QUIZ BOWL STRENGTHENS OJIBWEMOWIN SKILLS
May 3, 2026
Students gather at Grand Casino Mille Lacs for language competition hosted by Nay Ah Shing Schools.
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
The sound of Ojibwemowin once again echoed through the Grand Casino Mille Lacs Convention Center on April 23, 2026, as students from across Minnesota gathered for the Ojibwe Quiz Bowl hosted by Nay Ah Shing Schools. Eight teams of focused learners came together not only to compete, but to strengthen their skills, build confidence, and celebrate the Ojibwe language.
The Quiz Bowl goes beyond simple vocabulary. Students are challenged to understand how the language works by focusing on verb conjugation and grammar patterns. Learning how words change and connect helps students form their own sentences — an important step toward becoming confident speakers of Ojibwemowin.
Competition was strong with Nay Ah Shing Schools bringing three teams, Fond du Lac bought two teams, Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy, Cass Lake, and Cloquest each brought one team. The contest was held with 10 rounds with questions in a double elimination winner take all format
Byron Nigaanigwaneb Ninham was the event emcee alongside respected judges John Waabishkigaabaw Benjamin, Vince Niibaagaabaw Merrill, and Brenda Biidwewegiizhigook-weoose Moose.
Events like the Ojibwe Quiz Bowl help create space for the language to live and grow. As students practice speaking, thinking, and learning in Ojibwemowin, they carry the language forward - strengthening a connection that reaches from past generations to those still to come.
