Culture & Traditions
Now anyone can learn the age-old language of Ojibwe while singing! Baswewe "Echo", a songbook and cassette package, features 25 original songs in Ojibwe, which are set to contemporary music like rock, country and rap. Each song focuses on culturally significant topics, such as wild ricing and hunting. The innovative music program was developed for students at the Mille Lacs Band's Nay Ah Shing Schools - now it is available to everyone.
This book was created to contribute to the teaching and speaking of the Ojibwe (Chippewa) language.
The Mille Lacs Band's Nay Ah Shing Schools provide education for students K-12. The
Band is located on the western shore of Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota. Nay
Ah Shing's language and culture program emphasizes the importance of preserving the Ojibwe
language while recognizing that language and culture are inseparable from one another. This book embodies both the unique language and culture of the Ojibwe people. All the songs in this book were specially created for this unique learning resource. To protect the integrity of the Ojibwe meaning, note that the English translation of these Ojibwe songs is not word for word. This songbook is designed using contemporary music which fosters interest in and enjoyment of learning a second language. The music, songs and illustrations transcend cultural barriers and allow for a deeper understanding of Native American culture and tradition.