Translating the original Star Wars film wasn’t without its challenges, but Dennis Daminos Chartrand says the act helps preserve a language h
The original Star Wars film, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, has been translated into over 50 languages.
Norwegian, French, Icelandic, Navajo — and now Ojibway.
Dennis Daminos Chartrand, a member of Pine Creek First Nation who voices Darth Vader in the film and helped translate the original text, says he hopes having his language incorporated into the "iconic" film will promote it — not just within his community, but beyond.
Chartrand spoke with Day 6 host Brent Bambury ahead of the film's release on the national Indigenous broadcast channel APTN next month, and just days after the death of original Darth Vader actor James Earl Jones. He spoke about his hopes for the film, challenges translating the story into Ojibway and why Star Wars resonates so much with him as an Indigenous person. Here is part of their conversation.
Creating well-rounded, respectful Ojibwe characters takes a bit of research and consideration. This guide gives a quick overview of things to think about when writing Ojibwe people and incorporates some context to avoid common pitfalls. Writing any Indigenous character means approaching with care, so let’s dive in!
1. Understand Ojibwe Culture and Community
Get to know the basics of Ojibwe culture, beliefs, and values. My people, the Ojibwe (also spelled Ojibwa, Ojibway, or Chippewa) are part of the Anishinaabe people. We are present across Canada and the northern U.S. Midwest, with diverse communities that each have their own practices and perspectives.
Community-centered thinking: Many Ojibwe people have a strong sense of connection to community and family. Recognize that we tend to prioritize our connections and often have a deep relationship with our elders and youth.
Language and terminology: Use respectful terms. The Ojibwe language (Anishinaabemowin) is central to identity, even if a character doesn’t speak it fluently.
2. Avoid “Spiritual Mysticism” Stereotypes
Steer clear of clichés about Indigenous mysticism. Instead, focus on how Ojibwe spirituality is lived in everyday ways—whether through ceremonies like smudging, seasonal celebrations, or even just respecting the land and ancestors. Characters don’t need to be “shamans” or mystical guides to show their culture.
Spirituality in balance: While many Ojibwe people honor spirituality, each person practices differently. Just as in any culture, some may be very connected to it, while others are more secular.
3. Use Realistic Names and Nicknames
Ojibwe names often have meaning and are given in specific cultural contexts, sometimes in ceremonies or after significant events. If using an Ojibwe name, make sure it’s well-researched, and consider including a backstory on how it was given to your character.
Nicknames are common and can range from family names to personal traits. Think about nicknames that resonate with your character’s personality and family background rather than something “exotified.”
4. Research Traditional Roles, Not “Warrior” Stereotypes
Ojibwe people are often cast as “warriors” or “stoic fighters,” which is limiting. In reality, Ojibwe communities have had diverse roles throughout history, including diplomats, healers, artisans, teachers, and more.
Consider what makes sense for the time and place your character lives in—an Ojibwe character could be a modern-day artist, teacher, software developer, veteran, or lawyer. Complex portrayals highlight our adaptability and contemporary lives.
5. Acknowledge History Without Making Trauma the Focus
Many Indigenous communities, including Ojibwe, have endured hardships like colonization, boarding schools, and loss of land. However, it’s essential not to reduce characters to trauma alone. Show their resilience, joy, humor, and everyday experiences alongside their histories.
Avoid “tragic backstory syndrome”: A good character is multidimensional. Balance struggles with strengths, showing how they thrive in the modern world while honoring their roots.
6. Respect Language and Use It Thoughtfully
If your character speaks or knows Anishinaabemowin, use it respectfully and sparingly unless you're fluent. Small phrases or words can add depth without risking inaccuracies. If they use Ojibwe words, provide a translation for context.
Resource suggestion: Check out the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary for phrases, pronunciation, and examples of how the language fits into daily life.
7. Research and Connect With Indigenous Resources
For non-Indigenous writers, it’s important to engage with authentic sources and, if possible, speak with Ojibwe individuals or consult books, articles, or online resources created by Ojibwe authors and scholars.
Media to check out: Look for books, films, and articles by Ojibwe creators (such as works by Louise Erdrich or Gerald Vizenor) for direct perspectives.
8. Show Ojibwe Humor and Resilience
Ojibwe humor is a big part of the culture—often dry, sarcastic, and shared among family and friends. Including humor adds authenticity and breaks away from “stoic” stereotypes. Remember, we laugh, joke, and enjoy life as much as anyone else!
9. Give Credit and Respect Acknowledgments
Mention that you’ve researched Ojibwe culture and language if possible, and consider a small acknowledgment to the sources you used. It shows respect for our culture and the people who helped make the character accurate and relatable.
Sample Character Traits for Inspiration:
Joyful and witty, known for quick humor but deeply thoughtful.
Family-oriented, regularly calling or visiting relatives or helping out in the community.
Resourceful and resilient, finding creative ways to navigate the modern world while honoring traditional values.
Quietly proud, choosing to celebrate their heritage subtly but meaningfully, like wearing Ojibwe beadwork or carrying traditional items.
Writing an Ojibwe character respectfully and fully means creating someone real and complex. Remember, the best portrayals come from genuine understanding and thoughtful depiction. Happy writing, and Chi miigwech (thank you very much) for taking the time to represent us well! 🪶✨
And if you are ever confused, ask! I love answering questions about my culture!
So I’m reading Indian Horse, and I’m not even halfway through the book and already crying.
Yap session below cut (TW mentions of suicide, child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment. This is a book about the horrors of indian residential schools so it’s very graphic.)
The parallel of Saul describing the land his people resided on with such descriptive language, comparing the land to the actual appearance of Ojibway peoples to showcase the connection they have with the land, and then when he gets taken to Saint Jerome’s Indian Residential School and his descriptions of the school itself become more bland and have less passion than how he was describing his home has me TWEAKING oh my god
AND chapter 14 specifically stood out because it’s currently the shortest chapter in the book being only one page, and it’s just Saul describing the horrors he witnessed in the residential school, the kids dying of either tuberculosis, or committing suicide.
That one little girl that shoved rocks into her pockets and drowned herself in the river especially stood out to me, because there was one part in the earlier chapters where the kids would sneak out of the school, go to the same river, and watch the salmon spawning and just grab the salmon and rub the slime they left behind on their faces. They did it for comfort, and I guess because majority of Indigenous cultures and practices, especially in the areas this book took place, relied on fish like salmon for survival, and the salmon also holds cultural significance. For that girl to drown herself in that same river, it was not just an escape from the pain and torture of the residential school, it was almost like she was trying to escape back home, and be whole with the land. Residential schools were built to do the opposite; “take care of the indian problem” and eradicate Indigenous culture. That little girl’s death holds much more meaning than what it seems.
