This is one of the most common words in Anishinaabemowin.
At the same time, the history of this word (and similar terms spanning across different verb styles) is often misunderstood in terms of origins and its own inner life and meaning.
It is a pre-Treaty word (and was not initially generated by the exchange of treaty promises, goods, and sharing of land). In fact, the term (and understanding) was vibrantly alive prior to the numbered (and older) treaties in Canada (and elsewhere).
To understand what is being conveyed, one needs to look at the heart of the sounds.
Mii and Miig are very distinct sounds. Miig and Mii are often reflective of a gift being given, either in a supernatural/spiritual sense (Miinigoowizi/Miinigoowiziwin) or in a physical sense (Miigiwewin) among many others.
There is a similar sounding particle (a stand-alone sound without affixes attached), but such a meaning leads in a different direction of meaning.
We pertains to energy (which can be conveyed in a number of way from voice, to sound, to effort, choice, and beyond). In fact, the term Miigwech carries with it a long-e sound in some regions. In countless others, it has been relaxed over time.
Finally, the last sound ch is a short derivation of chi/ji. On the surface, chi pertains to big or great, but through ancient understandings, it conveys the idea of ji as in ojichaag (pertaining to the soul, the essence of life, the spiritual energy (being referenced in the previous sound).
So how does all of this come together?
Something given or gifted (physical/supernatural)
Energy (in different forms and how it is conveyed or transmitted)
Soul (spiritual energy generated where life exists)
If you have ever heard of someone sharing that “keeping positive thoughts while putting together food for a spirit dish is important“…or “making a gift for someone carries with it one’s time and energy“…or that when something is created, “it carries with it one’s life energy“…the abstract becomes focused and clear.
It is an acknowledgement that something gifted, created, given to you (even intangibles such as one’s words, time, or conduct or care) is the passing of one’s life energy to you and the connection therein.
Ultimately, a profound word of appreciation, at times misunderstood, but the ancient linguistics within points the way to true, time-tested meaning.
