‘Uy’ skweyul, taanshi, and hello! If you have stumbled across this page you must have clicked on the land acknowledgement at the bottom of the page, or perhaps one of the seemingly random Michif or Hul’q’umi’num’ words I’ve used around here.
First things first, since this is probably not the first time you’ve heard the phrase above: why land acknowledgements? It’s a question I hear often, but it’s simple really: it’s a way of acknowledging the people who lived here, on this land, long before explorers/settlers arrived and decided it was theirs.
Okay, but why learn Hul’q’umi’num’/the indigenous language of this land? For the longest time I didn’t understand it either; it’s not my language, and it’s not commonly spoken, so why bother? Well, for me, there are many reasons to learn. Along my journey I have discovered some very interesting facts about indigenous languages, one being that a single word is worth so much more—it takes many words in English to explain it—and that’s because each word tells a story; sometimes about its history, or how it was made, or what and how it can heal. To learn the words is to hear the teachings, and there are so many beautiful lessons to learn (my personal favourite is Uy’shqwalawun—see explanation below). Also, indigenous languages come from the land; like, in Hul’q’umi’num’, some words and sounds mimic the whooshing of the wind, or the snapping of twigs (Yutustanaht/Mandy Brown, Snuneymuxw Elder: Mandy Jones – Snuneymuxw First Nation – YouTube), and to speak the words is to connect with the land on which you walk upon. It is also a show of respect for the people of this land, and of the land itself.—niiya kishchii itaytamihk (I am grateful).
I am also learning a language called Michif—Southern Michif to be specific—because it is the language of my own ancestors. We are Métis. This is important to me because it connects me to all the people, all my relations, who came before me.
I have used a few basic words/phrases throughout my website, and below I have listed them—with a little bit of explanation and/or history as I have come to understand too.
Cuyulhnamut: Hul’q’umi’num word meaning grateful (‘i tsun pe cuyulhnamut: I am grateful.) I learnt this word through our language teacher at the school I work at, though I cannot find any information about it online—we shouldn’t be surprised though, as it is an oral language.
Dishinihkaashoon: Michif word meaning my name is.
E:nthu pe: Hul’q’umi’num words meaning my name is. ‘pe’ means indeed, and it’s use is unique to the Snuneymuxw First Nations people.
Hay ce:p qa‘: Hul’q’umi’num words meaning thank you. (plural form. Huy’ch’qa is for a singular person)
Hul’q’umi’num’: The local indigenous language where I live (Vancouver island)
Ki shaakiihitin: Michif word meaning I love you.
La paarantii kaayash ooshchi: Michif words meaning ancestors
Maarsii: I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t that French, just spelt wrong? Well, kind of yes, but kind of no. It’s Michif. Michif is a language that was born out of French speaking explorers, and the Indigenous Nations with whom they met, traded with, and also started families with; so, the language has elements of both.
Michif: is the language spoken by my own la paarantii kaayash ooshchi: ancestors—we are Métis.
Miina kawapamitin: Michif words meaning see you later. An interesting fact I have come to understand about many indigenous languages, is they often do not have a translation for good bye; instead, it is see you later.
Mustímuxw: Hul’q’umi’num word meaning “people,” or more importantly, “all my relations.” This is a common phrase in indigenous culture because it is recognized that we are not only one individual, we are the seven generations who came before us, and will continue to be for seven more.
Niiya kishchii itaytamihk: Michif words meaning I am grateful.
Nu stl’i’ ch: Hul’q’umi’num words meaning “I love you,” but it is also so much more than that. Respected Snuneymuxw Elder, Shxuysulwut/Lolly Good, uses this phrases often, and encourages students to do the same (I was lucky enough to be present for one of her lessons). “Spread this word around, everywhere you can,” she said. Huy’ch’qa Siem.
Siem: Hul’q’umi’num word meaning respected one.
Snaw-Na-Was: A First Nations group from Central Vancouver Island; more specifically, in and around the areas also known as Nanoose, Lantzville, and some North Nanaimo areas.
Snuneymuxw: A First Nations group from Central Vancouver Island; more specifically, in and around the city also known as Nanaimo.
Stz’uminus: A First Nations group from Central Vancouver island; more specifically, in and around the city also known as Ladysmith.
Taanshi: Michif word meaning good day.
‘Uy’ skweyul: Hul’q’umi’num words meaning good day.
Uy’shqwalawun: is my favourite Hul’q’umi’num word; but it is so much more than a word, it is also a lesson, a teaching, and a way to live. It means to have good feelings, thoughts, heart, and mind. I have also heard it described by Humulh/Jerry Brown, a local Snuneymuxw elder, as “when your heart and mind start to get along.” (Ref: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFf4wpJbu9A&t=13s )