Building Confidence in Ojibwe, one question at a time: Quiz bowl returns to grand casino mille lacs
Students, staff, and judges are all highly engaged and focused during the 2025 Winter Quiz Bowl competition held at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. First speakers Vince Merrill and Brenda Moose along with Byron Ninham and Waabishkigaabaw Benjamin were instrumental to the success of the event. Submitted photos.
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
The sounds of Ojibwemowin filled the Grand Casino Mille Lacs Convention Center on December 4, 2025, as students from across Minnesota gathered for the Winter Ojibwe Quiz Bowl, hosted by Nay Ah Shing Schools. Ten teams of focused, determined learners came together not just to compete - but to grow their confidence, sharpen their skills, and strengthen their connection to the Ojibwe language.
More than a quiz, this event is designed to help students understand how the language works. By focusing on verb conjugation and grammar patterns, students learn how to build their own sentences — an essential step toward truly speaking Ojibwe. Vocabulary matters, but learning how words move, change, and connect gives students a strong foundation they can build on in the classroom and beyond
Parents and families are encouraged to learn alongside their children. In Ojibwe language learning, everyone is considered a beginner - and the more the language is spoken and practiced at home and in the community, the easier and more natural it becomes for everyone.
What kind of questions do students answer?
Quiz Bowl questions challenged students to think critically and apply their knowledge in real time — translating between English and Ojibwe and correctly forming complex sentences.
Examples included:
Question-Say this in English:
Ikidon o'o zhaaginaashimong Begizh biinichigewaad jibwaa-maajaawaad
Answer: "I hope they clean up before they leave."
Question-Say this in English:
Giishpin biindiged niwii-maajaa
Answer: "If she comes in, I'm going to leave."
Question: Ikidon o'o Ojibwemong (Say this in Ojibwe):
"I have to wash the dishes when they get done eating."
Answer: Booch da-giziibiiginaaganeyaan ishkwaa-wiisini-waad.
Question: Ikidon o'o Ojibwemong (Say this in Ojibwe):
"I saw your grandma at Walmart last night."
Answer: Ningii-waabamaa gookomis iwidi Waamaating di-bikong.
These examples highlight the depth of learning involved — students weren't memorizing words, they were creating meaning using proper grammar and sentence structure.
Congratulations to the top teams!
1st Place - Minisinaakwaang
Illyana Aubid-White, Waabigwaniins Killspotted, Jazlene Aubid-White, Angelique Aubid, and Ricky Boswell.
2nd Place - Cass Lake/Bena
William Bobolink-Staples, Dawn Staples (Coach), Lisa Goggleye, Codee Ortiz, and Analise Mason.
3rd Place - Neyaashiing 2
Justice Drumbeater, Joseph Beaulieu, Terence Stillday, and Daniel Beaulieu.
Participating schools included North Woods School (Cook, MN - Bois Forte area, Fond du Lac Ojibwe School, Cass Lake/Bena, McGregor Public School, Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy, and Nay Ah Shing Schools.
Teams competed head-to-head with alternating questions, opportunities to "steal" unanswered questions, and tie-breakers determined through Moochwaagan, Asin, Mazina igaans.
"The quiz bowl was a remarkable success," said Waabishkigaabaw Benjamin, Ojibwe Language Director of Nay Ah Shing Schools. "I was genuinely impressed by the students' confidence and ability to construct their own sentences in Ojibwe. This is an excellent way to build a strong foundation in the language."
Events like the Winter Ojibwe Quiz Bowl remind us that language revitalization is a shared journey - one that grows stronger when students, families, and schools learn together. Migwech to all the students, coaches, and supporters who helped make this event a success.
1st Place – Minisinaakwaang: Illyana Aubid-White, Waabigwaniins Killspotted, Jazlene Aubid-White, Angelique Aubid, and Ricky Boswell. Submitted photo.
2nd Place – Cass Lake/Bena: William Bobolink-Staples, Dawn Staples (Coach), Lisa Goggleye, Codee Ortiz, and Analise Mason. Submitted photo.
3rd Place – Neyaashiing 2: Justice Drumbeater, Joseph Beaulieu, Terence Stillday, and Daniel Beaulieu. Submitted photo.