Dancing Porcupine Books
Niimi-gaago-mazina'iganan
Ninisidawenimaag, or "I Sense Them," is a series of children's books highlighting the five human senses and an introduction to Ojibwe language. This series makes up the first publications of Dancing Porcupine Books.
The Story Behind the Books
"This is a community book. Chi-miigwech (thank you) to all involved."
- Erika Bailey-Johnson
The idea for the books in this series came to Erika Bailey-Johnson when she wanted to learn, along with her young sons, Ojibwe language. At the time, there weren't many simple Ojibwe language books available, so she started to write useful phases about the Earth around her. She began to gather other people who helped with the different parts of creating a book, and this series is the result. Although she is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe, Erika Bailey-Johnson is not a native Ojibwe (First Language) speaker.
Ninisidawenimaag Series “I Sense Them”
This series of books, designed for kids, uses both the Ojibwe and English language to connect readers to the beauty around them. English phrases rhyme with Ojibwe words to help readers pronounce the Ojibwe words.
Each of the books in this Ninisidawenimaag series guide the reader on a wonderful adventure with Mother Earth, written in both the English and Ojibwe languages. Each book focuses on a different sense.
Most of the Ojibwe phrases rhyme with an English phrase to help the reader pronounce the word. The images in these books were designed by kids, for kids. Adults will enjoy sharing these lessons about how our senses communicate with the natural world.
Book One: I See Many Things Book Two: I Hear Many Things
Book Three: I Smell Many Things Books Four: I Taste Many Things
Profits from the sale of the book are dedicated to supporting programs that connect children to the Earth.
Videos of the Books/Read Alongs
I See Many Things
I Hear Many Things
I Smell Many Things
I Taste Many Things
Meet the Readers
Memengwe - Butterfly Woman
(Erika Bailey-Johnson)
Author of the Ninisidawenimaag series, Erika Bailey-Johnson is the newly appointed Project Director of Sacred Bundle. Prior to her current role she was at Bemidji State University for 20 years. She served for 16 years as the first Sustainability Director, taught the People and the Environment academic program for 20 years, and served as the Founder and Director of the Niizhoo-gwayakochigewin project to integrate an Indigenous lens into campus sustainability work and academic programs. She worked in the Ganawendakamigaawigamig (Office of Earth-Caretaking or Sustainability Office). She completed her BA in Biology from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1998 and her Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from BSU in 2006. Erika is currently on the board for Fresh Energy, the Ernest Oberholtzer Foundation, and Happy Dancing Turtle. She is a founding member of the City of Bemidji Sustainability Committee. Erika is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe.
Ikwemakoons - Little Bear Woman
(Vickey Fineday)
Aho Boozhoo/aaniin nindawemaaninaanig:
Ikwemakoons indigo, Obaashiing nindoonjii, Makwa nindoodem. Miigwech bii'izhiyaayan ingawaabamaa agindaasowinaan.
Hello. My name is Vickey Fineday, and my spirit name is Little Bear Woman. I am from Ponemah on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, and I'm in the Bear Clan. I thank you for coming to read these books with me. I have lived on the reservation most of my life except for attending college. I am married to my best friend of 30+ years. We have raised ten children and have 13 grandchildren. I am currently the AmeriCorps Director for Red Lake Nation and the newly seated Board Chair for Endazhi Charter School in Red Lake. I worked for Sanford Health Care as a Peer Recovery Specialist for one year. I assist with our cultural and traditional teachings. Mii-iw.
Pebaamibines - Travelling Thunderbird
(Dennis Jones)
Pebaamibines is a First Nation member of the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation in Ontario, Canada. He is a proud member of the lynx clan and he is a retired Ojibwe language and culture professor. He has earned two Masters degrees and a Doctorate of Education. He taught in the American Indian Studies Department at the University of Minnesota for many years. In his retirement he helps the native community of Minneapolis with Ojibwe ceremonies and traditions during the winter months. In the summer months, he is an elder in residence at Ober’s Mallard island on Rainy Lake and lives at his Ojibwe language and culture camp which is located on Rainy Lake, Ontario. Pebaamibines helps the Seven Generation Education Institute with their Ojibwe language program needs. He is also a member of the Ojibwe medicine society. He is a published author and has received numerous awards and accolades for his service.
People and Partners
"There are so many different people and partners involved helping to create this series, including First Langauge speakers," said Erika Bailey-Johnson.
Special thanks to:
Anton Treuer, James Vukelich, Bob Jordain and Giniwgiizhig, Ojibwe language speakers and teachers
Sharon Nordrum and Lisa Robinson, visual artists and teachers
Learn more about Riverfeet Press here.
