Celebrating the Launch of the Anishinaabemowin Creative Arts and Translation Scholarship

The University of Guelph (U of G) announces the creation of the Anishinaabemowin Creative Arts and Translation Scholarship, thanks to a generous donor. This scholarship supports the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, particularly Anishinaabemowin. 

Anishinaabemowin, spoken by the Anishinaabeg—the Ojibwe, Chippewa, Odawa, Potawatomi, Algonquin, Saulteaux, Nipissing, and Mississauga peoples—is one of the world’s most intricate languages, with over 4,000 verb forms. Despite its complexity, Anishinaabemowin is endangered due to colonial policies that banned Indigenous languages in Residential Schools. As a result, countless Indigenous children were silenced, losing their language and a vital connection to their culture and identity. 

Revitalizing Anishinaabemowin is a cultural imperative. Efforts at U of G to encourage the daily use of Anishinaabemowin are creating spaces where language learners can practice and immerse themselves in this vibrant language. Grounded in the philosophy ezhi-giizhgad aabjitoon Anishinaabemowin— “use Anishinaabemowin every day”—these efforts aim to restore and strengthen the language and, with it, the cultural connections that were once discarded. 

Open to Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) students who have completed the INDG1100 Indigenous Language and Culture course, the Anishinaabemowin Creative Arts and Translation Scholarship celebrates those who preserve the language through creative expression—a core focus of the course, which emphasizes the revitalization of all Indigenous languages. This scholarship will be awarded to the students who best reflects the spirit of the Anishinaabeg and Anishinaabemowin language through a creative translation of a poem, story, or song. 

Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies at U of G, Shauna Kechego-Nichols, reflects on the impact of this new scholarship: "I'm continually amazed by the creativity and passion our students bring to breathing life into Anishinaabemowin through their work. With this new scholarship, I’m excited to see how they will push the boundaries even further, celebrating Anishnaabemowin language in ways that inspire and honour Anishinaabe culture." 

This scholarship is part of broader efforts at U of G, championed by Indigenous faculty to support Indigenous students and communities in cultural revitalization and decolonization. By prioritizing First Nation voices, Anishinaabemowin language, and Indigenous leadership, the University is transforming the academic environment into a space that connects with Anishinaabe’aadziwin—the Anishinaabe way of life and being—making it a welcoming place for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. 

One example of this transformation is Nokom’s House, an Indigenous-led, land-based research lab at U of G. Nokom’s House offers students, researchers, and community members a space to engage with the land in ways that honor Indigenous knowledge. Dr. Kim Anderson explains, “Nokom’s House is more than just a space; it’s a living example of how Indigenous ideas and values are woven into educational practices. It fosters a culture of togetherness and provides students with a meaningful way to engage with their heritage.” 

The launch of the Anishinaabemowin Creative Arts and Translation Scholarship is a powerful symbol of U of G’s commitment to uplifting Indigenous students and reshaping educational spaces through Indigenous-led initiatives like Nokom’s House. These efforts ensure that Indigenous languages and cultures are preserved and celebrated. 

Currently supporting two First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students each year, the scholarship’s long-term vision is to expand its reach, with the backing of the community, alumni, faculty, and staff. As we approach National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, this scholarship invites the entire U of G community to participate meaningfully in the work of reconciliation, recognizing that the revitalization of Indigenous languages like Anishinaabemowin is crucial to cultural healing. 

More than a financial award, the Anishinaabemowin Creative Arts and Translation Scholarship represents a commitment to a future where Indigenous languages thrive. Through this initiative, the hope is that the language and spirit of the Anishinaabeg will live on and flourish for generations to come.