In Ojibwe, there is no word for goodbye. Dennis Keeper, Pimachiowin Aki Lands Guardian for Little Grand Rapids First Nation explains, “One day, Gwiigwiishi (Whiskeyjack, or Canada Jay) had to go somewhere and leave his family behind. He said he won’t be able to see them for a long time. This made him so sad that he made everyone forget the word ‘goodbye’.”
Instead, Anishinabeg acknowledge continuity in relationships and express hope for future encounters.
Gi-ga-waabamin miinawaa
I will see you again
waabamin
I will see you
miinawaa
again
aagaj
later
baanimaa apii
in a while/at a later time
Aangwaamizin
take care
Farewell at a Funeral
For a final farewell at a funeral, Anishinaabemowin carries a deeper spiritual meaning and an acknowledgment of the path the spirit is taking. Speakers may say, mino-bimaadiziwin giwii-izhiwebad, meaning: “May you have a good life on your journey.”
Photo © Don Sullivan
