Read the entry note first. Not a fable — an Anishinaabe ontology carried as story. Come in to wonder.
⚠️ Draft — under many eyes. Converted and readable; not yet finally vetted, and it will wear the word draft for a good while, on purpose. Living, not final.
59. THE BEAR-GAME (MA‘KWA‘TĀTĪWIN).
MAKWA-ATAADIIWIN.
THE BEAR-GAME.
Narrated by Wāsāgunäckạnk — Series 3 (Nos. 44–61), Bois Fort (per Jones Part II Introduction p. ix; not credited on the story page itself).
from Ojibwa Texts collected by William Jones (1919).
(1) Kāwīn Nänabucu āwisī kā∙u∙ci‘tōd ‘iᵉi´ᵘ atātiwin, mīgu aᵘ anicinābä; ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘pī ka‘kina kägō kā‘kīci‘tōd ‘aᵉa´ᵘ Nänabucu. Mī a‘pī päcig kwīwisäns äcinibāt kayä iyi kī∙i∙gwi∙i∙cimut; a‘pī∙i∙dạc midāsugun wâsinisig mī∙a∙‘pī kīnāsi‘kāgut īni´ᵘ ma‘kwạn ugī‘kạnōnigōn: “Ambäsa´, nōjis, kīwīndạmōn kä∙i∙cictcigät ạnicinābä.”
Gaawiin Nenabozho aawizii gaa-oozhitood i’iw ataadiiwin, mii go aw anishinaabe; i’iw apii gakina gegoo gaa-giizhitood a’aw Nenabozho. Mii apii bezhig gwiiwizens ezhi-nibaad gaye iyi gii-igwii-izhimod; apii idash midaaso-giizhig waa-asinizig mii apii gii-naazikaagod iniw makwan ogii-ganoonigoon: “Ambesa, noozhis, gii-wiindamoon ge-izhichiged anishinaabe.”
It was not Nänabushu who created this gambling-game, it was (one of) the people; it was after the time that Nänabushu had created everything. It was when a certain boy, while in a fast, was asleep; it was when for ten days he had gone without food, that he was visited by a Bear, who spoke to him, saying: “Behold, my grandson, I now impart to you what the people shall do.”
Gaawiin Nenabozho aawizii (it was not Nänabushu) gaa-oozhitood i’iw ataadiiwin (who made this gambling-game), mii go aw anishinaabe (it was the person/people); i’iw apii (it was the time) gakina gegoo gaa-giizhitood a’aw Nenabozho (after Nänabushu had finished making everything). Mii apii bezhig gwiiwizens (it was when a certain boy) ezhi-nibaad (was asleep) gaye iyi gii-igwii-izhimod (while he was fasting; gii-iigwiishimod, the fast-sleep verb — flagged); apii idash midaaso-giizhig waa-asinizig (and when for ten days he had not eaten — waa-/wii-asinizig flagged) mii apii gii-naazikaagod iniw makwan (then he was visited by that bear) ogii-ganoonigoon (he was spoken to by him): “Ambesa, noozhis (“behold, my grandson), gii-wiindamoon ge-izhichiged anishinaabe.” (I tell you what the people shall do.”)
(2) Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kīwīndạmāgut a‘tātiwin kä∙a∙yāg ō∙o∙mā a‘kīng. Cigwadạc ugīmāsumigōn mini‘k kä∙a∙‘kīwạnk tcī∙a∙yāg ‘iᵉi´ᵘ a‘tātiwin. “Ạmbäsa´! pisindạwicin kä∙i∙ninān.” Ānīc ‘aᵉa´ᵘ uskinawä ā‘pidci kīnibwā‘kā inini.
Mii dash i’iw gii-wiindamaagod ataadiiwin ge-ayaag o’omaa akiing. Zhigwa dash ogii-maazomigoon minik ge-akiiwang ji-ayaag i’iw ataadiiwin. “Ambesa! bizindawishin ge-ininaan.” Aaniish a’aw oshkinawe aapiji gii-nibwaakaa inini.
Thereupon was (the boy) given instruction in the game that was to be here upon earth. So then did he begin to receive knowledge about the game that was to continue as long as the world would last. “Hark! do you give ear to what I shall tell you.” Now, the youth was a very bright fellow.
Mii dash i’iw gii-wiindamaagod ataadiiwin (and so he was instructed in the game) ge-ayaag o’omaa akiing (that was to be here on earth). Zhigwa dash ogii-maazomigoon (then he was urged/blessed by him) minik ge-akiiwang (for as long as the world would last) ji-ayaag i’iw ataadiiwin (that the game should endure). “Ambesa! bizindawishin (“come, listen to me) ge-ininaan.” (what I shall tell you.”) Aaniish a’aw oshkinawe (now, that youth) aapiji gii-nibwaakaa inini (was a very wise man).
(3) “Mīsa cigwa tciki‘kina∙ạ∙mōnān ‘iᵉi´ᵘ a‘tātiwin. Mīsa iᵘ kä∙i∙cini‘kādäg ma‘kwa‘tātiwin. Kāwīn wīn kīciga‘k tā‘tadisī ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ạnicinābä, tibi‘kak mämwätc tā∙a∙tāti ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ạnicinābä. Kīnawā, ạnicinābätug! kīgakạnawändānāwa ‘iᵉi´ᵘ a‘tātiwin. Īgiwidạc mindci‘kāwạnạg nīwin tāyābạtisiwạg.” O∙ō∙widạc ogī∙i∙gōn: “Mīwạnōnu ninindcīn käyāwätcigät ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ạnicinābā a‘pīdạc wī∙a∙‘tātit. Aᵘ anicinābä wäwäni ta∙i∙cictcigä udaya∙ī∙miwān tibickōgu wīpạgitcāsut; mī∙i∙´ᵘ kä∙i∙cictcigät ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ạnicinābä. Nōjis, wäwäni tibātcimun nōngum äninän. Kayä dạc ‘aᵉa´ᵘ mi‘tigwāp kīwindạmōn, pābigägu kīga∙u∙ci∙ā∙. Kayä īni´ᵘ pī‘kwa‘kōn kīga∙u∙citōnạn. A‘pīdạc kī‘kīci‘tōyạn mī a‘pī käwunā‘kunigäyạn, nīwin idac kwīwisänsạg kīgamīnāg īni´ᵘ mi‘tigwābīn. Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kä∙i∙citibātcimoyạn nōngum äninān īgiwä kwīwisänsạg kīmīnạtwā mi‘tigwābīn, nīwạg igiᵘ kägapäpimātisiwāt. Kāwīn āwīya tạnōntänibusīwạg. Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kä∙u∙ndcimạnitōwiwat īgi´ᵘ anicinābäg. Nōjis, mīgu i´ᵘ mini‘k käkạnōninān. Kayä kīn kīgakạbäpimātis. Mīsạgu iᵘ mini‘k äcicawäniminān. Pạnädạc kīgayābạtci‘tōn. Mīsagu iᵘ mini‘k kägạnōninān. Mīgu iᵘ ici∙ā∙naci‘tạn ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kī∙i∙gwicimoyạn.”
“Mii sa zhigwa ji-gikina’amoonaan i’iw ataadiiwin. Mii iw ge-izhi-nikaadeg makwa-ataadiiwin. Gaawiin wiin giizhigak daa-ataadisii a’aw anishinaabe, dibikak memwech daa-ataadi a’aw anishinaabe. Giinawaa, anishinaabedog! gigad-ganawendaanaawaa i’iw ataadiiwin. Igiw idash minjikaawanan niiwin daa-aabadiziwag.” Onow idash ogii-igoon: “Miiwanoono nininjin ge-yaawechiged a’aw anishinaabe apii dash wii-ataadid. Aw anishinaabe weweni daa-izhichige odaya’iiminan dibishkoo go wii-bagijaazod; mii iw ge-izhichiged a’aw anishinaabe. Noozhis, weweni dibaajimon noongom eninen. Gaye dash a’aw mitigwaab gii-wiindamoon, baabige go giga-oozhi’aa. Gaye iniw bikwakoon giga-oozhitoonan. Apii dash gii-giizhitooyan mii apii ge-onaakonigeyan, niiwin idash gwiiwizensag gigad-miinaag iniw mitigwaabiin. Mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-dibaajimoyan noongom eninaan igiwe gwiiwizensag gii-miinadwaa mitigwaabiin, niiwag igiw ge-gabe-bimaadiziwaad. Gaawiin awiya da-noondenibosiiwag. Mii dash i’iw ge-onji-manidoowiwaad igiw anishinaabeg. Noozhis, mii go iw minik ge-ganooninaan. Gaye giin giga-gabe-bimaadiz. Mii sa go iw minik ezhi-zhaweniminaan. Banaa dash giga-aabajiton. Mii sa go iw minik ge-ganooninaan. Mii go iw izhi-aanazhitan i’iw gii-iigwiishimoyan.”
“The time has now come for me to teach you the game. And so it shall be called a bear-game. Not in the day-time shall the people engage in the play, at night only shall they play together. You, O people! you shall keep watch over the game. And these mittens, four in number, shall be used.” And this (the youth) was told: “These paws of mine shall the people represent when they wish to play the game. The people shall be careful, when conducting (the game), to put up their possessions over against each other as a wager; thus shall the people do. My grandson, plainly do you relate the story of what I am now saying to you. And I also make known to you a bow, at once shall you make it. And the arrows too shall you make. And when you have finished doing that, then shall you make known a formal announcement, and to four boys shall you give the bow (and arrows). Thereupon shall you relate what I now tell you, how that after you have given the bow (and arrows) to the boys, the four then shall live out the full span of their life. None of them will die before their time. Therefore for this reason will those boys become endowed with manitou power. My grandson, that is as much as I shall tell you. You too shall live for a long while. Such is the extent of the blessing that I bestow upon you. And always shall you put it to (good) use. Now, that is as much as I shall speak to you. Accordingly do you now cease from your fasting.”
“Mii sa zhigwa ji-gikina’amoonaan i’iw ataadiiwin (“now it is time for me to teach you the game). Mii iw ge-izhi-nikaadeg makwa-ataadiiwin (it shall be called the bear-game). Gaawiin wiin giizhigak daa-ataadisii a’aw anishinaabe (the people shall not play in the daytime), dibikak memwech daa-ataadi a’aw anishinaabe (at night especially shall the people play). Giinawaa, anishinaabedog! (you, O people!) gigad-ganawendaanaawaa i’iw ataadiiwin (you shall keep/guard the game). Igiw idash minjikaawanan niiwin daa-aabadiziwag.” (and these mittens, four, shall be used.”) Onow idash ogii-igoon (and this he was told): “Miiwanoono nininjin (“these paws of mine — flagged) ge-yaawechiged a’aw anishinaabe (the people shall act out/represent) apii dash wii-ataadid (when they wish to play). Aw anishinaabe weweni daa-izhichige (the people shall do it carefully) odaya’iiminan dibishkoo go wii-bagijaazod (setting their goods one against another as a wager — bagijaazo- / wager-idiom flagged, H3); mii iw ge-izhichiged a’aw anishinaabe (thus shall the people do). Noozhis, weweni dibaajimon noongom eninen (my grandson, tell plainly what I now say to you — eninen drafted from Jones’s äninän, no corpus witness, flagged). Gaye dash a’aw mitigwaab gii-wiindamoon (and a bow I make known to you), baabige go giga-oozhi’aa (at once you shall make it). Gaye iniw bikwakoon giga-oozhitoonan (and the arrows too you shall make). Apii dash gii-giizhitooyan (and when you have finished) mii apii ge-onaakonigeyan (then you shall make a formal announcement), niiwin idash gwiiwizensag gigad-miinaag iniw mitigwaabiin (and to four boys you shall give the bow). Mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-dibaajimoyan noongom eninaan (and you shall relate what I now tell you), igiwe gwiiwizensag gii-miinadwaa mitigwaabiin (those boys to whom the bow is given), niiwag igiw ge-gabe-bimaadiziwaad (the four shall live out their full lives). Gaawiin awiya da-noondenibosiiwag (none of them will die before their time). Mii dash i’iw ge-onji-manidoowiwaad igiw anishinaabeg (and for this reason those people shall be endowed with manitou power). Noozhis, mii go iw minik ge-ganooninaan (my grandson, that is as much as I shall tell you). Gaye giin giga-gabe-bimaadiz (you too shall live long). Mii sa go iw minik ezhi-zhaweniminaan (such is the extent of the blessing I give you). Banaa dash giga-aabajiton (and always you shall use it). Mii sa go iw minik ge-ganooninaan (that is as much as I shall say to you). Mii go iw izhi-aanazhitan i’iw gii-iigwiishimoyan.” (now then, cease from your fasting.”)
(4) Mīsa gägä‘t aᵘ inini äcīckwā‘tāt ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kī∙i∙gwicimut. Cigwadạc tägwicink äntāwāt, —ānīc kāwīn ạnōtcigu āwisīwạn īni’ᵘ ōsạn, —äci wīntạmawāt: “Mīsa´, nōs, kīwīntạmōn a‘tātiwin. Ningīcawänimi‘k ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ma‘kwa; kayä dạc mi‘tigwābīn ningīmini‘k nīwinidạc uskinawänsạg tcimīnạgwā īni´ᵘ mi‘tigwābīn. Mīdạc īgi´ᵘ kägi‘kāwāt; mī∙i∙mā kä∙u∙ndcisāgi‘tōt ạnicinābä kīcpîn tābita tāwāt kayä ‘iᵉi´ᵘ a‘tātiwin.”
Mii sa geget aw inini ezhi-ishkwaataad i’iw gii-iigwiishimod. Zhigwa dash dagwishing endaawaad, —aaniish gaawiin anooji go aawiziiwan iniw oosan, —ezhi-wiindamawaad: “Mii sa, noos, gii-wiindamoon ataadiiwin. Ningii-zhawenimig a’aw makwa; gaye dash mitigwaabiin ningii-miinig niiwin idash oshkinawensag ji-miinagwaa iniw mitigwaabiin. Mii dash igiw ge-gikaawaad; mii imaa ge-onji-zaagitood anishinaabe gishpin daabita daawaad gaye i’iw ataadiiwin.”
Thereupon truly did the man make an end of his fasting. And when he arrived at home, — for no ordinary sort of man was his father, — he then made known to him, saying: “Therefore now, my father, do I impart to you the knowledge of a game. I have been blessed by a Bear; and a bow (and some arrows) was I also given, so that to four lads I might give the bow (and arrows). Therefore shall they live to old age; and on that account shall the people cherish it when they live together, and (they shall also cherish) the game.”
Mii sa geget aw inini ezhi-ishkwaataad i’iw gii-iigwiishimod (so truly the man ended his fasting). Zhigwa dash dagwishing endaawaad (and when he arrived home), —aaniish gaawiin anooji go aawiziiwan iniw oosan (for his father was no ordinary being), —ezhi-wiindamawaad (he told him): “Mii sa, noos, gii-wiindamoon ataadiiwin (“now, my father, I make known to you a game). Ningii-zhawenimig a’aw makwa (I was blessed by the bear); gaye dash mitigwaabiin ningii-miinig (and a bow I was given) niiwin idash oshkinawensag ji-miinagwaa iniw mitigwaabiin (so that I might give the bow to four lads). Mii dash igiw ge-gikaawaad (and so they shall live to old age); mii imaa ge-onji-zaagitood anishinaabe (and for that the people shall cherish it) gishpin daabita daawaad gaye i’iw ataadiiwin.” (when they live together, and the game too.”)
(5) Cigwadạc ōsạn kīkīkitōwan: “Ningwisis, ạmbäsa’, kägu´ āgunwä´tạngän nōngum änātcimuyạn. Mānōgu tawī∙i∙ci∙ā∙wạn ạmạntc ā‘pidci kwätc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kä∙i∙näntạmōwạnän, mānōgu tawī∙i∙ci∙ā∙wạn ạmạntc.”
Zhigwa dash oosan gii-gigitowan: “Ningwizis, ambesa, gego aagonwetangen noongom enaajimoyan. Maano go da-wii-izhi-aawan amanj aapiji gwech i’iw ge-inendamowanen, maano go da-wii-izhi-aawan amanj.”
And then his father spoke, saying: “My dear son, behold, do not leave undone what you are now relating. For readily shall you comply, in spite of what you might have in mind; for readily should you comply, despite of (everything).”
Zhigwa dash oosan gii-gigitowan (and then his father spoke): “Ningwizis, ambesa (“my son, behold), gego aagonwetangen noongom enaajimoyan (do not gainsay/leave undone what you now relate). Maano go da-wii-izhi-aawan amanj (let it just be so, however it may be) aapiji gwech i’iw ge-inendamowanen (whatever you might think of it), maano go da-wii-izhi-aawan amanj.” (let it just be so, however.”)
(6) Ugī‘kạnōnān idạc īni´ᵘ ōsạn: “Nōs! kä∙i∙citinä kuca tci∙i∙cictcigäwinäk, mī∙i∙’ᵘ kä∙i∙cictcigäyạnk. Intawādạc kä∙i∙citinä ninga∙o∙ji‘tōn ‘iᵉi´ᵘ a‘tātiwin.” Cayīgwadạc kīmādci‘tā ‘aᵉa´ᵘ inini wīgiwāmidạc ugī∙u∙ci‘tōn, kīwīdci∙i∙gut īni´ᵘ ōsạn kayä i‘ᵉi´ᵘ uskinawänsaᵉ. Abā‘pic kā‘pīni‘tōwāt ‘iᵉi´ᵘ wīgiwām, māmwätcidạc uda‘kawā‘tōnāwa ‘iᵉi´ᵘ tcī∙ạ∙nitibi‘kạdinik. Ạbā‘pic ạnitibi‘kạdinik, mīsa cigwa sạgạswä∙i∙wäwāt. Abā‘pic pīndigäwāt kāsạgạswä∙i∙ntwā, owâbandānāwā kägō ābi‘tawint a‘tänig. Cigwadạc ‘aᵉa´ᵘ uskinawä kīgitu: “Mīsa cigwa tci∙a∙‘tātiyäg, kabābā‘tạnīnum.”
Ogii-ganoonaan idash iniw oosan: “Noos! ge-izhitine gosha ji-izhichigewinaag, mii iw ge-izhichigeyang. Indawaa dash ge-izhitine ninga-oozhitoon i’iw ataadiiwin.” Zhayiigwa dash gii-maajitaa a’aw inini wiigiwaam idash ogii-oozhitoon, gii-wiiji’igod iniw oosan gaye i’iw oshkinawensag. Abaapizh gaa-biinitoowaad i’iw wiigiwaam, memwech idash oda’akawaatoonaawaa i’iw ji-ani-dibikadinig. Abaapizh ani-dibikadinig, mii sa zhigwa zagaswe’iwewaad. Abaapizh biindigewaad gaa-zagaswe’indwaa, owaabandaanaawaa gegoo abita-wiind atenig. Zhigwa dash a’aw oshkinawe gii-gigid: “Mii sa zhigwa ji-ataadiyeg, gabaa-baataniinom.”
And he spoke to his father, saying: “O my father! forthwith must it surely be accomplished, this is what we shall do. So therefore shall I proceed at once to create the game.” And presently the man began building a wigwam, he was helped by his father and the lads. In course of time, when they had set the wigwam in order, they then became exceedingly anxious for the coming-on of the night. While the night was drawing on, it was then that they sent forth invitations to come and smoke. While in were coming the guests who had been invited to smoke, they beheld something that was at the rear of the fire. And in a while the youth spoke, saying: “The time has now come for you to play a game together, you shall be many on a side.”
Ogii-ganoonaan idash iniw oosan (and he spoke to his father): “Noos! ge-izhitine gosha ji-izhichigewinaag (“my father! it surely must be accomplished), mii iw ge-izhichigeyang (this is what we shall do). Indawaa dash ge-izhitine ninga-oozhitoon i’iw ataadiiwin.” (and so at once I shall make the game.”) Zhayiigwa dash gii-maajitaa a’aw inini (presently the man began) wiigiwaam idash ogii-oozhitoon (and he made a wigwam), gii-wiiji’igod iniw oosan gaye i’iw oshkinawensag (helped by his father and the lads — gii-wiiji’igod drafted letter-for-letter from Jones’s printed form, no corpus witness, flagged). Abaapizh gaa-biinitoowaad i’iw wiigiwaam (when they had set the wigwam in order), memwech idash oda’akawaatoonaawaa i’iw ji-ani-dibikadinig (they grew very anxious for night to come). Abaapizh ani-dibikadinig (as night came on), mii sa zhigwa zagaswe’iwewaad (then they sent out smoke-invitations). Abaapizh biindigewaad gaa-zagaswe’indwaa (as the invited smokers came in), owaabandaanaawaa gegoo abita-wiind atenig (they saw something placed at the rear of the fire). Zhigwa dash a’aw oshkinawe gii-gigid (then the youth spoke): “Mii sa zhigwa ji-ataadiyeg (“now it is time for you to play), gabaa-baataniinom.” (you shall be many on a side.” H2)
(7) Mīdạc iᵘ ki‘kino∙ạ∙māgät kä∙a∙ī∙cīying. Kuniginīn, āgwitōcinō ‘iᵉi´ᵘ mindci‘kāwạnaᵉ. Mämwätcidạc ubīwaiᵉ tcigātcigātäg waᵉawidạc cigwa wī‘kātōn, īgi´wäti kayātawintwā patagwīngwäcinōk. A‘kawä kīnạgạmōwạg mī∙i∙´ᵘ kā∙i∙na∙ạ∙māgut kācawänimigut īni´ᵘ ma‘kwạn. Cigwadạc mādcī∙ạ∙mōg:—
Mii dash iw gikino’amaaged ge-izhi-izhiing. Goniginiin, agwidooshino i’iw minjikaawanan. Memwech idash obiiway jiigaajigaadeg wa’aw idash zhigwa wii-gaadoon, igiwedi gayaatawindwaa badagwingweshinog. Akawe gii-nagamowag mii iw gaa-inana’amaagod gaa-zhawenimigod iniw makwan. Zhigwa dash maaji-anamog:—
Accordingly he taught how it should be done. Lo, one over the other were placed the moccasins. And a very (light ball of) fur to be concealed did he now begin hiding, while they from whom it was to be concealed covered their faces (in a blanket). First they sang a song that had been sung (to the youth) when he was blessed by the Bear. So now they began singing:—
Mii dash iw gikino’amaaged ge-izhi-izhiing (and so he taught how it was to be done). Goniginiin, agwidooshino i’iw minjikaawanan (lo, the mittens lay one over another — agwidooshin- flagged). Memwech idash obiiway jiigaajigaadeg (and the little ball of fur to be hidden — flagged) wa’aw idash zhigwa wii-gaadoon (this one now began to hide it), igiwedi gayaatawindwaa badagwingweshinog (while those from whom it was hidden covered their faces — badagwingweshin- flagged). Akawe gii-nagamowag (first they sang) mii iw gaa-inana’amaagod (that which had been sung to him) gaa-zhawenimigod iniw makwan (when he was blessed by the bear). Zhigwa dash maaji-anamog:— (then they began to sing:—)
(8) “Tō‘kipinā ma‘kisin!
Tō‘kipinā ma‘kisin!
Tō‘kipinā ma‘kisin!
Tō‘kipinā ma‘kisin!”
“Tō‘kipinā ma‘kisin!
Tō‘kipinā ma‘kisin!
Tō‘kipinā ma‘kisin!
Tō‘kipinā ma‘kisin!”
“Touch the moccasin (where you think the ball of fur to be)!
Touch the moccasin (where you think the ball of fur to be)!
Touch the moccasin (where you think the ball of fur to be)!
Touch the moccasin (where you think the ball of fur to be)!”
[SONG — carried verbatim in both layers, never converted, merge-excluded. Four identical lines; long final ā verified at the scan (p510). Jones’s English: “Touch the moccasin (where you think the ball of fur to be)!” ×4. The chant is left uninterpreted per song-handling rule.]
(9) Ā‘tā, kạbätibi‘k a‘tātiwạg. Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ cigwa pītāpạninig ickwā‘tāwạg. Mīnawā änitibi‘kạdinik mādci‘tawạg a‘tātiwāt, mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kạbätibi‘k mīnawā äji∙a∙‘tātiwāt. Pīnicidạc nicwāsutibi‘k kī∙a∙‘tātiwạg; nīcwāsutibi‘kidạc kā∙a∙‘tātiwāt, mīsa iᵘ kā∙i∙cānacī‘tạmowāt.
Aataa, gabe-dibik ataadiwag. Mii dash i’iw zhigwa biidaabaninig ishkwaatawag. Miinawaa ani-dibikadinig maajitawag ataadiwaad, mii dash i’iw gabe-dibik miinawaa ezhi-ataadiwaad. Biinish idash niizhwaaso-dibik gii-ataadiwag; niizhwaaso-dibik idash gaa-ataadiwaad, mii sa iw gaa-izhi-aanazhitamowaad.
Behold, all night long they played the game together. And then at the coming of the dawn they ceased. When the night was drawing on, again they began playing the game together, whereupon throughout the whole night they again played at the game. And for a period of seven nights they played the game together; and when they had played the game together for eight nights, they then brought it to an end.
Aataa, gabe-dibik ataadiwag (lo, all night long they played). Mii dash i’iw zhigwa biidaabaninig ishkwaatawag (and at dawn they stopped). Miinawaa ani-dibikadinig maajitawag ataadiwaad (again as night came on they began to play), mii dash i’iw gabe-dibik miinawaa ezhi-ataadiwaad (and all night again they played). Biinish idash niizhwaaso-dibik gii-ataadiwag (and until seven nights they played); niizhwaaso-dibik idash gaa-ataadiwaad (and when for eight nights they had played — Jones’s English “eight”; the count idiom flagged), mii sa iw gaa-izhi-aanazhitamowaad (then they brought it to an end).
(10) Ninguting mīnawā kī∙a∙‘tātiwạg mīsa undcita, nicwāsutibi‘k kī∙a∙‘tātiwāt. Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ mīnawā kā∙i∙cikīgitut ‘aᵉawä uskinawä: “Mī∙i∙´ᵘ käticiwäba‘k ạmạntc mini‘k kä∙ạ∙‘kīwạnugwän, kāwīn wī‘kā ta∙i∙ckwā‘tātisīm. Pōtcigu mīnawā pä‘kānạg a‘tātiwin ta∙a∙yāmạgạt, waᵉawidạc mi‘tigwāp mīgu a‘pạnä tcī∙a∙yāt ạmạntc mini‘k kä∙a∙‘kīwạnugwän; ā‘pidcisa´ ugasāgi‘tōn waᵉa´ᵘ ạnicinābä! Mīgu ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kā∙i∙gōyān tcigi‘kāwāt wayäckạt kā∙a∙‘tātiyäg, kayä īgiᵘ īniᵘ mi‘tigwābīn kāminạgwā. Täbwäyānidạc ningaki‘kā, kayä kīnawā mini‘k wayäckạt kā∙a∙‘tātiyäg gīgaki‘kām. Mīnawā dạc nīngī∙i∙‘kit, kāwīn ạnicā wī‘kā wī∙a∙‘tātiyäg; wäwäni ạsämā kīgawunināwa, mī∙i∙´ᵘ tciminwâbạmigōwisiyäg.”
Ningoding miinawaa gii-ataadiwag mii sa onjida, niizhwaaso-dibik gii-ataadiwaad. Mii dash i’iw miinawaa gaa-izhi-gigitod a’awe oshkinawe: “Mii iw ge-izhiwebak amanj minik ge-akiiwanogwen, gaawiin wiikaa da-ishkwaa-ataadisiim. Boojigo miinawaa bekaanag ataadiiwin da-ayaamagad, wa’aw idash mitigwaab mii go apane ji-ayaad amanj minik ge-akiiwanogwen; aapiji sa ogad-zaagitoon wa’aw anishinaabe! Mii go i’iw gaa-igooyaan ji-gikaawaad wayeshkad gaa-ataadiyeg, gaye igiw iniw mitigwaabiin gaa-miinagwaa. Debweyaanidash ninga-gikaa, gaye giinawaa minik wayeshkad gaa-ataadiyeg gigad-gikaam. Miinawaa dash ningii-ikid, gaawiin anishaa wiikaa wii-ataadiyeg; weweni asemaa gigad-oninaawaa, mii iw ji-minwaabamigoowisiyeg.”
At another time, when playing the game together, it was for a purpose; for seven nights they played the game together. Thereupon again up spoke the youth, saying: “Now, this is what shall come to pass, however long the world may last, never shall the game cease to be played. Of necessity shall there be a different kind of game, but the use of this bow shall continue as long as the world may last; with very deep regard may the people cherish it! Now, this was I told, that to old age would live those of you who first played the game together, and those to whom I gave the bow. So, if I be telling the truth, I shall be old, and as many of you as had first played the game together shall also live to old age. And furthermore do I say, never shall you have the desire to play the game together for a trivial purpose; with some care shall you provide tobacco, whereat you will then be looked upon with good favor (by the manitou).”
Ningoding miinawaa gii-ataadiwag mii sa onjida (another time they played, and it was for a purpose), niizhwaaso-dibik gii-ataadiwaad (for seven nights they played). Mii dash i’iw miinawaa gaa-izhi-gigitod a’awe oshkinawe (then again the youth spoke): “Mii iw ge-izhiwebak amanj minik ge-akiiwanogwen (“this is what shall be, however long the world lasts), gaawiin wiikaa da-ishkwaa-ataadisiim (never shall the game cease to be played). Boojigo miinawaa bekaanag ataadiiwin da-ayaamagad (of necessity another kind of game shall come to be), wa’aw idash mitigwaab mii go apane ji-ayaad amanj minik ge-akiiwanogwen (but this bow shall endure forever, as long as the world lasts); aapiji sa ogad-zaagitoon wa’aw anishinaabe! (greatly shall the people cherish it!) Mii go i’iw gaa-igooyaan ji-gikaawaad wayeshkad gaa-ataadiyeg (this I was told, that those of you who first played shall live to old age), gaye igiw iniw mitigwaabiin gaa-miinagwaa (and those to whom I gave the bow). Debweyaanidash ninga-gikaa (and if I tell the truth, I shall grow old), gaye giinawaa minik wayeshkad gaa-ataadiyeg gigad-gikaam (and you who first played shall also grow old). Miinawaa dash ningii-ikid (and furthermore I say), gaawiin anishaa wiikaa wii-ataadiyeg (never play the game for a trivial purpose); weweni asemaa gigad-oninaawaa (carefully you shall provide tobacco), mii iw ji-minwaabamigoowisiyeg.” (so that you shall be looked on with favor.”)
(11) Kägä‘tidạc kīgi‘kā ‘aᵉa´ᵘ uskinawä, kayä īgi´ᵘ uskinawänsạg kīgi‘kāwạg, kayä īgi´ᵘ mini‘k kā‘tātiwāt ka‘kina kīgi‘kāwạg. Na, mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kā∙u∙ndcimanidōwäntạmowāt, kayä kītäbwä‘tạmowāt ạnicinābäg. Mīsa iᵘ kā∙u∙ndcisāgi‘tōwāt a‘tātiwin. Mī∙i∙´ᵘ mini‘k kā∙i∙cictcigät ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ạnicinābä. Ina´, mīsa ‘iᵉi´ᵘ wayäckạt kā∙a∙yāg ‘iᵉi´ᵘ a‘tātiwin.
Geget idash gii-gikaa a’aw oshkinawe, gaye igiw oshkinawensag gii-gikaawag, gaye igiw minik gaa-ataadiwaad gakina gii-gikaawag. Na, mii dash i’iw gaa-onji-manidoowendamowaad, gaye gii-debwetamowaad anishinaabeg. Mii sa iw gaa-onji-zaagitoowaad ataadiiwin. Mii iw minik gaa-izhichiged a’aw anishinaabe. Inaa, mii sa i’iw wayeshkad gaa-ayaag i’iw ataadiiwin.
And truly to old age did the youth live, and the youths also lived to old age, and all those who had played the game together lived to old age. Behold, such, therefore, is the reason why (the people) deem (the game) as possessed of manitou power, and the people believe it too. Such is the reason why they have cherished the game. That was as much as the people had done. Behold, this was the first game that ever was.
Geget idash gii-gikaa a’aw oshkinawe (and truly the youth lived to old age), gaye igiw oshkinawensag gii-gikaawag (and the lads too lived to old age), gaye igiw minik gaa-ataadiwaad gakina gii-gikaawag (and all who had played lived to old age). Na, mii dash i’iw gaa-onji-manidoowendamowaad (behold, that is why they hold it as manitou-endowed), gaye gii-debwetamowaad anishinaabeg (and the people believe it). Mii sa iw gaa-onji-zaagitoowaad ataadiiwin (such is why they have cherished the game). Mii iw minik gaa-izhichiged a’aw anishinaabe (that is as much as the people did). Inaa, mii sa i’iw wayeshkad gaa-ayaag i’iw ataadiiwin. (behold, such was the first game that ever was.)