Carol Barrett has been the camp’s cook since the camp started six years ago. She is one of the elders who learned her native language beginning in childhood. She says “I can tell a fluent speaker from a book speaker”. Ojibwe is a complex, very descriptive language that, according to UNESCO, belongs to the world’s “vulnerable” languages. 

Tea is the traditionally-favored drink of Ojibwe people. Children in the camp are shown how to create their own tea bags. Ponemah, Minn., July 26, 2018On assignment for MPR News

These girls are filling tea bags with ogin, Ojibwe for rose hip, and mazaanaatig, nettle.

Children listen to the story of the three little pigs, told by Elizabeth Kingbird in the Ojibwe language. 

Elizabeth Kingbird, also called Grandma Liz, tells the story of the three little pigs in Ojibwe. She is one of several elders who participate in the summer language camp to help handing down traditional knowledge and Ojibwemowin, as Ojibwe people call their language. 

While lots of activities were going on during the Ojibwe language summer camp at the Round House in the backwoods of Ponemah, Devon Lassman (left) and Steven Brown were collecting chokecherries for the dinner that would be served to all participants later. 

Lacrosse was played all day long, with teams mixed across gender and age. After a goal, both teams come together in the middle of the field and raise their sticks to catch the ball that is thrown into the game to start the next round of play. 

Lacrosse is a fast game. Here Ozuia Cikala, “Little Warrior”, runs across the field towards the goal. 

The teams starting a next round of Lacrosse. 

In Lacrosse, players try to scoop the ball, run across the field and either throw it to another teammate or try to score directly. 

Elvis King (left) proudly moves on to the next adventure with his self-made drum stick, after saying “Thank you for helping me with this” to his instructor. 

Jayceo Cloud (jumping rope) seems to have boundless energy even after many rounds of dancing. His native name is Badwaywidan, which means “a storm is coming”. 

The Moccasin Game is traditionally played by boys and men. It’s a strategic game, where one marble is hidden under each cloth and the opponent team has to find the one that is different. 

Treyson Cloud leraning to play the Moccasin Game.

“Rez Life” is a game that brought much laughter and fun to participants and onlookers as well. The gamemaster shouts a signal that tells everybody which combination of players is supposed to take place. Here everybody plays “look over your horse”, where you have to quickly get together with just one other person. One of you is the horse below, while your partner above stands in the saddle and looks over you. Those who can’t find a partner quickly enough are out. 

Playing and fun  have no age

See you next year in Ponemah!