Businesses near Bemidji to post signs in Ojibwe

Cabin Coffeehouse and Cafe
The Cabin Coffeehouse and Cafe is one of many businesses in the Bemidji area that have begun using Ojibwe signs.
MPR Photo/Tom Robertson

Dozens of businesses in the Bemidji area say they'll start posting various signs in Ojibwe language.

An organization called Shared Vision Group is behind the effort. Members say they hoped businesses would post "Ikwewag" and "Ininiwag" signs for women and men on their restroom doors. Some businesses are posting Ojibwe greetings.

Cease Family Funeral Homes wants to post a blessing for the grieving which means, "I hope you are blessed/pitied by the creator." TJ Design Studio wants to post a sign meaning "We fix computers."

Other businesses that plan to post signs include Bemidji State University, North Country Hospital and the Bemidji Regional Events Center.

The word "Bemidji" itself is a shortened version of an Ojibwe word meaning "lake with cross waters."

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