"A growing number of businesses in Bemidji are putting up signs in the language of the local Native American community. Words in Ojibwe are popping up as welcome signs, on restroom doors and in grocery stores.

A group promoting racial diversity is behind the effort. They're hoping the Ojibwe language signs will make Native Americans feel more comfortable in a town some say hasn't always been welcoming.

When you walk into The Cabin Coffeehouse and Cafe in downtown Bemidji, you'll not only see a welcome sign in English -- you'll also see the words "aaniin" and "boozhoo." Those are words of welcome in Ojibwe.

You can even order a cup of coffee or a bowl of soup in Ojibwe. Coffeehouse owner Noemi Aylesworth has also printed a list of Ojibwe words. They're now sitting on all of the tables.

"So we have 'miigwech,' is thank you, and then we have a formal greeting, which is 'aaniin,'" she said.

Aylesworth's coffeehouse was the first to accept the Ojibwe sign challenge from a local group called Shared Vision, which is working to improve the race dynamic in Bemidji. It's a community surrounded by three Indian reservations."

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Bemidji businesses including Ojibwe in signs (Minnesota Public Radio 8/5)