I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Elders and everyone who I have learned from over the years. In particular, I would like to thank the late Professor Alex McKay for his knowledge and his generosity in teaching me his language, Severn dialect Anishinaabemowin, as well as his support. I would also like to acknowledge his beautiful family and helpers. ᑭᐦᒋ ᒦᑵᐨ Kihci Miikwec, Alex.

I would like to thank Elders Grafton Antone and Eileen Antone for sharing their knowledge and encouragement, as well as their daughter Dawn Antone and her husband Sakoieta for their wonderful introductory lessons in Onʌyota’á:ka (Oneida) and Kanien’kéha (Mohawk). Yawʌ’ko.

Gchi Miigwech to Ninaatig Staats Pangowish, Isadore Toulouse, Maya Chacaby and Kevin Ritchie for your patient and humour-filled Anishinaabemowin language lessons. Gchi Miigwech and Niá:wen’kó:wa to Professor Jennifer Wemigwans, my MA thesis supervisor, and Professor Susan Hill my second reader for your support and the knowledge and patience that you have shared over the years.