History and Acknowledgements

    A long time ago the Ojibwe anishinabeg has a mathematics system.  The concept of developing the Ojibwe Math curriculum unit began when local Ojibwe speaking language teachers recognized that our students had limited knowledge about Ojibwe counting "diba'akiiwin".  The task began in the early seventies under the guidance of Delores Cloud-Hammitt, Title IX Indian Education Director.  When the Red Lake Independent School District #38 K-12 Math Learner Outcomes were developed in 1996, a commitment was made to coordinate the Ojibwe Math Curriculum "diba'ikiiwin" with the K-12 match outcomes.  The task that began in 1974 was a monumental undertaking since many of our elders have joined the spirit world.  The Title IX Indian Education Parent Committee and Program would like to acknowledge the people who assisted in the research and development of the Ojibwe Match Curriculum unit ("diba'ikiiwin").

Miigwech to those who are now in the spirit world:  Ethel Johnson, Mary Bedeau, Raymond Raincould, Madge Downfeather, Alice Stillday, Maggie Cloud, Henry Cloud, Gloria Thomas, Alice Fineday.

Miigwech to others who have assisted:  Mary Black, Melvina Johnson, Frances Strong, Rose Bugg, Jerry Lee Kingbird, Vernon Whitefeather, Patricia Hardy.

Miigwech to Technology advisors:  Dave Smith and Douglas Garrigan.

A special Miigwech to Shelda Lussier for her data entry.

Ojibwe Blessing

    Since the Ojibwe language is being used as a computer technology teaching tool, it is extremely important to acknowledge our Mother ancestral language in an Ojibwe Ceremony.  The Ojibwe Math "diba'ikiiwin" curriculum was blessed during the Red Lake Elementary School Carnival on Thursday, October 4, 2001, 4:00 p.m. at the Red Lake Elementary Library.  We thank our spiritual leaders Ennis Johnson and Thomas Stillday for the spiritual guidance.