Native Word of the Month

April 2018

View our April Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.

March 2018

View our March Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.

February 2018

View our February Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.

January 2018

View our January Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.

December 2017

        December - Ch’atsal
        Deegwii’in? - What’s going on?
        Drin Tsal gwats’a’ khan gwaadhal ts’a’ niiyut kwaa gwiintł’oo hahshii ginyaa. - Christmas is coming up 
        fast, and they say it is going to snow a lot soon.
    

        December - Wunenh Nach'ehjedh
        Xághįhsháatth - It began to snow.
        Nee’éł xághįhsháatth. - It began snowing heavily (with us).
 
    

November 2017

        November - Divii Zhrii
        Deegii’in? - What are they doing?
        Oodee shahan vizheh shih leii vikeech’agahch’yaa. - They are cooking lots of food at my mom’s house.

    

        November - Demee Sǎa', “Sheep Month”
        Xníik’áatth - It became cold.
        Nah’ôg xníik’áatth. - It turned cold outside.
 
    

October 2017

        October - Dinjik Zhrii
        Deeni’in? - What are you doing?
        Dohshroo haa k’ik k’eech’aałtryaa. - I am washing dishes with a towel.
    

        October - Nén' Tenh K'et, “Frozen Ground Month”
        Noxłuu - Fall (season)
        Noxłuu síxúnt’eh. - It is fall time. 
    

September 2017

Gwich'in

        Sheechii - I am happy (that)
        Sheechii ni’ee diineenjit vadzaih vikeech’ahch’yaa.  - I am happy mom is cooking caribou for us. 
    

        September - Wunenh Ch'et'ą̌ą' Dit-Tsiig, “Month When the Leaves Turn Yellow”
        Jâan ch’e nínchûun - This is a bull moose
        Ts’étl ta nínchûun ná’éthed nįh’ęh? - Do you see the bull moose standing in the brush? 
    

August 2017

Gwich'in

        Zhehk’aa - Family
        Shizhehk’aa naii gwiintł’oo goovihtsai’. - I cherish my family very much.
    

        Sedena’ ka - My family
        Sedena’ ka detthekts’en’ khwbeghw’estsen’. - I love all my family.
    

July 2017

Gwich'in

        Vits’ihnyaa - I help (him or her)
        Shitsuu łuk tr’it’ii haa vits’ihnyaa geenjit shats’a’ shoo nilii. 
        - My grandmother is happy I am helping her cut fish.
    

June 2017

Gwich'in

        Lidii - Tea
        Ko’ kat lidii tr’ahtsii łyaa akaii. - The tea we make on the fire sure tastes good.
    

May 2017

Gwich'in

        Ch’at’an - Leaves
        Aat’oo kat ch’at’an kwaii neegwahshii. - The leaves are spouting on the birch trees.
    

April 2017

Gwich'in

        Gwahahgo’ - It is turning springtime
        Chiitaii gwahahgo’ ts’a’ shroonch’yaa gwilii. - It is becoming springtime and nice outside.
    

March 2017

Gwich'in

        Vadzaih dhaa - Caribou hide
        Vadzaih dhaa haa shuh dhałtsaii. - I made a drum from caribou hide.
    

          Ghinoy vidhith - Caribou hide
          Ghinoy vidhith yił sigisrosr dhitlsenh. - DegI made my drum with caribou hide.
        

February 2017

Gwich'in

        Dink’indhat - He or she grew up.
        Shahan Gwichyaa Zhee dink’indhat. - My mom grew up in Fort Yukon.
        Shiti’ Natick dink’indhat. - My father grew up in Natick.
    

        Nadhiyonh - He or she grew up in
        Singonh Deloychet nadhiyonh. - My mom grew up in Holy Cross.
        Sito’ Qay Xichux nadhiyonh. - My dad grew up in Anchorage.
        

January 2017

Gwich'in

        Neegoo - Fox
        Taii gwinjik neegoo nałya’. - I saw a fox by the side of the road.
    

        Niq’asrt’ay - Fox
        Niq’asrt’ay ting ghan’ naghitl’an’. - I saw a fox by the side of the road.
        

December 2016

Gwich'in

        Ch’atsal. - December (literal translation “low on food”)
        Tsinehdan. - Peace
        Nan kak tsinehdan gooli’. - Let there be peace on Earth.
    

November 2016

Gwich'in

        Divii Zhrii. - November (literal translation “sheep month”)
        Dinjii gwitee tr’irilii. - We are voting (or putting people among leadership).
    

October 2016

Gwich'in

        Vadzaih Zhrii. - October (literal translation “caribou month”)
        Nilii Gaih. - Dry Meat 
        Nilii gaih eenjit shizhit gwiłts’ik. - I am hungry for dry meat.
    

September 2016

Gwich'in

        Dinjik Zhrii. - September (literal translation “moose month”)
        Luk. - Fish 
        Łuk keeshi’in. - I am fishing.
    

August 2016

Gwich'in

        Di’ilii. - August (literal translation “when caribou cleans the velvet off its antlers”)
        Neenahot’ii. - Butterfly
        Neenahot’ii ndaa diich’yaa. - The butterfly is beautiful.
    

July 2016

Gwich'in

        Łuk Choo Zhrii. - July (literal translation “king salmon month”)
        Gwiindhaa. - Hot
        Shin goo’aii, ts’a’ chiitaii gwiindhaa. - It is summer, and it is hot outside.
    

June 2016

Gwich'in

        Vanan Ch’iighoo. - June (literal translation “all birds laying eggs”)
        Nahsii. - Growing
        Gwanzhih kwaii nahshii. - The plants are growing.
    

May 2016

Gwich'in

        Gwiluu Zhrii. - May (literal translation “hard crusted snow”)
        K’Gwideedrii. - Spider
        Gwideedrii divyaa ditł’uu. - The spider is weaving its web.
    

April 2016

Gwich'in

        Ch’ikee Zhrii. - April
        K’ih. - Tracks
        Zhah zhit zhoh k’ih nał’in. - I see wolf tracks in the snow.
    

March 2016

Gwich'in

        Ch'izhin Zhrii. - March
        Ch'iitsiidlii. - Fiddle
        Tanan gwa'an ch'iitsiidlii ch'agahłii ts'a' ch'agaadzaa. - They are playing fiddle music and dancing around Fairbanks.
    

        Q'uliq'ay - Hawk
        Q'uliq'ay no'o xelanh. - There's the Hawk Moon.
        

February 2016

Gwich'in

        Veegwaadhat - February
        Gwilii - It is becoming
        Chiitaii gwiindhaa gwilii. - It is becoming warm outside.
    

        Yixgitsiy - Grandfather of us all, Raven
        Yixgitsiy qay xidixi qunt'ox. - Raven is flying over the village.
        

January 2016

Gwich'in

        Ch'anjaa Zhrii - January
        Agwal'ee - I am learning.
        Shiginjik k'yaa agwal'ee. - I am learning my language.
    

        Giyema - Mask
        Ivi'a niłtiy giyema iłtse. - Grandpa is making a crane mask.
        

December 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Oozhii = Present
Shahan Drin Tsal eenjit oozhii shintł’eeyin’aii. = My mom gave me a present for Christmas.

    Oozhii shintł’in’aii.           You give a present to me.
    Oozhii shintł’eeyin’aii.        She/He gave a present to me.
    Oozhii shintł’eegiiyin’aii.     They gave a present to me.

    Oozhii nantł’ii’aii.            I give a present to you.
    Oozhii nantł’eeyin’aii.         He/She gave a present to you.
    Oozhii nantł’eegiiyin’aii.      They give a present to you.

    Oozhii vintł’in’aii.            You give a present to him/her.
    Oozhii vintł’eeyin’aii.         He/She gave a present to him/her.
    Oozhii vintł’eegiiyin’aii.      They gave a present to him/her.

    

November 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Ch’anjaa = Elder
Ch’anjaa naii googinjik k’yaa gwiinzii gaagiindaii. = The elders know their language really well.

    1s Gaashandaii  I know          1p Gaagwiindaii     We know
    2s Gaanandaii   You know        2p Gaakhwandaii     You all know
    3s Gaandaii     He/She knows    3p Gaagiindaii      They know

    

October 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Neeyaakee = Sunrise
Juk van neeyaakee gwiizhik hakeesha’aii. = I woke this morning while the sun was rising.

    1s hakeesha’aii     I awaken        1p hakeeree’aii     We awaken
    2s hakeena’aii      You awaken      2p hakeekhwa’aii    You all awaken
    3s hakee’aii        He/She awaken   3p hakeegee’aii     They awaken

    

September 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Angal = You run
Vadzaih naantł’ii taii angal. = You run after the caribou herd.

    1s Algal    = I run			1p Tr’aagal = We Run
    2s Angal    = You run		2p Oogal    = You all run
    3s Aagal    = He/She runs	3p Gaagal   = They run
    

August 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Shroonch’yaa = Fun

Gwahtsii = Somebody makes

Juk drin shroonch’yaa gwahtsii. = Have a fun time today.

    1s Ałtsii   = I make            1p Tr’ahtsii    = We make
    2s Ąhtsii   = You make          2p Ohtsii       = You all make
    3s Ahtsii   = He/she makes      3p Gahtsii      = They make
    

July 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Łat = Smoke
Gwanlįį = There is

Chiitaii łat gwanlįį. = There is a lot of smoke outside.

    1s Ihłįį	= I am			1p Tr’inlįį = We are
    2s Inlįį	= You are		2p Ohłįį = You (all) are
    3s Nilįį	= He/she is		3p Ginlįį = They are
    

June 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Neech’aga’aa = They are eating.
Tribal Hall hee neech’aga’aa. = They are eating at the Tribal Hall.

1s neech’ih’aa	= I am eating			1p neech’ara’aa = We are eating
2s neech’in’aa	= You are eating		2p neech’oh’aa = You (all) are eating
3s neech’a’aa	= He/she is eating		3p neech’aga’aa = They are eating

May 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Vikeech’ałch’yaa = I am cooking.
Vadzaih nilii vikeech’ałch’yaa. = I am cooking caribou meat.

1s Vikeech’ałch’yaa     = I am cooking		1p Vikeech’arahch’yaa   = We are cooking
2s Vikeech’ąhch’yaa     = You are cooking	2p Vikeech’ohch’yaa     = You (all) are cooking
3s Vikeech’ahch’yaa	= He/she is cooking	3p Vikeech’agahch’yaa   = They are cooking

April 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Tthał = Caribou fence
Niizhit dai’ tthał haa vadzaih naraazhrii. = Long ago we hunted caribou with fence.

1s Nalzhrii = I am hunting		1p Naraazhrii = We are hunting
2s Nanzhrii = You are hunting	2p Noozhrii = You (all) are hunting
3s Naazhrii = He/she is hunting	3p Nagaazhrii = They are hunting

March 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Ch’andzaa = You dance
Shaa ch’andzaa! = Dance with me!

1s Ch’aldzaa	I am dancing		1p Ch’araadzaa  We are dancing
2s Ch’andzaa	You are dancing	    2p Ch’oodzaa 	You(all) are dancing
3s Ch’aadzaa	He/she is dancing	3p Ch’agaadzaa  They are dancing

February 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Łyaa = Truly
It’ee łyaa t’iinyaa o’. = You are speaking the truth.

1s T’ihnyaa 	 I am saying            1p T’arahnyaa   We are saying
2s T’iinyaa      You are saying         2p T’ohnyaa     You (all) are saying
3s T’inyaa       He/she is saying       3p T’iginyaa    They are saying

January 2015

Translations in Gwich’in
Deech’ara’aii = Potlatch
Juk khaa deech’ara’aii gwiheelyaa. = Tonight there will be a potlatch.

1s Hihłyaa      -I will be          1p Tr’iheelyaa      -We will be
2s Heenlyaa     -You will be        2p Hohłyaa          -You (all) will be
3s Heelyaa      -He/she will be     3p Giheelyaa        -They will be
 
G –Gwiheelyaa -there will be 

Ch'atsal (December) 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Oozhii = Present
Drin Tsal zhit oozhii kwaii gwintł’eeraazhik. = During Christmas time we trade presents.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

Divii Zhrii (November) 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa = Our language/traditional way
Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa zhit diich’anjaa naii gooriheeł’ee. = In our traditional way we honor our elders.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

Vadzaih Zhrii (October) 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Dink'ineejii = Young generation
Juk dink’ineejii naii googinjik k’yaa gogwaa’ee. = The young generation today are learning their language.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

September 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Naantł’ii = Caribou herd
Vadzaih naantł’ii łazhyaa duuyee gaa vankak geera’oo. = That caribou herd [is so dense] we can’t even go through them.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

August 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Łeeriljil = We have gathered together
Khehłok gwitr’it t’agwarah’yaa it’ee łeeriljil. = We have come together to work as one.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

July 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Nihłaa = Together, in unison
Nihłaa gwitr’it t’agwarah’in, ts’a’ nihłaa naraahaazhyaa goo’aii. = We must work together and help one another.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

June 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
June = Vanan Ch'iighoo
Drin = Day
Vanan Ch’iighoo gwiizhik too tł’an gwa’an tth’aii drin gwanlii. = In June it is still day at midnight.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Have a translation in another language? Share it with us on Facebook! Want to see previous words of the month? Click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

May 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
May = Gwiluu Zhrii
Chiitaii = Outside
Gwiluu Zhrii chiitaii gwa’an tseegwirii’in. = In May we play outside.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

April 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
April = Ch'ikee Zhrii
Gwahahgo’ = It's turning springtime, it's starting to melt.
Ch’ikee Zhrii gwahahgo’ dai’ łyaa shrôonch’yaa. = It is nice in April when it is melting.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

March 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Vijarvii = Wolverine’s knife
Vijarvii vatthaa gwatthoo vaa gweent'aa shro'. = Don’t cut his brown hind leg with Wolverine’s knife.
Gwich'in

(Wolverine’s knife is from a humorous Vasaagihdzak and Wolverine story, used for castrating humans. Metaphor is borrowed from Vasaagihdzak and Wolverine story: “When the knife is dull, you can’t cut into his brown hind leg.”)

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

February 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Nihtsai’ = I am stingy for you.
It’ee łyaa gwiintł’oo nihtsai’ ganandaii. = Know that I truly treasure you, I am stingy for you.
Gwich'in
To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

January 2014

Translations in Gwich’in
Zhuu = Small in stature or rejuvenating spirit.
Hai’ choo, zhuu needhaltsaii. = Thank you very much, I ate my fill.
Gwich'in
To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

December 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Tr’ahgaii = We dry.
Nilii tr’ahgaii. = We make dry-meat.
Gwich'in
To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

November 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Gwintł’eedaachii = They offer themselves.
Nin kwaii gwintł’eedaachii. = The animals offer themselves.
Gwich'in
To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

October 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Goojaii = It is slippery/icy.
Chiitaii goojaii, goonjak shro’. = It is icy outside, don’t slip.
Gwich'in
To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton, vice president of the Doyon Foundation board of directors, for providing this month’s translation.

September 2013

Translations in Deg Xinag
Iłt'e gits'i'in q'u'edoyh. = He goes hunting all the time.
To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

From the .Deg Xinag Ałixi Ni'elyoy Learners Dictionary. Recorded by Elders Hannah Maillelle and Katherine Hamilton.

July 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Jak = Berries
Jak kwaii gwiintl'oo akaii ts'a' jak tr'ahtsii geet'ihthan. = Berries taste so good, and I like when we go picking them.
To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton for providing this month's translation.

June 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Shin = Summer
Shin dai' dats'an eenjit nagaazhrii. = In the summer they hunt for ducks.
Gwich'in

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton for providing this month's translation.

May 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Shreenyaa = Spring
Shreenyaa gwilii ts'a' chiitaii shroonch'yaa. = It is becoming spring and it's really nice outside.
Gwich'in

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton for providing this month's translation.

April 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Shreenyaa gwilii ts’à’ chiitaii gwahgo’.=
It is becoming spring and it is melting outside.
Koyukon Athabascan

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton for providing this month's translation.

March 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Dilik kwaii neeyahanzhok. = He is mushing his dogs.
Gwich'in Athabascan

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton for providing this month's translation.

February 2013

Translations in Gwich’in
Rose - Nitsįh
Nitsįh ch’izhii oozhri’ vagwanlįį ji’, googaa tth’aii deegwiłsu’ vagwahaatsan. = A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
~Romeo ts'à' Juliet
Gwich'in Athabascan

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Allan Hayton for providing this month's translation.

January 2013

Translations in Koyukon
Tl'ee edzoo hoolaanh. = It's still cold.
Koyukon Athabascan

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

December 2012

Translations in Koyukon
KK'oodekkaat = Things are being bought.
Koyukon Athabascan

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

November 2012

Translations in Koyukon
Kkun' zaatlkk'o = We are burning wood
Koyukon Athabascan

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

October 2012

Translations in Koyukon
Tseetl hoolaanh = There is snow.
Koyukon Athabascan

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

September 2012

Translations in Koyukon
Kk’o’eedekkaayh = He is out riding by boat.
(Generally, this translation means "He is moose hunting," but we do not say that as it might be bad luck.)

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

August 2012

Translations in Koyukon
Kkun’ ts’etlaał = We are cutting wood. (Koyukon Athabascan)

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

July 2012

Translations in Koyukon
Geege oonst’aan’. = I am picking berries. (Koyukon Athabascan)

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

June 2012

Ggaał okko k’esołgeyhtl. = We will fish (by hook) for king salmon.

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

May 2012

Translations in Koyukon
Dets’en okko enkk’o’eedoyh = He is hunting for geese. (Koyukon Athabascan)

To hear an audio recording of this month's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

April 2012

Translations in Koyukon
It’s thawing outdoors = Nohulgheeh

To hear an audio recording of April's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

March 2012

Translations in Koyukon
While there are meetings there are fun times going on = Kk’aanaaghdelghus dehoon soo’oł det’aanh

To hear an audio recording of March's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

February 2012

Translations in Koyukon
Traps are set for beaver = Noye’e oho haał ledlo

To hear an audio recording of February's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

January 2012

Translations in Koyukon
New Year = K'eden enohdeedelet (Koyukon)

To hear an audio recording of January's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

December 2011

Translations in Koyukon
Jesus was born = Denaah?to’ bednaa’ hoolanh (Koyukon)

To hear an audio recording of December's word, click here.

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this month's translation.

November 2011

Translations in Koyukon
We eat good = Hoozoonh ts’e k’ets’ehonh (Koyukon)

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this translation.

Click here to hear a recording of November's Native word.

October 2011

Translations in Koyukon
Ełyoł = It is snowing (Koyukon)

Thank you to Lorraine David for providing this translation.

Click here to hear a recording of October's Native word.

September 2011

Moose:

• Dendîig (Upper Tanana)
• Deneege (Koyukon)
• Dinjik (Gwich’in)

Thank you to Doris Miller, Lorraine David and Allan Hayton for providing these translations.

August 2011

Translations in Koyukon
Geege = Blueberries

Thank you to Foundation board secretary/treasurer Lorraine David for providing this translation.

July 2011

Translations in Koyukon
Gaal tsoo’neelaagh de hoolaanh = The time to try to catch king salmon
Central Koyukon Athabascan

Click here to hear a recording of this month's Native word.

Thank you to Foundation board secretary/treasurer Lorraine David for providing this translation.

June 2011

Nee Ts’ee Neeyh = We all give or help
Athabascan Koyukon dialect

Click here to hear a recording of June's Native word of the month.

May 2011

Neshyee = plant or flower coming up through the ground
Upper Tanana language – Northway dialect

Thank you to Polly Hyslop for providing this translation.

April 2011

Hek’edee’onh = "It's sunny."
Koyukon Athabascan language

Click here to hear the correct pronunciation of April’s word of the month. Thank you to Foundation board secretary/treasurer Lorraine David for providing this translation.