"The Birchbark that Recieves a Kiss"

Developed by David Deloso. Audio by Alex Harrison.

Click on different parts of the birchbark canoe to hear their Anishinaabe names and translations, featuring the voice of master canoe builder Wayne Valliere. Not labeled: Biindig-bimikwaan: inwales and Agwajiing-bimikwaan: outwales

Illustration courtesy of Wayne Valliere
Wiigwaasi-jiimaan: birch bark canoe (“The birch bark that receives a kiss”) Ishkweyaang-jiimaan: stern (“The Past”) Niigaah-jiimaan: bow (“The Future”) Wiigwaas: birch bark Apikanes: small thwart Apikan: thwart Bimikwaanag: gunwales Agowanewaatig: topwale Odinimaangani kaajigan: man board/shoulder board Waagaadoowaatig: stem piece (prow) Bigiw: pine pitch Gashkoonowin(an): stitching, lashing or sewing Apisidaaganan: sheathing Waaganigaanan/waaganaag: ribs (inanimate vs. animate)