On their way home, ANNA calls her sister EVE to wish her happy birthday, but her pregnant sister EVE’s water broke and she can’t reach her husband ROB.

Odayaan iwe GOOBID-19 aakoziwin ANNA inendam. Odaangwen TANYAwan odizhiwinigoon aakoziiwigamigong ji-nanaando-gikenimind. Odigowaan dash  mashkikiiwininiwan MARK WAAGOSH  niizho-dwaate ji-nishikewiziwaad. Wenji-biazigwiid bezhig anishinaabe. JORDAN izhinikaazo. Nishkaadizi ozaam naano-diba’igan e-bii’od ji-waabamaad mashkikiiwininiwan. Zhimaaganishan onandomaawaan ozaam ezegi’iwed imaa gaa-danabiwaad awiyag. Gegapii MARK owaabamaan. CAROL onisidawinawaan e-gii-gimoodimigod miijim gaa-izhi-daad. Miinawaa anishinaabekwe HELEN bi-biindige, bishigwaajikwe izhi’idizo. JOHNan zhemaak onaanzikawaan. Oganoonaan. JOHN dash owiindamawaan gaawiin wiikaa ewaabamaasig ini ikwewan. TANYA, JOHN odikweman owaabandaan iwe. JOHN owiindamawaan TANYAwan ji-ganoonigod apii odisaad odoodaabaanan. Gii-ani-giiwebizowaad ANNA zhigo TANYA, EVE ANNA oshiimeyan oganoonigoon. Gigishkawaawaso EVE, aazha dash wii-oniijaanisi. Gaawiin ogashkitoosiin ji-ganoonaad onaabeman ROB gaa-izhinikaazonid. Minikwewigamigong ayaawan megwaa.

Episode 1 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 2 Script [PDF]

ANNA’s sister EVE PATRICK is starting having a baby at home. She tried calling her husband but he wasn’t answering. So she drove herself to the hospital. She collided with a big semi that was pulling into her lane. A lady who saw this happen called the ambulance. They brought her to the hospital and she gave birth to her son shortly after. Her husband ROB was at a bar trying to pick up the waitress while EVE was trying to call him. The hospital called and he answered that call. He got to the hospital right after the birth. All is fine. That is, his wife is fine. Then he wants to go look for his son but he is missing. The nurse cannot tell him anything because they can’t find the baby. But he’s told to go wait in the waiting room. While there, a woman tells him what she saw while she was sitting there. She thinks a man and woman stole the baby. ROB calls the police. He doesn’t think the hospital staff will do that quickly.

NOONGOM DASH ANNA OSHIIMEYAN EVE PATRICK MAAJII-ONIIJAANISI ENDAAD. GAAWIIN NAKWETANZIIWAN ONAABEMAN GII-GANOONAAD. NDAWAA WIIN IPIZO AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. OGII-BITAAGOSHKAWAAN DASH GICHI-ODAABAANAN. BEZHIG IKWE EWAABANDANG IWE, O-GII-ANDOMAAN AAKOZII-ODAABAANAN JI-BIIZHAANID. AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG DASH GII-DAGOSHIN, E-GII-NITAAWIGINID OGOZISENSAN. ROB DASH MINIKWEWIGAMIGONG AYAAWAN. GEGAPII DASH AWIYA AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG GII-BI-ONJI-GIIGIDO IMAA MINIKWEWIGAMIGONG E-GANOONAAD ROBAN JI-BIIZHAANID. ZHEMAAK WEDI GII-IZHAA. O-GAGWE-WAABAMAAN DASH ONIIJAANISAN ROB. GAAWIIN IMAA AYAASIIWAN. AANIINDI GAA-IZHISED AWEDI ABINOOYENS? GICHI-NISHKAADIZI ROB. WENJI-WIINDAMAAGOD IKWEWAN AWIYAN IINZAN E-GII-BIMIWINAAD ABINOOJIIYENSAN IMAA ONJI. ININI GAYE IKWE. ZHEMAAK OGANOONAA’ ZHIMAAGANISHA’.

Episode 2 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 3 Script [PDF]

DR. WENDY WAAGOSH and Nurse AMANDA are chatting outside when they’re called in because of a new patient. Elderly ERNIE KENNY has a severe asthma attack. But he is also being difficult because he believes someone did that to him, bad medicine. Nurse CAROL calms him down. Interns SAM COOK and WILSON WOOD are there. ERNIE recognizes SAM as a former language student but thinks that WILSON is the one who put the hex on him. In the meantime, JORDAN and HELEN have the baby at their home. They are happy because they wanted a baby for a long time. They’re going to call him Norman but the BABY speaks up in an adult voice. He doesn’t want to be named Norman. The two abductors hurry back to the hospital and drop off the TALKING BABY in a crib, and run off. The two interns find AMANDA attractive. CAMERON and WENDY are discussing this case when CAMERON asks WENDY if she’s married. She says yes, but CAMERON says he’s not going to give up his sights on her. She laughs. He kisses her suddenly in the hallway and her husband MARK catches sight of this. He turns the other way quickly. WENDY and CAMERON go see EVE in her room. ROB is there too. AMANDA comes in to announce that the baby has been found and is safe. The reason the baby was returned to the hospital was that the abductors found that the newborn baby could talk like an adult, with the voice of an elderly man. They were frightened by it and returned it as soon as they could.

ODAANAANG GAA-GII-DWAATEG, WENDY WAAGOSH GAYE AMANDA DAZHI-GAAGIIGIDOWAG AGWAJIING GIIWIINDAMAWINDWAA EDAGOSHING AKIWENZI ERNIE E-IZHINIKAAZOD. OSOSODAMWAAPINE ERNIE. ASTHMA ODAYAAN. AWIYAN DASH ODANAAMENIMAAN E-GII-DOODAAGOD, ANISHINAABE MASHKIKI DAABISHKOO. SAM MASHKIKIIWININIINS IMAA O-GII-NISIDAWINAWAAN INI AKIWENZIWAN, E-GII-GIKINO’AMAAGOD ANISHINAABEMOWIN. MINWENDAM ERNIE EWAABAMAAD SAM-AN. WILSON MIINAWAA BEZHIG MASHKIKIIWININIINS GII-BIINDIGE. AMII INI ERNIE ANISHAA GAA-ANAAMENIMAAD GEGOO E-GII-DOODAAGOD. AAPIJI DASH ANAMI’AAWAADIZI WILSON. GAAWIIN IWE DAA-IZHICHIGESII. WEDI DASH WIIN IGI NIIZH ANISHINAABEG GAA-GII-GIMOODIWAAD ABINOOJIIYENSAN AYAAWAG ENDAAWAAD. AAPIJI MINWENDAMOOG E-AYAAWAAWAAD ABINOOJIIYENSAN. GAAWIIN WIINAWAA OGASHKITOOSIINAAWAA JI-ONIIJAANISIWAAD. MII GAA-GII-ONJI-GIMOODIWAAD. OGOSHKOWINIGOWAAN DASH E-MAAJII-GAAGIIGIDONID INI ABINOOJIIYENSAN. DAABISHKOO GICHI-AYAA INITAAGOZI. GAGWAANISAGENDAMOOG. NDAWAA ZHEMAAK AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG OGIIWEWINAAWAAN. O-GIIMOOJI-ASAAWAAN NIBEWINENSING. GAA-IZHIZAAGIJIBATOOWAAD DASH. CAMERON OSHKI MASHKIKIIWININI AAPIJI OMISAWENIMAAN WENDY-AN. WIIDIGE DASH WENDY. GAAWIIN WIIN OMISAWENIMAASIIN CAMERON-AN. CAMERON ODOOJIIMAAN INI IKWEWAN. DASH WENDY. GAAWIIN WIIN OMISAWENIMAASIIN CAMERON-AN. CAMERON ODOOJIIMAAN INI IKWEWAN. GII-GAACHIDINIWE DASH WENDY ONAABEMAN MARK WAAGOSH. GAAWIIN GEGOO GII-IKIDOSII. GII-MICHIMAAJII’ADOO. EVE ZHIGO ROB DASH WIIN AYAAWAG GAA-IZHI-NIBAAD EVE. BIINDIGE AMANDA EDIBAAJIMOD E-GII-BIGIIWEWININD IINZAN ABINOOJIIYENS. AMII OWE GAA-INAKAMIGAK ODAANAANG.

Episode 3 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 4 Script [PDF]

CAROL has been talking to EVE about her possible concussion. The BABY is sleeping by her bed. Nurse AMANDA takes CAROL outside the room. She tells her that EVE has bruises on her arms and back. It looks like domestic violence. WILSON invites AMANDA to go for coffee with him. They leave. CAROL calls BRENDA the social worker to come and interview EVE. WILSON declares his love to AMANDA but she’s saved by the bell by SAM’s arrival. She takes off. BRENDA talks to EVE who admits that ROB has been beating her. BRENDA tells her she’ll help her find an apartment. Then a fire alarm goes off. A FIREMAN comes to tell her that all is good. They put out the small fire. ROB arrives in her room just then. They talk about what his name should be but THE TALKING BABY has his own ideas about his name. EVE is frightened by her baby but she holds him and tries to bond with him. THE TALKING BABY tells her that he was given the gift of speech and for that, he will physically remain a baby a bit longer than usual. SAM and WILSON come into the room to talk to the couple but the BABY keeps interrupting. The BABY discloses that his dad is beating his mom and wants it stopped. AMANDA pops in to tell SAM and WILSON they’re needed downstairs because the media crews are here. Very quickly, the media cameramen are in EVE’s room looking for the TALKING BABY. They are jostling with each other aggressively. CAROL sends them out. But the BABY speaks to the NCI man and arranges to meet him the next day. Then there’s another VOICE telling everyone that there is another fire in the building. ERNIE is the one who set the first fire and he’s in the act of setting another fire in the basement. The news camera men run down to catch that story instead.

CAROL AYAA IMAA EVE GA-IZHI-ZHINGISHING. ABINOOJIIYENS NIBAA IMAA BESHO. AMANDA WIIGANOONAAN CAROL-AN AGWAJIING IMAA. ONANDAWENIMAAN JI-DAZHINDAMOWAAD EMIIGAANIGOD ONAABEMAN EVE. NAAGACH DASH WILSON OWIIZHAAMAAN AMANDA-WAN JI-ANDO-MINIKWEWAAD COFFEE AGEAJIING. WILSON OWIINDAMAWAAN AMANDA-WAN EZAAGI’AAD. AAZHA MIINAWAA NOONDAAGWAN EZAKIDEG NGOJI IMAA AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. DAGOSHIN AATAWE’IWEWININI, GAAWIIN ZAKIDESINOON. GOSHKOZI ABINOOJIIYENS. EZHI-MAAJII-GAAGIIGIDOD. EVE OZEGI’IGOON ONIIJAANISAN E-GAAGIIGIDONID. AAPIJI NITAAWE AWE ABINOOJIYENS. DAGOSHINOOG GAA-DIBAAJIMOWAAD GAA-MAZINAATESEG. GAGWEAADINAMAADIWAG AWENEN GE-GANOONAAD ABINOOJIIYENSAN. AAZHA MIINAWAA ZAKIDE. GANABACH ERNIE GAA-GII-DOODANG INENDAMOOG.

Episode 4 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 5 Script [PDF]

The NCI man comes back to talk to THE TALKING BABY. The Firefighters have put the fire out and they’ve left. The police are there to charge ERNIE because it appears that he is the culprit. MARK wants to know if WENDY and CAMERON are having an affair. WENDY denies it. BRENDA tells MARK and AMANDA that EVE will be leaving ROB. The POLICE talk to ERNIE who denies his role in the arson. Then ERNIE has a severe asthma attack. SAM comes by and he and CAROL get him some oxygen and into EVE’s room. AMANDA is looking after EVE. But now AMANDA is making her play for MARK who is ERNIE’s doctor. MARK tells her to not feel that way. Soon ERNIE is feeling better and he says hello to EVE. THE TALKING BABY greets him and begins a conversation with him. ANNA comes to visit her sister EVE. She is enthralled with the baby. EVE tells her about her pending separation with ROB. She asks if ANNA could look after the BABY while she goes away indefinitely. She can’t handle a talking baby and a violent husband. ANNA says yes, of course she will take the BABY and she tells EVE that she won 2 million dollars in the lottery. She and the baby will be fine.

AAZHA GII-AATAWE’IGEWAG IGI GAA-INANOKIIWAAD. GII-MAAJAAWAG. ZHIMAAGANISHAG IMAA AYAAWAG. WII-DIBAAKONAAWAAN ERNIWAN. MARK WAAGOSH ONOONDE-GIKENDAAN GIISHPIN GIIMOOJICHIGEWAAD WENDY ZHIGO CAMERON, OSHKI-MASHKIKIIWININI. BRENDA OWIINDAMAWAAN MARK EVE JI-NAGANAAD ONAABEMAN. ERNIE GICHIOSOSODAM. GEGAA NIBO. SAM OBI-NAADAMAWAAN. AMANDA OSOSODAM. GEGAA NIBO. SAM OBI-NAADAMAWAAN. AMANDA OWIINDAMAWAAN MARK-AN EZAAGI’AAD. GAAWIIN DASH NAASAAB INENDAZII MARK. ERNIE MINOMANJI’O. OMAWADISAAN EVE-AN. OMAAJII-GAGANOONAAN ABINOOJIIYENSAN. ANNA O-BI-MAWADISAAN OSHIIMEYAN EVE-AN. EVEOGAGWEJIMAAN JI-ODAAPINAAD ABINOOJIIYENSAN ZAAGA’ANG AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG, E-WII-MAAJAAD. OZAAM OGOSAAN ONAABEMAN. MINWENDAM AANA. OZHAWENIMAAN ABINOOJIIYENSAN. DAGO GAYE GII-GICHIBAKINAAGE NIIBIWA ZHOONIYAAN.

Episode 5 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 6 Script [PDF]

WENDY and her husband MARK grab a quick lunch. She’s worried about him because he’s been tired since last week. He sleeps as soon as he gets home. TANYA comes in to pick up her fiancé JOHN for lunch. They talk about their coming wedding happily. SAM and WILSON are on their way to ERNIE’s room. ERNIE insists he did not start the fires. Then who did? ANNA is still there glowing over her good news. CAMERON happens to hear her talking about it. She talks about what she’s going to do with her money. It will include the BABY. ERNIE remembers he used to torture baby birds when he was a boy. Maybe that is the cause of his trouble. He tells the BABY. They talk about it. Then AMANDA comes to tell them that MARK has been admitted into the hospital for COVID. He has a high fever and is in isolation. WENDY is upset. Everyone is upset.

WENDY ZHIGO MARK WIISINIIWIGAMIGONG WIISINIWAG. APANE AYEKOZI MARK. GAAWIIN MINOMANJI’OSII. BI-BIINDIGE TANYA, O-BI-WAABAMAAN JOHN-AN IMAA. ODAZHINDAANAAWAA GAA-WII-WIIDIGEWAAD. SAM ZHIGO WILSON ONANDO-MAWADISAAWAAN ERNIE-WAN. GAAWIIN NIIN NGII-ZAKA’AAWESII, IKIDO ERNIE. AWENEN DASH? GIIYAABI ANNA IMAA AYAA. JIIKENDAM GII-BAKINAAGED ZHOONIYAAN. EVE JIIKENDAM GEWIIN. CAMERON BIINDIGE. ERNIE OMIKWENDAAN GII-NITAAGAGWAADAGI’AAPAN BINESHIIYENSA’ GII-GWIIWIZENSIWID. MAAGIZHAA ONJINE ODIGOON ABINOOJIIYENSAN. MARK GANABACH ODAYAAN IWE GOOVID. ZHEMAAK ODASAAWAAN NIBEWINING IMAA AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. AAPIJI OJAANIMENDAM WENDY. GIIWE NDAWAA. GAKINA GO OJENIMENDAMOOG.

Episode 6 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 7 Script [PDF]

MARK is in ICU and rather quickly succumbs to Covid. WENDY is unable to attend to him or his funeral. Everyone at the hospital is in shock over the news even though they knew he was sick. The BABY and ERNIE are continuing to talk to each other. ERNIE has recovered from his asthma due to remembering his childhood experience. He is not being released because he has been taking extra sleeping pills that ROB has been sneaking in for him. He fell at night and had a concussion. So he’s being kept in the hospital. The BABY is happy about that. EVE is discharged and has had a no contact order on ROB. The BABY is still in the hospital until the paperwork is finished and ANNA can take him. ROB is back to going to the Mookobii, visiting the WAITRESS who is still giving him the cold shoulder. He talks her into applying for a job at the hospital as a Desk Clerk. She agrees to send in her application. He is applying for a SECURITY MAN job too.

ODAANAANG GAA-GII-IZHISEG, MARK MASHKIKIIWININI GII-NIBO GIIGAACHIDINANG GOOBID AAKOZIWIN. GAKINA AWIYAG AAPIJI MAANENDAMOOG IMAA GAA-AYAAWAAD. ERNIE MIINAWAA IMAA AYAA AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. GIIBANGISHIN GII-DIBIKANINIG OSHTIGWAANING GII-IZHISHIN. MINWENDAM ABINOOJIIYENS. GII-ZAAGA’AM AAZHA EVE. ANNA O-DA-ODAAPINAAN ABINOOJIIYENSAN. ROB GII-IZHAA MINIKWEWIGAMIGONG. OWIINDAMAWAAN IKWEWAN GAA-ANOKIINID IMAA E-WII-GAGWE-ANOKIID AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. GEGIIN GAGWE-ANOKIIN IMAA ODINAAN.

Episode 7 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 8 Script [PDF]

ROB is being trained for JOHN’s position while JOHN is on holiday. A new doctor named DON ESIBAN is hired. He is very friendly and highly accomplished as a doctor but he is a secret drinker. JOHN and TANYA decide to get married on the weekend at a law office and plan their celebration to happen at CAROL’s big house and back yard. They have all been tested and are good. Most of the staff are there at the party. DON ESIBAN goes after CAROL. CAMERON and AMANDA chat at the party. WILSON is jealous and fights CAMERON but SAM talks him down. WILSON accuses CAMERON of setting the fires at the hospital. People stare at CAMERON wondering if that’s true. CAMERON leaves the party suddenly.

Episode 8 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 9 Script [PDF]

The day after the wedding party, CAROL and JOHN are talking about CAMERON and whether he’s the one who set the fires. It’s possible. But why? AMANDA overhears them. CAMERON is her new friend, possibly more. She is angry at WILSON for his accusation at the party. She ignores him. WILSON is remorseful for his behaviour at the party. People tease Dr. ESIBAN about his headache. JOHN is getting ready to leave for his honeymoon for 2 weeks. ROB has been hired to replace him. ROB is happy to be there, and his son is still there, while paperwork for his adoption is happening. DR. ESIBAN goes outside on his break. He’s drinking his Timmy’s but it’s spiked. He goes back in. ROB meets DR. ESIBAN and they hit it off. BABY and ERNIE are having a nice chat. And then JACKIE NORTH, sister of WAITRESS ZELDA arrives to work as the new Desk Clerk. She is settling into her new desk when the Policeman arrives. He has been called to reopen the arson case and wants to interview DR. CAMERON who is shocked to be called to the front desk.

GII-ISHKWAA JIIGIKAMIGIZIWAAD, E-ANI-WAABANG, CAROL, JOHN DASH ODAZHIMAAWAAN CAMERON-AN, GANAGE DEBWE GAA—ZAKA’IGEGWEN. AMANDA ONOONDAWAA’. ONISHKI’IGOON WILSONAN E-GII-ANAAMIMAAD CAMERONAN. DR ESIBAN GAYE OMIIKIZOMAAWAAN E-GII-BANGISHING GII-GICHI-NIIMID. OGANOONAAN ROB AGWAJIING DR ESIBANAN EGIIMOOJIMINIWENID. ABINOOJIIYENS GAYE ERNIE GAAGIIGIDOWAG. JACKIE DAGOSHIN JI-MAADANOKIID. ZHIMAAGANISH BIINDIGE, CAMERONAN E-WII-GANOONAAD. JORDAN GAYE HELEN BIINDIGEWAG. JORDAN ZHEMAAK NIISAANDAWE. ZAKA’IGE. ZHEMAAK ZHIMAAGANISH WEDI GEWIIN IPATOO. GAAWIIN IINZAN CAMERON GAA-GII-DOODANG.

Episode 9 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 10 Script [PDF]

HELEN is being examined by DR ESIBAN. ROB calls the FIREMEN as there is a fire in the basement. JORDAN is running up the stairs. ROB stops him and takes him to the main floor. POLICEMAN runs down. The FIREMEN arrive and put out the small fire. POLICEMAN runs back up the stairs. He helps ROB handcuff Jordan. He steps back and falls backwards and twists his ankle. AMANDA, SAM and WILSON help him up. He is taken to Emerg on a stretcher. WILSON examines the POLICEMAN. POLICEMAN phones for backup and POLICE 2 takes JORDAN away, CAMERON is no longer a suspect. ROB walks outside for a smoke. He finds DR. ESIBAN there talking to CAROL. ERNIE is packing suitcases to get ready for a trip to Las Vegas with ANNA and the BABY. He gets a call from ROB who tells him the news. CAMERON has been cleared of suspicion.

HELEN OWAABAMIGOON DR ESIBANAN. ROB ONANDOMAA’ GAA-AATAWE’IGENID JI-BIIZHAANID. ZHIMAAGANISH NIISAANDAWEBATOO. JORDAN ETA BI-AKWAANDAWEBATOO. ROB OGIBITINAAN. MICHISAG ODAPAGINAAN. ODAKOBINAAWAAN JORDANAN. E-AZHE-DAKOKIID ZHIMAAGANISH GAA-IZHI-AAZHIGIJISED, AMII APANE GAA-IZHI-DIITIITIBAGOOJING, WEDI ANAAMIYA’II GII-MADE-BIMISHIN. AMANDA GAYE SAM MIINAWAA WILSON GII-BAGAMIBATOOWAG. O-GII-IZHIWINAAWAAN DASH GAA-IZHI-WAABAMINDWAA GAA-WIISAGENDAMOWAAD. MAAGIZHAA GII-BOOKODOONDANESHIN ZHIMAAGANISH. JORDAN DASH GII-BI-NAANZIKAWAA. GAA-ISHKWAAKAMIGAK ROB ZAAGA’AM JI-ZAGASWAAD. OWAABAMAA’ CAROLAN GAYE DR ESIBANAN E-MADE-GAAGIIGIDONID AGWAJIING. GANABACH ZAAGI’IDIWAG. ERNIE GAYE ANNA OZHIITAAWAG JI-MAAJAAWAAD, ABINOOJIIIYENSAN JI-WIIJIIWAAWAAD.

Episode 10 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 11 Script [PDF]

POLICEMAN is in the hospital now for his broken ankle. CAROL and DON ESIBAN are at her home cooking a meal together. WENDY WAAGOSH is happy to be back at work. She hangs out with the boys SAM and WILSON. ANNA and ERNIE and BABY are off to Las Vegas. A new patient is brought in by ambulance. He had fallen off the ladder in his backyard. DR ESIBAN is attending to him and patient smells a whiff of alcohol. CAROL doesn’t believe it of him. Says it’s the patient. TANYA and JOHN are back from their holiday. John is in the cafeteria, sitting with AMANDA. TANYA drops by. She sees them laughing and having fun. TANYA draws a wrong conclusion. She insults AMANDA. She heads out of the room. Outside, DON and ROB are visiting. DON says he would like to stop drinking. DON is called in by AMANDA for an emergency. A patient was brought in just now. She’s bleeding from her head and is unconscious. She had been in a car accident. It is TANYA. JOHN is called to come and sign admission papers.

ZHIMAAGANISH AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG BIMISHIN E-GII-BOOKODOONDANESHING. CAROL ZHIGO DON GIIZISEKWEWAG CAROL ENDAAD. MINWENDAM MIINAWAA E-ANOKIID AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG WENDY. ANNA ZHIGO ERNIE ZHIGO ABINOOJIIYENS LAS VEGAS IZHAAWAG. OZHOONIYAAMI AANIISH ANNA. AWIYA GII-BIINDIGANAA AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. OGIDABAK GII-ONDAGOOJIN. DON OWAABAMAAN, AWE DASH GAA-GII-WIISAGISHING OMINAANDAAN MINIKWEWIN BESHO E-BI-IZHITAANID MASHKIKII-WININIWAN. OWIINDAMAWAAN EMINAANDANG ISHKODEWAABO. GAAWIIN DEBWETANZII CAROL. TANYA ZHIGO JOHN GII-BIGIIWEWAG. JOHN OWIIDABIMAAN AMANDAWAN WIISINIIWIGAMIGOONSING. BAAPIWAG. ONJI-BIINDIGE TANYA. ZHEMAAK ONDENDAM. APANE ZAAGIJISE. AGWAJIING DON ZHIGO ROB DAZHI-MAWADISIDIWAG. ROBAN OWIINDAMAWAAN DON E-WII-BOONIMIKWED. DON DASH ANDOMAA WEWIIB JI-BIIZHAAD. TANYA IINZAN GAA-BITAAGOSHKAAGED EBIMIBIZOPAN. GAAWIIN GOSHKOZISII IMAA EBIMISHING. JOHN O-BI-OZHIBII’AAN OWIINZOWIN MAZINA’IGANING.

Episode 11 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 12 Script [PDF]

BABY, ANNA and ERNIE are in Las Vegas. ANNA has found a man to spend time. BABY and ERNIE are having a good time themselves. Drs ESIBAN, CAROL, AMANDA and SAM are operating on TANYA but she is not getting better. JOHN is in the waiting room with WILSON. WENDY is checking up on the POLICEMAN. CAMERON is making the rounds with her. Then they go sit outside. She talks about MARK, and JOHN and TANYA. ROB comes outside. DON ESIBAN shows up. He and ROB visit. They talk about DON’s plan to stop drinking. WILSON tells AMANDA he is writing a novel. SAM says he’s learning to play the fiddle. AMANDA is impressed with them. DON is called back in. TANYA has been pronounced dead. Her body is taken to the morgue. JOHN is devastated. SAM, WILSON and AMANDA don’t know what to say to him. The three accompany JOHN to the morgue to see TANYA’s body but it’s not there. They run upstairs and call DON and CAROL. They search the hospital. There is no sign of her. Did someone steal the body or did she come to and sneak out? DON runs out. He tells ROB to meet him at the Mookobii in half an hour. DON is into his second beer when ROB walks in. Will he stop or will he go back to his dependence on alcohol? What about CAROL?

ABINOOJIIYENS ZHIGO ANNA ZHIGO ERNIE LAS VEGAS AYAAWAG. ININIWAN O-GII-MIKAWAAN ANNA GAA-BABAAWIIJIIWAAD. ABINOOJIIYENS ZHIGO ERNIE GEWIINAWAA JIIGIKAMIGIZIWAG EBABAAMADAAWEWAAD. DON ZHIGO CAROL ZHIGO AMANDA GAYE SAM O-GII-BAAKIZHWAAWAAN TANYA OSHTIGWAANING. JOHN IMAA GAA-IZHI-BII’OWAAD AWIYAG OWIIDABIMIGOON WILSONAN. WENDY DASH WIIN OWAABAMAAN ZHIMAAGANISHAN. CAMERON GAYE IMAA AYAA. AGWAJIING AJINA IZHAAWAG. ROB GAYE BI-ZAAGA’AM. DON OWIIDABIMAAN. ODAZHINDAANAAWAA GAA-WII-BOONITOOD MINIKWEWIN DON. WIISINIIWIGAMIGOONSING WILSON OWIINDAMAWAAN AMANDAWAN E-OZHIBII’ANG MAZINA’IGAN. GEWIIN SAM OWIINDAMAWAA’ NAANAAZHAABIIGA’IGAN E-GASHKTOOD AAZHA. DON ANDOMAA JI-BIINDIGED. NDAWAACH O-GII-NISAABIIGINAAWAAN TANYA, E-ISHKWAA-BIMAADIZID. NIISIYA’IING DASH O-GII-IZHIWINAAWAAN, GAA-IZHI-ASINDWAA GAA-NIBOWAAD. JOHN AAPIJI GICHI-MAANENDAM. SAM ZHIGO WILSON GAYE AMANDA OWIIDABIMAAWAAN E-GWENAWI-INAAWAAD. AABIDING GIIYAABI OWII-WAABAMAAN OWIIWAN JOHN. GAA-IZHI-NISIWAAD NIISAANDAWEWAG. GII-DAGOSHINOWAAD WEDI, GAAWIIN TANYAWAN OMIKAWAASIWAAWAAN. AANI-GAGWEDWE SAM GAAWIIN DASH O-GIKENDANZIIN AANDI GAA-IZHISENID AWE GAA-ANOKIID IMAA. O-GII-WIINDAMAWAAWAA’ GAKINA IMAA GAA-ANOKIINID. MIZIWE AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG GII-AYINAABIWAG. GAAWIIN NGOJI TANYA JI-AYAAD. AANIIN GAA-IZHISED? APANE ZAAGIJIBATOO DON. OWIINDAMAWAAN ROBAN JI-MEGWAASHKAAGOD MINIKWEWIGAMIGONG ISHKWAATAAD ROB. AAZHA GII-MAAJII-MINIKWE DON APII GII-DAGOSHING IMAA ROB. AMII NA MIINAWAA JI-MAAJII-MINIKWED DON, GAAWIIN O-DA-BOONITOOSIIN? AANIIN GE-INENDANG CAROL GIKENDANG AANIIN ENAADIZINID NGWANA INI OWIIJIIWAAGANAN?

Episode 12 Language Lesson:

Overview – Episode 13 Script [PDF]

Gii-izhiwijigaadeni TANYA wiiyaw anaamisag gaa-izhi-ganawenjigaadegin wiiyawan. Gichi-maanendam JOHN. Apane DON gii-ipatoo minikwewigamigong. Giiyaabi CAROL SAM WiLSON o-gagwe-mikaanaawaa iwe wiiyaw. Gaawiin dash. CAROL o-nando-ganoonaan DONan minikwewigamigong. SAM zhigo WILSON odazhindaanaawaa gaa-dazhiikamoaad. CAROL o-gagwe-giiwewinaan DONan gaawiin dash wii-giiwesii DON. Ngoji giiyaabi bimaadizi TANY inendam JOHN. ANNA bi-biindige gaa-izhi-nibaanid ERNIE zhigo BABY. AMANDA bi-giigido e-wiindamawaad ANNAwan e-gii-ishkwaa-ayaanid oshiimeyan. WENDY o-giiwewinaan JOHNan endaanid. ROB zhigo DON namadabiwag giiyaabi imaa gii-biindiged JORDAN. Owiidabimigowaan.

TANYA’s body had been taken to the morgue and is now missing. JOHN is devastated. And DON has run off to the Mookobii Bar. CAROL, SAM and WILSON are left to continue looking for TANYA”s body in vain. CAROL decides to go find DON. SAM and WILSON discuss their artistic pursuits. CAROL finds DON at the bar with ROB. He will not go home with her. JOHN who thinks TANYA may still be alive somewhere. ERNIE and the TALKING BABY are waking up when ANNA comes after being out all night with her new man. AMANDA calls her telling her that her sister TANYA has died. WENDY takes JOHN home to his place. At the bar, ROB and DON sit there with LOLA. JORDAN walks in and soon joins the two men there for drinks.

Overview – Episode 14 Script [PDF]

JORDAN GAYE DON GAYE ROB NAMADABIWAG MINIKWEWIGAMIGONG. ONISIDAWINAWAAN JORDANAN ROB. MII AWE GAA-GII-ZAKA’IGED INENDAM. GAGWE-GIIWANIMO JORDAN. HELEN BI-BIINDIGE. GIIWEWAG ZHEMAAK. GAAWIIN BIGIIWESII ANNA. 70,000 OMIINAAN ERNIEWAN JI-NAAGAJI’AAD BABYAN. AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG DASH JACKIE GAYE WENDY GICHI-DAZHINGEWAG. DAGOSHINOOG ERNIE GAYE BABY. WILSON GAYE SAM O-GICHI-AYEKO’IGOWAAN ZHIMAAGANISHAN. CAROL MIINAWAA IZHAA MINIKWEWIGAMIGONG. GIIWASHKWEBII DON GIIYAABI. BI-GIIGIDO JACKIE. O-GII-MIKAANAAWAA ZHIMAAGANISHAG GEGOON IMAA NIISIYA’II AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. ZHEMAAK IZHAA WEDI CAROL. NITAM DON OGIIWEWINIGOON ROBAN. ROB DASH GEWIIN DA-IZHAA AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG.

JORDAN, DON and ROB at the bar. ROB recognizes him as the Hospital Arsonist. JORDAN is caught telling a lie. HELEN walks. She and JORDAN leave. ERNIE and the BABY have returned to Winnipeg without ANNA. She missed her plane. She has decided to stay with JESSE in Vegas. She is putting 70,000.00 in ERNIE’s account to look after the BABY. Meanwhile at the hospital, JACKIE and WENDY are gossiping about everyone at the hospital. They meet the new janitor DIANE MOSES. The POLICEMAN is being discharged ERNIE and the BABY arrive. WILSON and SAM carried the big policeman to his car. At the bar, CAROL comes in again. DON is more drunk now and more belligerent. She gets a call from the hospital, JACKIE telling her the police have found “something” in the basement where they were investigating. She hurries there. ROB takes DON first and he will head to the hospital too.

Overview – Episode 15 Script [PDF]

CAROL NIISAANDAWEBATOO. ZHIMAAGANISHAN OWIINDAMAAGOON E-GII-MIKAMOWAAD GAA-GII-GIGISHKANG TANYA NIBEWAYAAN. AMANDA, SAM, WENDY, WILSON GEWIINAWAA IMAA NIIBAWIWAG. GAAWIIN MIINAWA OMIKAWAASIWAAWAAN TANYAWAN. ERNIE ZHIGO BABY OMAWADISAAWAAN JACKIEWAN GAYE DIANE. OZAAGI’AAN JACKIEN ERNIE. ONANDOMAAN JI-ANDO-WIISINIWAAD. DON AYAA ENDAAD. APANE MIINAWAA MINIKWEWIGAMIGONG IZHAA. RON GAYE LOLA IMAA AYAAWAG. BIINDIGE GAYE JORDAN. CAROL MII SA DAGOSHIN. ROBAN OGAGWE-MIKAWAAN. DON GIIWE NDAWAACH. GEWIIN CAROL GIIWE WEDI AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. AMANDA GAYE ZHIMAAGANISH GAGANOONIDIWAG. ONDENDAMOOG SAM ZHIGO WILSON. O-GAGWE-ZEGI’AAN ZHIMAAGANISHAN SAM, GAA-IZHI-BAKITE’OGOD DASH. GAAWIIN ONJIDA.

CAROL heads to the basement where a new POLICEMAN is there to tell her she found TANYA’s missing hospital gown that she had been wearing. It was found in a garbage bag in a corner. AMANDA, SAM, CAMERON, WENDY and WILSON are there too and begin looking for TANYA again. No luck. ERNIE and THE BABY are visiting with JACKIE and DIANE. ERNIE is attracted to JACKIE. He invites her out for supper. DON calls a cab and goes back to the bar. He meets RON and LOLA there. JORDAN arrives. After a while, CAROL arrives to tell them that the clothes the POLICE found were a false lead. CAROL ignores DON. She wonders where ROB is. He didn’t show up at the hospital. Now they have no security person on duty. She leaves and goes back to the hospital. DON is bored and goes back home on his own. Meanwhile at the hospital, AMANDA is getting chummy with the POLICEMAN. SAM and WESTIN resent the presence of the interloper. SAM takes a swing at the POLICEMAN pretending to joke around but the POLICEMAN punches him thinking he’s really getting a punch from SAM. SAM gets a black eye and nosebleed. AMANDA is not amused.

Overview – Episode 16 Script [PDF]

JACKIE DAGO ERNIE DAGO BABY OMIIJINAAWAA DIIKEWININII MIIJIM. GANABACH ZAAGI’IDIWAG JACKIE ZHIGO ERNIE . AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG MIKE GIIYAABI NANAANDO-GIKENJIGE NIISISAG. CAROL OGAGWEJIMAAN JI-WIIJITWAAD IMAA AAKOZIIWIGAMIGONG. JI-NAAGAJITOOD MAAGIZHAA GEGOON INAKAMIGAG GII-DIBIKAG. HAAW, GII-IKIDO AWE ZHIMAAGANISH. JIIKENDAM AMANDA. OZAAGI’AAN AANIISH INI ININIWAN. NAAGACH, GEGOON O-GII-MIKAAN MIKE, ZHIMAAGANISH. MAZINA’IGANENS. MIINAWAA DASH O-GII-MIKAWAAN ROB-AN E-BIMISHININID MICHISAG. AWIYAN IINZAN GAA-GII-BAKITE’OGOD OSHTIGWAANING. O-GII-NAMADABI’AAWAAN. GAAWIIN O-GII-WAABAMAASIIN AWENENAN GAA-GII-BAKITE’OGOD.

Jackie and Ernie and the Baby are at a restaurant, enjoying Asian food. The two are enjoying each other’s company as well. Then at the hospital, Mike the policeman is still investigating the scene, collecting fingerprint. Carol is there, and asks him to stay after his shift as the hospital is short of security staff at the moment. Mike is only too happy to do so. So is Amanda. Then later, Mike finds Rob’s drivers licence on the floor. Around the corner, he finds ROB laying on the floor, he had been hit on the back of his head. He didn’t get to see who had hit him.

Pat Ningewance, Mazinaate Publishing Partnership

(Waabibizhikiikwe) Pat Ningewance is Ojibwe from Lac Seul, of the Bear clan, and is the writer for this Hospital Drama series. She is Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba and owner of Mazinaate Inc., a native language book publishing company. She likes writing in the language and having fun with its variety. There is much talent in Manitoba, we have to tap it for the enjoyment and language learning of future generations.

My name is Carol Beaulieu and I grew up close to a small town in southern Manitoba called Treherne. My mother and father were residential school survivors and because my father had been enfranchised (treaty rights taken away); myself and my siblings did not attend residential school. Anishinaabemowin was my first language, my parents always spoke Anishinaabemowin at home. When my last parent passed on when I was 14 yrs. old, I went into foster care. From that point on, I did not have daily contact with someone who spoke Anishinaabemowin so it remained dormant within until about 15 yrs. later. I feel that language revitalization is very important because it is our final connection to who we are as Indigenous people and whatever nation you belong. I remember, as a child listening to the radio dramas on CBC radio and it was riveting for me. I think it is an excellent teaching tool as it demonstrates the diversity and the commonality of the speakers and the language itself. The idea of hearing Anishinaabemowin and making it more accessible needs to come to fruition. Being part of this project was positive and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Boozhoo, Aaniin, Bimaashii Migizi Ikwe Niin, WaanibiigaawNindoonjii, Makwa Nindodem. My name is Gloria Barker from Hollow Water First Nation, from the bear clan. Anishinaabemowin is my first language and have been taught it since I was inside my mother's womb. I grew up in my household of 6 siblings being the youngest speaking only in our mother tongue. Language revitalization is my passion and is what I feel I was put on this earth to do and keep alive. That is how much I value our language of Anishinaabemowin. I have taken many teaching jobs as well as teaching language classes alongside my sister. I teach at Riverbend Community school with the Ojibwe bilingual program. It is the most rewarding experience for me to see our young children grow and be proud of who they are and learning to read, write and speak Anishinaabemowin.
I think this is a great way to revitalize and listen to this show on NCI for both language and non-speakers to enjoy listening to this radio drama show and laugh and hear the enjoyment of Anishinaabemowin.
Miigwech!

Dennis Chartrand, originally from Duck Bay, Manitoba, living in Winnipeg. I commit myself to step through fearing the loss of our great language and instead follow my passion and joy in finding ways to share Anishinaabemowin. Through hosting Da Minos Music Lodge on NCI, entertaining as Choom, working language projects with organizations, teaching, ceremony, and visits with speakers and learners I've learned we can heal our language impacts simply by engaging in Anishinaabemowin anyway we can, and have fun doing it! “Aakoziiwigamig” I believe touches on many characteristics of Ojibwe language and culture as in storytelling, telling a story in the most descriptive way, humour, relationship, and learning. It has helped me in broadening my language use and awareness. It will also help those who are dedicated to their language development by listening to the Episodes and following along with the script. Miigwech!

Wanda Barker grew up in Hollow Water First Nation speaking Anishinaabemowin/Saulteaux as her first language. She cherishes having the experience of hearing this language spoken by everyone in the whole community, "immersion at its fullest". Looking back, she realizes "how enriching, how vibrant and how unique it was to only speak only our ancestral language, not to mention the fun and humor". I knew how much of a gift it was to be born with the language but then I also realized that it was also a responsibility. I knew I had to teach it. As a teacher I also saw that the language was mostly as a subject in many schools. I see the need for more language nests, immersion or bilingual programs in schools and communities to utilize the fluent speakers.

I am really excited to be part of the NCI radio drama which is a great way to promote the Anishinaabemowin language to many listeners. I enjoy working with other fluent speakers as the language is more captivating and humorous than if it was said in English. It is a good tool for language learners to hear the language. It is a good tool for fluent speakers to be entertained and also hear the language.

Boozhoo, hi my name is Corey Ralph Whitford, Anishinaabe Inini niindawaa,…from Sandy Bay, and Long Plain, I play the part of Rob Patrick and I do it to reflect our lives as a people of our times. All of our past times! It is a blessing, I was spoken to in our Anishinaabemowin ever since I could remember,so I use it every day because I was taught that it brings the blessings of the truth when you speak Anishinaabemowin,…With so much gratitude to give, I enjoyed the radio drama and even incorporated the scripts into my classroom at the end of this year, the magic is in the collaborative efforts - all for one and one for all. It’s a collective accomplishment! I must say, with gratitude that it has been an honor to work alongside so many great Anishinaabemowin speakers that is what I take from this experience. To be a speaker in my early-days, it was a necessity in my generation where I come from.

Waabishki-makwa. Brian McInnes is a professional educator dedicated to diversity education, language revitalization, and organizational leadership. A member of the Wasauksing First Nation, Brian has a deep interest in the preservation of Indigenous cultures and languages and is an accomplished speaker, presenter, and writer in English and Ojibwe. Brian is a tenured professor in the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin Madison. I played Dr. Don Esiban. It was an absolute delight to participate in this project. Aakoziiwigamig highlights the creativity and adaptability of Ojibwemowin in contemporary and relatable contexts. The project represented a true linguistic and cultural innovation that deserves expansion into other media forums. This is a must for Anishinaabemowin language programs everywhere. A televised version of the show would be a natural extension.

Dawnis Kennedy is a member of the marten clan and Anishinaabekwe from Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation in Manitoba. Ms. Kennedy is a scholar of western and Anishinaabe law and has received numerous awards for both her scholarship and her community work. As the Cultural Connection coordinator at the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, she works for cultural revitalization and community education across age groups, sectors and communities. As a language learner, Dawnis greatly values the language speakers, teachers and fellow learners in her life. She seeks to learn the language with humour and goodwill, and she works to share what she learns and to support other learners as well. Being involved in Aakoziiwigamig was a valuable opportunity. It is always wonderful to hear language speakers from different communities and dialects working together on projects. Every opportunity for language carriers, speakers and learners to converse in the language contributes to the strength of the language for us all.

As a learner, Aakoziiwigamig was a safe and supportive opportunity to challenge myself, to work past my shyness and my fear of making mistakes. Being able to hear fluent speakers engage in conversation and follow along with the script is incredible. Such resources will help us all become successful Ojibwe eavesdroppers and support our efforts to become speakers.

Boozhoo Virginia Pateman nindizhinikaaz! Bizhew ndoodem! Wabaseemoong ndoonjii!. My name is Virginia Pateman, I am from the Lynx Clan and from Whitedog Ontario. I grew up speaking Ojibwe as my first language. I now live in Winnipeg, I moved to further my education. I am now married; I am a mother to three daughters! I did not learn to speak English until I was in grade school. Until I moved away for post-secondary, I only spoke English in school. Language revitalization is important to me because it is a big part of identity. Language connects us to our land, our culture, our community and with our ancestors. I now live in Winnipeg, and since I am away from my community, my family, and friends, I have no one in the city to converse in Ojibwe with but this radio drama have given me that opportunity.

I have realized I have lost so much of the language and because of this radio drama, it has resurfaced and I am incredibly happy for that. I believe it will be a great teaching tool for all levels of speakers, as a fluent speaker, I believe I have become a better writer and reader because of this because I was always reading along! There are also some great teachers/speakers involved in this and they are always available to help those who are struggling to speak or read!

The rehearsal and recording of the episodes were so much fun and I have always looked forward to it every week. I have met some awesome people and great friends. Overall, it has been a memorable experience and I feel very honored that I have been asked to participant. Miigwech!

Barbara Nepinak, a member of Pine Creek First Nation is retired after serving 35 years of federal public service. Barbara is active in the Urban and surrounding areas serving on Advisory Councils and Boards as Elder and Cultural Advisor...Presently, serves on the Standing Indigenous Advisory Council to the Canadian Human Rights Museum, Board member of The Forks Foundation Board and National Board member for the Cultural Human Resources Council in Ottawa as well as providing Elder teachings in the 7Oaks School division.

Clarence Nepinak a member of Pine Creek First Nation is retired from the prov/federal service of 27 yrs. continues to serve on national and local Boards and committees. Board member of the St. James Historical Museum, national Board member for Healthy Aboriginal Network in Vancouver. Clarence is also a member of the Standing Indigenous Advisory Committee for the Canadian Human Rights Museum.

Clarence and Barbara are also Spiritual /Cultural Advisors for Staff for APTN - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. They are also Elders for the First Peoples Investment Inc. which provides training and developments opportunities for First Nations and Metis organizations. Both Barb & Clarence have been recognized as Traditional Wisdom Keepers by the Circle of Educators of Manitoba. Both received the Queens Golden Jubilee Awards. Clarence is also a recipient of the Silver Jubilee award. Both have been involved with various schools in the Artist in the School program with cultural teachings. Barb and Clarence have also provided Ojibwe language services for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics for APTN Broadcasters. They are referred to as Cultural Ambassadors by various Leadership representing Canada and First Nations.

My name is Chris King, I am from Kiiashki Zaagiing (Gull Bay, on). I grew up with my language. It's important because the spirit is connected to the language. Yes, it's a great teaching tool. It gives the listeners different dialects to listen to. It draws them in and gives listeners a connection to their community. I enjoy being in the group because it allows me to share my language as I am limited in my current surroundings.

Boozhoo, aaniin. My name is Westin Sutherland, and I am from the Peguis First Nation. I began learning the language in 2015, but I did however grow up hearing words and phrases from my family. My grandmother was the first person I started learning the language from at home, and then I began taking different classes from around Winnipeg. I believe the language is very important, as it’s something we can be proud of, and be ourselves with, with our ideas and especially humour.

This drama was a great experience for me to practice my language, and have fun with my elders and educators. I played the character of Dr. Wilson. I think it’ll be great for learners to listen to and learn from, and it’s great even for already fluent speakers, because we need entertainment for those who are already fluent.

I am wonderfully grateful for taking apart in the drama, and hope to be apart of many more for years to come!

Roger Roulette is from a village near MacGregor, MB. He has been involved with teaching Native Languages (MANL) since 1988. He has done documentaries for CBC radio, Oral histories for Manitoba Museum and Manitoba Indian Cultural Education Centre (MICEC). Mr. Roulette transcribes, translates, write books and grammars. He also taught Ojibwe at the University of Manitoba. For 13 years. Roger Roulette is currently working with Indigenous Languages of Manitoba, MICEC and the Manitoba Museum on various projects.

Originally from Lac Seul First Nation, Angeconeb left his family and community at age 7 to attend Pelican Falls Indian Residential School from 1963 to 1969. He completed secondary school in Sioux Lookout and graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a diploma in journalism in 1982.

Angeconeb promoted traditional language and culture in a variety of roles with Wawatay Native Communications Society. He developed Wawatay Radio Network coverage for northern and remote First Nations and was a founding editor of Wawatay News. He has also worked for CBC Radio Bay and served as executive director of the Independent First Nations Alliance.

Angeconeb became the first Aboriginal person to be elected councillor in the Town of Sioux Lookout in 1985. He is a founding member of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee and has served on the Aboriginal Healing Foundation’s board of directors since 1998. He received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award in 2002 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012 for his contributions to the community.

Noah Malazdrewicz is an Anishinaabemowin learner, who has lived in Brandon, Selkirk and Winnipeg. He enjoys studying archaeology at the University of Manitoba and is honoured to be part of the team at the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre. Noah really looks up to his indigenous language teachers and fellow learners, and all the beautiful relationships which have blossomed throughout these early years of his language learning journey, and he is looking forward to a future where children can be heard speaking indigenous languages throughout Winnipeg and elsewhere!

• Melanie Kennedy, Director, Indigenous Languages of Manitoba
• Angeline Nelson, Director, Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, University of Winnipeg
• Pat Ningewance, Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba & Owner of Mazinaate Publishing Partnership
• Ida Sutherland, Director of Sales & Community Relations, Native Communications Network (NCI Radio)
• Dr. Lorena Fontaine, Indigenous Academic Lead, University of Winnipeg
• Brett Lougheed, Director, Oral History Centre, University of Winnipeg
• Kent Davies, Audio Technician, Oral History Centre, University of Winnipeg
• James Stiff, Audio Producer, Native Communications Network (NCI Radio)
• Linda Anderson, Administrative Assistant, Indigenous Languages of Manitoba
• Ramona Hallett, Coordinator Indigenous Academic Lead, University of Winnipeg