This year, my family and I planted a strawberry field. It will be our first year gardening ode’iminan. The roots have to take in the first year. Even though we have had over a hundred flowers already, we have had to clip them. The roots need to establish. It gets me to thinking about cultural roots and deepening our roots as a family through learning and speaking the Ojibwe language. It takes a lot of care and love to tend to this garden. As we take care of it, it will take care of us. Once all those ojiibikan (roots) are established, we’ll have those ode’iminan coming to full fruit. 

Well, it’s already Ode’imini-giizis, Strawberry Moon, and soon the “Heart Berries” will be coming to full fruit. Mii o’apii giizhiging ode’iminan. (That is when the strawberries begin to ripen.) I live in northern Minnesota, and the strawberry plants around here have been flowering for some time now. They are already starting to form their berries in some areas I have noticed. The names for June do differ across regions, so ask an elder or other knowledgeable person what the Ojibwe name for this moon is in your area.

The word ode’imin, which means strawberry, illustrates the beautiful way that Ojibwe language is full of descriptive meanings in the formation of words. Ode’ means heart and the –min refers to the berry. Ode’imin is the heart berry. Ode’iminan are fantastic berries for your heart. Look at how they are shaped. Nature sure knows how to care for us! We truly have so much to be grateful for. What a blessing these little berries are!

While the ode’iminan are coming to full fruit, I always find myself thinking about the things that nourish my heart. I can’t help but think about the gift of the Ojibwe language and how speaking Ojibwemowin nourishes my heart just like these beautiful berries. I didn’t grow up with Ojibwe language and culture. I didn’t grow up with Lakota culture either, which is my native ancestry. Even at a young age, though, I sought it out myself. There was always that connection. My heart knew where I belong.

Now, as a mother, I try to speak Ojibwe language as much as possible to my son. His father and I want him to grow up learning his native language, Ojibwemowin. It’s not easy. Sometimes, the words flow out more than other times. When it’s really flowing, it feels like my heart is flowing freely. The gift of the Ojibwe language and culture has so much to share with the world in the times we are in. I am truly humbled to have been openly given the opportunities to share in learning these gifts.

What’s funny about the Ojibwe language and culture is that the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. When listening and talking to native speakers and elders in the community, I realize how much there is to learn. As a 2^nd language learner, I could spend the rest of my lifetime learning and still have more to learn. I really have only learned a little. The treasure box of the Ojibwe language and culture is deep. It fills my heart in a fullness that little else can. I feel happy hearing it. I feel happy speaking it. I feel happy listening to people speaking it.

Ojibwemowin Resources for Ode’imini-giizis

There are a lot of fantastic opportunities for learning Ojibwe language and culture where I live, but if you live in an area that doesn’t have many local resources, there are some great online resources and books that can help you get started in learning. Do a search online to find resources that fit you!

In thinking about Ode’imini-giizis, I wanted to share a recent Utube channel that I ran across which is just fantastic. The channel, which is by James Vukelich, shares the “Ojibwe Word of the Day” along with teachings on Ojibwe language and culture. Check out his following video, ”Word of the Day: Ode’imini-giizis”. This is where you can find more Word of the Day videos.

Here are a few more resource links in thinking about Ode’imini-giizis and ode’iminan!

• This PDF from Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health shares about Strawberry Teachings.
• The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council SNAP-Ed Program has a great post discussing ode’iminan as a sacred food.
• Four Directions Teachings shares a story about the ode’imin, forgiveness, and peace.
• The Ojibwe People’s Dictionary is a great online resource that has audio files to go with the word entries. Click the link to check out the entries for ode’imin.

Thank you for joining Nature Art Exploration in reflecting on Ode’imini-giizis and the Ojibwe language! I hope your heart is full and your blessings many. Please, check out my past post on Ojibwe Moons and Sugar Camp if you’d like to learn more Ojibwe names for the various moons. As always, feel free to comment below. Nature Art Exploration loves hearing from you.