Native Word of the Month
Doyon Foundation is pleased to present the Native Words of the Month. Each month,
a new Native word or phrase and definition will be shared here on the website,
along with an audio recording of the pronunciation. Have a translation in another language?
Share it with us on Facebook!
Have an idea for a Native Word of the Month? Please email your idea to haytona@doyon.com.
April 2021
View our April Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
March 2021
View our March Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
February 2021
Enjoy our special Valentine's Day-themed Native word of the month video by clicking here.
January 2021
View our January Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
December 2020
View our December Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
November 2020
View our November Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
October 2020
View our October Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
September 2020
View our September Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
August 2020
View our August Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
July 2020
View our July Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
June 2020
View our June Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
May 2020
View our May Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
April 2020
View our April Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
March 2020
View our March Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
February 2020
View our February Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
January 2020
View our January Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
December 2019
View our December Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
November 2019
View our November Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
October 2019
View our October Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
September 2019
View our September Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
August 2019
View our August Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
July 2019
View our July Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
June 2019
View our June Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
May 2019
View our May Native word of the month by clicking here.
April 2019
View our April Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
March 2019
View our March Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
February 2019
View our February Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
January 2019
View our January Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
December 2018
View our December Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
November 2018
View our November Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
October 2018
View our October Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
September 2018
View our September Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
August 2018
View our August Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
June 2018
View our June Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
May 2018
View our May Native word of the month and listen to an audio recording by clicking here.
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
Gwich'in
Photo by Richard Mueller
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Tanacross
December - Wunenh Nach'ehjedh
Xághįhsháatth - It began to snow.
Nee’éł xághįhsháatth. - It began snowing heavily (with us).
Translation provided by Irene Solomon Arnold.
Click
here for audio recording.
November 2017
Gwich'in
Photo by Richard Mueller
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Tanacross
November - Demee Sǎa', “Sheep Month”
Xníik’áatth - It became cold.
Nah’ôg xníik’áatth. - It turned cold outside.
Translation provided by Irene Solomon Arnold.
Click
here for audio recording.
October 2017
Gwich'in
October - Dinjik Zhrii
Deeni’in? - What are you doing?
Dohshroo haa k’ik k’eech’aałtryaa. - I am washing dishes with a towel.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Tanacross
October - Nén' Tenh K'et, “Frozen Ground Month”
Noxłuu - Fall (season)
Noxłuu síxúnt’eh. - It is fall time.
Translation provided by Irene Solomon Arnold.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Tanacross
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?
Translation provided by Irene Solomon Arnold.
Click
here for audio recording.
August 2017
Gwich'in
Zhehk’aa - Family
Shizhehk’aa naii gwiintł’oo goovihtsai’. - I cherish my family very much.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Lower Tanana
Sedena’ ka - My family
Sedena’ ka detthekts’en’ khwbeghw’estsen’. - I love all my family.
Translation provided by Vera E. Weiser.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
June 2017
Gwich'in
Lidii - Tea
Ko’ kat lidii tr’ahtsii łyaa akaii. - The tea we make on the fire sure tastes good.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
May 2017
Gwich'in
Ch’at’an - Leaves
Aat’oo kat ch’at’an kwaii neegwahshii. - The leaves are spouting on the birch trees.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
April 2017
Gwich'in
Gwahahgo’ - It is turning springtime
Chiitaii gwahahgo’ ts’a’ shroonch’yaa gwilii. - It is becoming springtime and nice outside.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
March 2017
Gwich'in
Vadzaih dhaa - Caribou hide
Vadzaih dhaa haa shuh dhałtsaii. - I made a drum from caribou hide.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Deg Xinag
Ghinoy vidhith - Caribou hide
Ghinoy vidhith yił sigisrosr dhitlsenh. - DegI made my drum with caribou hide.
Translation provided by George Demientieff Holly.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Deg Xinag
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.
Translation provided by George Demientieff Holly.
Click
here for audio recording.
January 2017
Gwich'in
Neegoo - Fox
Taii gwinjik neegoo nałya’. - I saw a fox by the side of the road.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Deg Xinag
Niq’asrt’ay - Fox
Niq’asrt’ay ting ghan’ naghitl’an’. - I saw a fox by the side of the road.
Translation provided by George Demientieff Holly.
Click
here for audio recording.
December 2016
Gwich'in
Ch’atsal. - December (literal translation “low on food”)
Tsinehdan. - Peace
Nan kak tsinehdan gooli’. - Let there be peace on Earth.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
November 2016
Gwich'in
Divii Zhrii. - November (literal translation “sheep month”)
Dinjii gwitee tr’irilii. - We are voting (or putting people among leadership).
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
September 2016
Gwich'in
Dinjik Zhrii. - September (literal translation “moose month”)
Luk. - Fish
Łuk keeshi’in. - I am fishing.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
June 2016
Gwich'in
Vanan Ch’iighoo. - June (literal translation “all birds laying eggs”)
Nahsii. - Growing
Gwanzhih kwaii nahshii. - The plants are growing.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
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.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Deg Xinag
Q'uliq'ay - Hawk
Q'uliq'ay no'o xelanh. - There's the Hawk Moon.
Translation provided by George Demientieff Holly.
Click
here for audio recording.
February 2016
Gwich'in
Veegwaadhat - February
Gwilii - It is becoming
Chiitaii gwiindhaa gwilii. - It is becoming warm outside.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Deg Xinag
Yixgitsiy - Grandfather of us all, Raven
Yixgitsiy qay xidixi qunt'ox. - Raven is flying over the village.
Translation provided by George Demientieff Holly.
Click
here for audio recording.
January 2016
Gwich'in
Ch'anjaa Zhrii - January
Agwal'ee - I am learning.
Shiginjik k'yaa agwal'ee. - I am learning my language.
Translation provided by Allan Hayton.
Click
here for audio recording.
Deg Xinag
Giyema - Mask
Ivi'a niłtiy giyema iłtse. - Grandpa is making a crane mask.
Translation provided by George Demientieff Holly.
Click
here for audio recording
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.
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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.
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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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.
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.