Delivering language and cultural resources aimed at advancing the retention and revitalization of Indigenous knowledge, identity, and community well-being.
Giiwednangoonhs Productions will work toward creating interactive, affordable, and culturally grounded resources that support the revitalization of Indigenous language, culture, and identity. The company also has an array of Knowledge Keepers, translators, and consultants who can support a wide range of cultural, language, and community needs while helping strengthen growth for future generations.
Giiwednangoonhs Productions recognizes that conversations around language and culture can sometimes be difficult, but the reality remains that many Indigenous languages are becoming endangered at an alarming rate. As communities continue to face the impacts of colonization and assimilation, preserving and revitalizing our languages, teachings, and cultural practices has never been more important.
The company is here to support language learning and cultural education through interactive and culturally grounded resources. Services can include classroom visits, workshops, presentations, strategic planning, organizational policy development, and cultural consultation tailored to community and organizational needs. The company also works alongside Knowledge Keepers, translators, educators, and consultants to help strengthen Indigenous identity, connection, and learning for future generations.
Giiwednangoonhs Productions was named from the word Giiwednangoonh, meaning "North Star." The name came from my daughter's real name, while her English name is Ocean. My real name is Biimskwaa Niibish, and my English name is Cynthia Bell. I chose this name because the North Star represents guidance, direction, strength, and finding your way home, which reflects the vision and purpose behind this company.
For over 32 years, I have dedicated my life to supporting Indigenous communities through advocacy, leadership, youth engagement, cultural revitalization, and community development. I am the founder and Executive Director of ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency, an Indigenous youth-led organization that supports youth through mental health, addictions, housing, cultural programming, outreach, and community support services. Much of my work has been built alongside Indigenous youth, ensuring their voices, leadership, and lived experiences remain at the center of the work we do.
Throughout my journey, I have worked as a teacher, educator, mentor, advocate, speaker, and community leader. I have dedicated my time to helping youth and families reconnect to culture, identity, language, and community while creating safe and supportive spaces for healing and growth. I have supported youth experiencing homelessness, addictions, trauma, violence, and cultural disconnection, while continuously advocating for culturally grounded and Indigenous-led supports.
Over many years, I have also committed myself to learning as much of the Odawa/Ojibwe language as possible by immersing myself with fluent speakers, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and community members. Through listening, practicing, ceremonies, gatherings, and relationship-building, I have continued my own journey of language revitalization and cultural learning. This has strengthened my understanding of the urgent need to preserve our languages and pass them on to future generations in accessible and meaningful ways.
I have organized and planned Pow Wows, cultural festivals, community gatherings, youth conferences, ceremonies, and land-based initiatives that bring people together through culture, teachings, music, dance, and community connection. I have contributed to strategic planning, policy development, organizational leadership, cultural programming, and advocacy work that continues to support Indigenous communities both on and off reserve.
Through Giiwednangoonhs Productions, I continue this lifelong commitment by creating interactive, affordable, and culturally grounded resources that support Indigenous language revitalization, cultural learning, identity, and community well-being. My goal is to ensure future generations continue to know who they are, where they come from, and the strength that exists within our cultures, languages, and communities.