Mishamikoweesh spearheads own Bible translation

Notes: "In what is being hailed as a break from patterns of the past, the Bible is being translated into a Canadian Indigenous language entirely on the initiative of Indigenous people. Since mid-2015, a team of five translators have been working on rendering the Bible into Oji-Cree, a language spoken by Aboriginal people across northwestern Ontario. A range of organizations have helped with funding, but most of the translation team is Aboriginal and the project is ultimately owned by the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh". "Until now, Oji-Cree-speaking people have had to use hymnals and prayer books in Cree, [Bishop Lydia] Mamakwa says. That means they're hard to understand for Oji-Cree speakers, especially younger people". "In fall 2014, Mamakwa invited Bill and his wife, Norma Jean, also of Wycliffe Bible Translators, to help set up the project". The translation group consists of Theresa Sainnawap, Ruth Morris, Zipporah Mamakwa, Bill Jancewicz, Norma Jean Jancewicz, Jessie Atlookan and the Rev. Ruth Kitchekesik. "National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald says enabling people to read Scripture in their own language is critical for their spiritual well-being. 'Beyond this very special group of Christians, it is a vital sign that Indigenous languages can and are moving in a positive direction. This is very good news'."

Subjects: Oji-cree language; Bible - Translating; Bible - Versions, Oji-Cree; Translating and interpreting - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Anglican Church of Canada. Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh; Mamakwa, Lydia, 1957-; MacDonald, Mark L. (Mark Lawrence), 1954-; Indigenous languages - Canada; Wycliffe Bible Translators