For me, the most important part of the word Bozakmin is “min,” the root for “berry.” It appears in our Potawatomi words for Blueberry (Minaan), Strawberry (Odemin), Raspberry (Mskadiismin), even Apple (Mishiimin), Maize (Mandamin), and Wild Rice (Manomin). That word is a revelation, because it is also the root word for “gift.” In naming the plants who shower us with goodness, we recognize that these are gifts from our plant relatives, manifestations of their generosity, care, and creativity. James Vukelich, an Anishinaabe linguist, teaches that these plant gifts are “a manifestation of
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