By Winona LaDuke
“Gi-ga-miinigoowiz Mamaandawizi- win: May the Force be with you….”
Anishinaabemowin is being spoken in a Galaxy long ago and far away. That’s the 2024 release of Star Wars in Ojibwe, which premiered in Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 9, 2024.
It was the place to be, from the appearance of Chewbacka, Storm Troopers and the ultimate Rebel Princess Leia, the event was packed with good feelings across the generations and the galaxies. Patricia Ningwance opened the evening with a prayer, singers and dancers came on stage, and Manitoba Premier, Wab Kinew, the first Anishinaabe premier in Canada represented Manitoba. His Majesty’s Representative, Anita Nelville (representing King Charles) and many more dignitaries from both Canadian, (the empire) and indigenous entities were all in their finest.
“The key to our cultural survival is to promote and to learn our language to understand our worldview, our stories and our values,” Chief Jason Daniels told the audience. He represents the Dakota Ojibwe Tribal Council, the project leaders. Daniels spoke about the film as a way to heal and thrive. The film clearly bridges cultures with language and is a story we can all enjoy.
Introductions were almost half as long as the film itself. But they were worth it. It was wonderful to see the collaboration between Ojibwe language speakers, governments and the film industry.
Michael Kohn, Executive Dubbing Producer at Lucas Films, shared that it is, “an honor to use our stories to help revitalize the use of Indigenous language in their respective communities…”
They supported a Navajo language Star Wars and a decade later the Dakota Ojibwe Tribal council in Winnipeg requested the rights to dub the same film in Anishinaabemowin. Partnering with the University of Manitoba, the Aboriginal People’s Television Network, and a host of first nations, Lucas Films made it happen. And the film will be offered on line by Disney (which partners with Lucas Films) by early next year.
Patricia Ningwance, Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba and lead translator really knocked it out of the ballpark. Or should I say Maamaakaajichichige? There were very clever translations of space ship: bimaashiwin, nanaakwiiwin, (the rebellion) and more. Ningwance also provided leadership to a team of translators including linguists, knowledge keepers of many dialogues of Anishinaabe, and adaptation for screen artists. Not to forget the Star Wars lore experts. Someone has to keep track of all the guys in the bar scene.
Ajuawak Kapashesit was the voice of Han Solo, one of my favorite characters in the series. Kapashesit told me, “It was a dream come true because I’ve always loved Star Wars, and have always wanted an opportunity to do film making and language work together.”
Anishinaabe actors stepped in to voice over Darth Vader, Obi Wan Kanobe, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, using a script crafted by Pat Ningwance. Patricia Ningwance’s grandson- Aandeg Jedi Muldrew was the voice of Luke Skywalker. Ajuawak Kapashetit was the voice of Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa was voiced by Theresa Eischen.
For me, it was particularly poignant – I remember watching Star Wars, in what seems like a different galaxy – at a drive in theater with a bunch of kids from a summer camp. It was epic then, and it’s epic now.
I am proud to see this generation of Anishinaabe give voice, and have that voice be heard across the Milky Way.
