by ICC Staff
Shyla Niemi is a proud Anishinaabekwe entrepreneur and the founder of Giigido Mikinaak, a small business dedicated to creating physical and digital language learning tools that help bring Indigenous languages into everyday life by meeting people where they are and ensuring nobody gets left behind. Giigido Mikinaak, which translates to “Turtle Talk” or “Talking Turtle,” is a nod to her Turtle Clan roots and reflects her deep commitment to Indigenous language revitalization and cultural connection.
Shyla collaborates with language speakers to develop resources that are fun, accessible, and community-driven. Her passion for language learning grew from her own journey of reconnecting with Anishinaabemowin, where she discovered a deeper sense of identity, belonging, and pride in her culture. Through a combination of physical and digital resources, she aims to support diverse learning styles and make language learning approachable for all ages.
With a background in digital design and development and over two years of experience as a Language Coordinator specializing in Ojibwe, Shyla brings a unique blend of technical skill, creativity, and cultural care to her work. Her mission is to promote Indigenous languages in public spaces and everyday life, and to help others reconnect with their cultural identities through language, play, and community. She acts as a bridge to help deliver languages from speakers to people who want to learn.
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