Ojibwe Writings

This page will provide Jane Johnston Schoolcraft’s Ojibwe writings in modern Ojibwe spelling. The left column shows Schoolcraft’s writing in Ojibwe, while the right column shows the same work in modern spelling. For English translations and additional context, see The Sound the Stars Make Rushing Through the Sky.

While only one work is posted so far, others may follow.


On leaving my children John and Jane, in the Atlantic states, and preparing to return to the interior

Nyau nin de nain dum
May kow e yaun in
Ain dah nuk ki yaun
Waus sa wa kom eg
Ain dah nuk ki yaun

Ne dau nis ainse e
Ne gwis is ainse e
Ishe nau gun ug wau
Waus sa wa kom eg

She gwau go sha ween
Ba sho waud e we
Nin zhe ka we yea
Ishe ez hau jau yaun
Ain dah nuk ke yaun

 Ain dah nuk ke yaun
Nin zhe ke we yea
Ishe ke way aun e
Nyau ne gush kain dum

Naah nindinendam
Mekawayaan
Endanakiiyaan
Waawa wa kamig
Endanakiiyaan

Nindaanisens
Ningwiwisens
Ishiinaaganagwaa
Waawa wa kamig

Shigwa gosha wiin
Beshowad iwe
Nin-izhi-kiiweyaan ninzhiikiiwiiya
Izhi ezhaa yaan
Endanakiiyaan

Endanakiiyaan
Nin-izhi-kiiweyaan ninzhiikiiwiiya
Izhikiiweyaaniii
Aah ningashkendaam

I am grateful to Dennis Jones and James Vukelich of the University of Minnesota for preparing this modern spelling text. Thank you also to Heidi Stark and LeAnne Howe for their invaluable assistance.