BEMIDJI, Minn. (Jan. 3, 2011) — As part of its ongoing efforts to support the efforts of the Shared Vision Bemidji community-building initiative, Bemidji State University today unveiled a printable poster and a number of video Ojibwe language resources on its website.
The resources, a joint effort between the University’s American Indian Resource Center, Office of Communications and Marketing and eLearning Support, offer an easily-accessible primer for translations of nearly 100 English phrases common to Northern Minnesota into Ojibwe. The poster features the English words next to their Ojibwe equivalents in nine categories such as “Expressions,” “Trees,” and “North Country.” The video entries feature Bemidji State’s world-renowned Ojibwe scholar Dr. Anton Treuer, professor of languages and ethnic studies, who provides an audio pronunciation for each of the terms on the poster.
Treuer also provides an audio introduction to the resources, first in Ojibwe and then in English, offering his views on the importance of the Ojibwe language and on the Shared Vision initiative.
One of Shared Vision’s first community initiatives encouraged local businesses and organizations to install bi-lingual signage in their buildings to expand awareness of the Ojibwe language in the Bemidji community. Bemidji State University has been participating in this initiative for more than a year, with bi-lingual signs installed in a variety of locations across campus.
“The downloadable poster and video features add to Bemidji State University’s contributions to the Shared Vision initiative,” said Dr. Rose Jones, the University’s director of communications and marketing. “The materials are fun and educational and should be a great resource for people interested in the Ojibwe language.”
ON THE WEB
• Shared Vision Bemidji: http://www.sharedvisionbemidji.com/
• Shared Vision resources at Bemidji State’s American Indian Resource Center: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/airc/shared_vision/
About the American Indian Resource Center
The American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State University helps American Indian students to succeed academically, culturally and socially while attaining a first-rate higher education. The American Indian Resource Center serves as a state, regional and national resource center for communities, faculty, staff, students and tribal governments on issues relating to American Indian people.
About Shared Vision Bemidji
Shared Vision is a community effort to address the issue of racial diversity and racial disparity. While the Bemidji community has much to be proud of, there is also recognition among community members that it must do a much better job of addressing the issues of racial disparity and racial bias. Shared Vision Bemidji encourages the Bemidji community to work together and expand social, economic, educational, and leadership opportunities for peoples of all races.