Your assignment today, we mean your super-fun, mind-blowing activity, is to match animal tracks with the proper English or Ojibwe name and its definition.

For a few both the English and Ojibwe names are present. Next match the animal’s name(s) to the proper track description and the meaning of its Ojibwe name. we know, it sounds incredibly difficult, but there are great clues in the track descriptions and by the process of elimination you shall prevail! Besides, you have all summer to work on this.

Ojibwe animal names are very descriptive. In the Ojibwe language many words and their definitions are largely based on observation. The meaning of these animal names relates to their actions, sounds, appearance or characteristics. Whenever you see animal tracks try to imagine what they were doing, or how they felt. Were they running, frightened, mad, jumping, digging or limping?

You can also study the tracks that you make. Look at your tracks, examine them closely and ask those same questions. Consider where and what type of tracks you will make in the future.

What track below most closely resembles the prints you would make if you were barefoot?