Translated into Ojibwe by Margaret Noodin, Angela Mesic, Michael Zimmerman and Susan Wade Le Petit Prince is a story beloved by readers across the globe. It is an aadizookaan, an epic teaching tale, that speaks to our souls about the secrets and lessons of being alive. As it moves from one language to another the core meaning remains the same, but each translation offers a perspective on being that contributes to our shared understanding. For instance, when the little prince visits with the fox before leaving, we see through translation, the various ways separation and secrets are viewed. Moving between languages in the same Indo-European family, the differences are subtle. "Adieu," dit le renard. "Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essential est invisible pour les yeux." is very similar to "Good-bye," said the fox. "And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." However, when the sentiment moves into a language of another family, in this case Anishinaabemowin, an interjection becomes a verb phrase and a promise to be together again. Additionally, the metaphors are entirely changed. There is no comparison between seeing with one's heart or with one's eyes. There is instead a reminder that by letting go of what is material one can best understand emotions and ideas. The literal translation of "Giga-waabamin," ogii-idamini waa-goshan. "Noongom giwii-wiindamoon gaadooyaan, wenipanag: Mii eta dash giwii-nisidawendaan apii boonigidetaazoyan bwaa-waabanjigaadeg maamawigichi-inendaagwag." is close to: "I will see you again, said the fox. Now I will tell you what I have been hiding which is simple: You will understand when you let go of everything that the unseen is most important." This is the magic of the little prince, by listening to him, we learn to listen better to ourselves and all the beings who have secrets to share. Anishinaabemowin is the language of the Odawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwe people centered in the Great Lakes region of North America. It is currently used in more than two hundred Anishinaabe communities in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, North Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Like many indigenous languages, its vitality is precarious. Although some of our most beloved elders and teachers left us in recent years, the number of speakers is beginning to hold steady. What we write today will be the bridge our future children have to the past. (Margaret Noodin)
