In April’s Native Word of the Month, we are pleased to share a special series of videos featuring Doyon Foundation language revitalization program staff and their families demonstrating proper handwashing techniques while singing in their Native languages!
Gwich’in handwashing video, featuring of Allan Hayton
Van gwiinzii. Juk gweendaa diinanli’ gwiintł’oo k’eech’arahahtryaa goo’aii, ts’a’ shan t’ee shanli’ k’eech’ahaałtryaa.
Good morning. Nowadays we need to really wash our hands, and I too am going to wash my hands.
Shanli’ k’eech’ahaałtryaa, shanli’ k’eech’ahaałtryaa, shanli’ k’eech’ahaałtryaa, shanli’ k’eech’ahaałtryaa.
I’m going to wash my hands, I’m going to wash my hands, I’m going to wash my hands, I’m going to wash my hands
Gwiinzii adak’ootii shalak naii.
Take good care of yourselves, my relatives.
Iñupiatun handwashing video, featuring Marjorie Tahbone
Annavililintutin.
Happy birthday.
Denaakk’e handwashing video, featuring Dewey Kk’ołeyo Hoffman and his daughter, Telele
Nelo’ etonlaah.
Wash your hands.
Hooleelaanh dedzaanh sodelt’seeyh.
Be happy on the day you were born.
Koon koon.
Again.
Kk’ʉdaa.
All done, that’s all.
For more translations, view our Native word of the month archives on the Foundation website.
We also invite you to access free online language-learning lessons by signing up for Doyon Languages Online! We currently have lessons available for Holikachuk, Denaakk’e, Benhti Kenaga’ and Gwich’in, as well as a special set of Hän lessons based on the work of the late Isaac Juneby. All interested learners may sign up and access the courses at no charge – sign up today!
Stay safe, stay healthy and take care of each other.