 The word "odoodem" is a dependent noun with the root /-ode/, meaning a "consanguine kin", with the possessive suffix /-m/.When speaking on one's own "doodem", the Anishinaabe would say "nindoodem(-ag)" ("my clan(s)"), "gidoodem(-ag)" ("your clan(s)") for addressee's and "odoodem(-an)" ("his/her clan(s)") for other's.The clan system is an integral part of acquiring and retaining knowledge for the Anishinaabe.