Mācī-Anihšināpēmowin / Beginning Saulteaux is an introductory look at one of the most widely spoken of all North American Indigenous languages, regionally known as Saulteaux, Ojibway, Ottawa (Odawa), Chippewa, and Algonquian. In an easy-to-use and easy-to-read series of lessons, both designed for self-study or for use in the classroom, Beginning Saulteaux will guide beginners through the language’s grammatical structures and spelling systems, as well as everyday terms and phrases. The book grounds the language in both traditional and contemporary contexts, and sheds light on the Saulteaux world view. For example, there is no word for good-bye in the language, so upon parting people will usually say Kika-wāpamin mīnawā, meaning “I’ll see you again.”

The third in our Indigenous Languages for Beginners series, Beginning Saulteaux is an invaluable resource produced in consultation with Elders, Language Keepers, and community members, and continues our commitment to revitalizing Indigenous languages.

Margaret Cote has had a distinguished career in education, including many years at First Nations University of Canada. She is the author of numerous publications, including Nēnapohš Legends and children’s books aimed at preserving and teaching the Saulteaux language. Margaret lives in Regina, SK.

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Lynn Cote is a faculty member with the Department of Indigenous Languages, Arts and Cultures at First Nations University of Canada, teaching the Saulteaux language, linguistics, and stories. She lives in Regina, SK.

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• Short-listed, SaskBooks Publishing in Education Award