Who We Are
Founded in 2020 by Youth from Mishkeegogamang First Nation,
Gaa-minwaajindizowaaj (“GAAM”) is an unincorporated, grassroots organization. We create Anishinaabe language revitalization opportunities as a way to support Indigenous Youth in developing their language proficiency and leadership.
Our work is community-driven and focused on relationship-building, (re)localization, Youth leadership, community healing and accessibility.
Objectives:
To create Anishinaabe language resources that support Anishinaabe language learning and revitalization efforts
To support Indigenous Youth in developing their language proficiency and leadership skills
To facilitate Anishinaabe language classes that promote immersion-based learning
Our work includes developing Anishinaabe language classes, hosting workshops, presenting keynotes, and participating on panels to share about Indigenous language revitalization, Youth leadership and the community arts!
Why is language work important?
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger has reported that “all Indigenous languages spoken in Canada are considered at risk, being classified as either vulnerable, definitely endangered, severely endangered or critically endangered.”
This means that it is likely that many of the Indigenous languages in Canada will cease to exist in the next few decades. The time to protect Indigenous languages in Canada is now.
GAAM is taking up this work by raising awareness about the current state of the Anishinaabe language, recording Anishinaabe language speakers, creating resources for Anishinaabe language learners and providing free classes.
Our Team
Founder, Cassandra Spade
Cassandra Spade (she/her) is a grassroots, human rights activist from the Mishkeegogamang First Nation, located in Northwestern Ontario. She holds a J.D. from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law and a B.A. from the University of Manitoba. In her spare time, you can find her reading, learning new crafts or singing karaoke.
Courtney Spade
Courtney Spade (she/her) is mother, and was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario. She is a mental health advocate and an ally for the revitalization of Indigenous languages. She enjoys baking, crafting with her daughter, and spending quality time with her family.
Who Made Our Logo?
Jared Tait
jared tait belongs to the lynx clan (bizhiw doodem) with roots in sachigo lake first nation and thunder bay, ontario. jared currently resides in peterborough, ontario with his partner and children. he’s an up-and-coming artist practicing within this traditional style known as woodland art. his exposure to this technique at a young age; strongly built his connection and appreciation for this art form. jared’s mentorship from tim tait, another woodland artist, and father, began a journey into creating articulate imagery. contemporary imagery with bold black lines and natural to bright colours. tait tells a story of indigenous relations to the land- from the water and to the spirits that inhabit it. each piece encompasses a bit of his own spirit from his own personal experiences. jared creates in hopes to preserve sacred teachings, symbolisms, and stories for generations to come.
