Since February, Little Canada has been sharing something new and meaningful in our monthly Moose Moosings newsletter: the Cree Word of the Month. This feature invites readers to learn a word in nêhiyawêwin (the Cree language) each month, complete with its meaning and spelling in both syllabics and Roman orthography.
Language is more than a means of communication—it holds culture, worldview, and memory. Through this series, we aim to create small moments of learning that spark curiosity, reflection, and deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems. It’s a way for us to honour the rich linguistic heritage of the Cree Nation, one of the largest Indigenous groups in Canada, and celebrate the beauty and depth of nêhiyawêwin.
Here are the words we’ve learned so far this year:
ᒥᔪ ᑭᓯᑲᐤ
miyo kisikaw (pronunciation: me-yo key-see-cow): This phrase means “it is a good day” and is a beautiful, familiar way to start a conversation in nêhiyawêwin, or the Cree language.
ᓴᑳᐤ
sakaw (pronunciation: suh – guh): A way the nehiyawak, or Cree people, refer to either forest, bush or the woods.
ᐊᔨᓯᓂᐢᑲ
ayisinîskâ (pronunciation: ah-yee see knee-skah): Describes a city or “the place where people are” in nêhiyawêwin.
ᑖᐣ’ᓯ ᓂᑑᑌᒪᐠ
tân’si, nitôtêmak (pronunciation: TAHN-see, nih-TOH-tay-muk): It means “Hello, my friends” in nêhiyawêwin, but unlike English greetings, it’s actually asking, “How are you, my friends?” —showing how connection and care for others is woven into the very fabric of the language.
ᑭᓵᑭᐦᐃᑎᐣ
kisâkihitin (pronunciation: gi-SAH-gih-tin): It means “I love you”. Notice something special? The word begins with “ki-” meaning “you,” not “I.” In nêhiyawêwin, the ones we love come first—even in the grammar of love.
This initiative was inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 13, which urges Canadians to support the preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Indigenous languages. These languages have faced centuries of suppression, yet continue to endure as a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities. Every word learned is a step toward reclaiming stories, knowledge, and ways of being that have always belonged here.
We’re honoured to collaborate on this series with our Indigenous partners Naheyawin, an Indigenous-led company that works to transform relationships between people, with the land, and across generations. Founded by nehiyaw (Cree) siblings raised on Treaty 6 territory, Naheyawin draws from traditional teachings, guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, to illuminate new pathways for understanding, responsibility, and connection. Their insights shape this series and help us move forward with integrity and care.
Together, let’s celebrate Indigenous Peoples, honour their languages, and keep learning.
Don’t miss a word—subscribe to our Moose Moosings newsletter and get the Cree Word of the Month delivered straight to your inbox each month.