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The Ojibwe Language Project

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Harmony Co-op recognizes that Bemidji sits within Ojibwe territory. The Ojibwe Language Project works alongside greater community endeavors to revitalize and maintain the Ojibwe language for future generations of Ojibwe people as well as raise awareness of language loss and revitalization efforts.

As a locally owned cooperative we celebrate the cultures that shape who we are as a community, particularly local food systems, ways of sustainable living, and respect for the land & water. Harmony would like to thank staff member Naagaanwewidang for his efforts in starting and contributing to the Ojibwe Language Project, as well as Simone Senogles for donating her artwork for display.  

We originally began providing Ojibwe language signage across the store labeling indigenous foods. These indigenous foods have historically been important staples of indigenous nations and continue to be important staples of not only native communities, but settler communities as well. In addition to the labeling of native foods, plans are under way to expand the inclusion of Ojibwe language in other aspects of the workings of Harmony Co-op including store signage, community and staff education, and possible future activities this project may bring on. Be on the lookout for Ojibwe language around the store and let us know what you think. Miigwech agindaasoyeg. Thanks for reading. 

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The Ojibwe Language Project was featured by the National Co-op Grocers on their website as an example of how cooperatives can embrace and reflect their local communities, build cultural understanding, bridge divides, and work toward preserving important cultural and linguistic traditions.
Check it out here!

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We honor indigenous foods. Look for these signs in the store.

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Look for our social media posts every Friday and Sunday!

In order to continue supporting the work of Ojibwe language revitalization in our region, Harmony will deepen our own engagement with the language by introducing Ojibwe sentences about the food, land, and water upon which we all depend.

3 cups

miinan

(blueberries)

2 tsp.

meskwanagekozid

(cinnamon)

1 cup

ziinzibaakwad(sugar)

2 tsp.

bimide(oil)

2 tbsp.

zhiiwitaagan(salt)

1½ cups

Doodooshaaboo-bimide(butter)

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