Let’s Learn, Enjoy and Preserve Our Beautiful Language Together!
Preserving our Nisicawayasihk Nîhitho language, heritage, and culture is important for maintaining a strong sense of identity, pride, and connection of our people today and among future generations. By keeping Cree culture alive through storytelling, ceremonies, and daily use of the language, we can foster resilience, unity, and a deep understanding of our roots.
Tanisi. Acknowledging Our Respected Elders and Ancestors
The Nisicawayasihk Nîhitho Language, Heritage, and Culture Unit extends our deepest gratitude to our Elders for their dedication to preserving and passing down our language, stories, and traditions. Their wisdom and teachings guide our staff, community, schools, and youth. Through Elder storytelling, ceremonies, and knowledge-sharing, they continue to keep the spirit of our ancestors alive and ensure that our ways continue to thrive long into the future.
The Elder’s commitment to protecting and revitalizing the Nîhitho way of life is a gift beyond measure. The language they speak, the songs they share, and the values they uphold are a vital connection to our past. NHLC is honored to celebrate the vital role our Elders play in keeping our culture strong and vibrant. Ekosi, kinanaskomitinan!
Actively Immersing in Nîhetho Language and Ceremony
The NHLC is actively promoting language and culture throughout the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation community – as seen in schools, teacher guides, billboards, websites and more. We strive to keep teachings alive. Below are just a few of the many teachings to immerse yourself in our vibrant Nîhetho culture, heritage and language:
Nisicawayasihk Heritage, Language and Culture Improving Our Nation
The Nisicawayasihk Heritage, Language and Culture program (NHLC) plays a vital role in preserving and revitalizing our Nîhitho language, traditions, and cultural practices. Its community-driven initiatives strengthen cultural identity and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Through Elder guidance, language programs, cultural camps, archival projects, and educational materials, the program works to reclaim and sustain our heritage. We also work to create connections between Elders, youth, and knowledge keepers, to help ensure that storytelling, and ceremonies continue to thrive for future generations.
Cree Syllabics Chart
How to Us the Chart
Reading Cree syllabics involves understanding the relationship between the symbols and the sounds they represent. Cree syllabics is a writing system where each character represents a syllable rather than an individual letter.
- The shape of the symbol indicates the consonant sound.
- The orientation (rotation) of the symbol indicates the vowel sound.
- Each consonant symbol is rotated to represent different vowel sounds.
For example, the symbol for “p” changes orientation based on the vowel it represents:
ᐱ (pi)
ᐯ (pî) – the î is a long sound
ᐸ (pa)
ᐳ (po)
Here’s a general rule:
Pointing up → “i” sound
Pointing right → “e” sound
Pointing down → “a” sound
Pointing left → “o” sound
Recognizing common consonant forms:
ᐁ (î), ᐃ (i), ᐊ (a), ᐅ (o) – Standalone vowels
ᑌ (tî), ᑎ (ti), ᑕ (ta), ᑐ (to) – “T” series
ᑭ (ki), ᑲ (ka), ᑯ (ko), ᑫ (kî) – “K” series
ᒋ (ci), ᒉ (cî), ᒐ (ca), ᒍ (co) – “C” series
ᒥ (mi), ᒣ (mî), ᒪ (ma), ᒧ (mo) – “M” series
Recognizing ending consonants:
Small superscript-like marks indicate final consonants, such as:
ᑦ (m)
These are used when a word ends in a consonant sound.
Practice with Common Words
ᑭᓇᓈᐢᑯᒥᑎᐣ (Kinanâskomitin) – “Thank you”
ᓂᓯᐱᓯᐃᐧᐣ (Nisipisiwin) – “My strength”
ᒥᔪ (Miyo) – “Good”
The Importance of Our Sacred Animal Teachings
The Seven Sacred Animals shown on signs, teaching guides and charts in our community were chosen because they are important symbols in Nisicawayasihk Nîhitho teachings – representing the Seven Teachings. These guide a good and balanced life. Here is a description of each animal in Cree with its associated teaching:
Amisk ᐱᓯᐤ (Beaver) – Nîkânôtamowin (Wisdom)
Wâpos kiskinohamâkêw pêyakotîw oschi tâpwêwin êkwa sâkihitowin.
(The beaver listens to the land and moves wisely, teaching us careful decision-making.)
The Beaver represents wisdom because he uses his natural gifts in a sustainable way to survive. Respect your own limitations and those around you. Use your inherent gifts wisely and live your life by them.
Mahikan (Wolf) ᐊᒥᐢᑯ ᐄᐧᐦᑲᐢᑲᐧ – Sâkihitowin (Humility)
Mahihkan kiskinohamâkêw kîtâpêyimisowin êkwa mâmawi-kîhitowin.
(The wolf lives with humility, valuing family and community over individual pride.)
The Wolf represents humility because he will do what he must to remain a part of his pack. Respect your place, carry your pride with you, and praise accomplishments of all. In the wolf pack, each member understands his individual role and in our individual lives humility becomes the factor, which allows us to ask for guidance humbly.
Miskwâpoy ᒥᐢᑲᓈᐢ (Turtle) – Nôcikwêwin (Honesty)
Mistatim kiskinohamâkêw kiwîhowin êkwa âsayak pimâtisiwin.
(The turtle teaches us to be honest and to live in harmony with ourselves and others. It also represents turtle island the land we live on.)
The Turtle represents truth because he was here during the creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on his back. The turtle has been able to adapt to change without changing.
Paskwâwimostos (Buffalo) ᐸᐢᑳᐚᐃᒧᐢᑐᐢ– Manâtisiwin (Respect)
Amisk mâmawi-wîcihitow, mâmawi-pimâtisiwin mâmitonêyihtamowin.
(The buffalo works together with others, teaching us to respect all living things.)
Respect is the gift from the Buffalo. In all life, respect is the first and foremost. Respect oneself and respect will be bestowed (i.e. treat your body with respect and it will look after itself; treat it with poison and it will destroy itself). Treat others the way you want to be treated and be mindful of the balance of all living things.
Maskwa (Bear) ᐊᒥᐢᑯ ᐄᐧᐦᑲᐢᑲᐧ– maskwawaw (Strong/Courage/Bravery)
Wâpask mâmawihitow wîyâsihk ka-kiskêyihtahk, kotaka miyo-pimâtisiwin ohci.
(The bear has great strength and wisdom, showing us how to face challenges with courage.)
The Bear represents bravery because she will face any fear to protect her young. Face life with strength and courage. Defend what you believe in and what is right for your community, family, and self.
Mikisiw (Eagle) ᒥᑭᓯᐤ– Kisêwâtisiwin (Love)
Mikisiw ohci nêhiyawak pîkiskwêwak kisêwâtisiwin, kiskiswât.
(The eagle carries prayers to the Creator and teaches us to love deeply and purely.)
The Eagle represents love because he flies highest and closest to the Creator and can see all the ways of being from great distances. Know and understand peace. View your inner-self from the perspective of all teachings and let love into your heart.
Môswa (Moose) ᐊᒥᐢᑯ ᐄᐧᐦᑲᐢᑲᐧ – Tapwewin (Truth)
Môswa kiskinohamâkêw tânisi ayiwâk kiyokêwin. Ohci wîcihitôtân pêyakotîw ka-kîsikâk.
(The moose teaches us to be true to ourselves and others, living each day with honesty.)
Plants and Medicines – Rooted in Our Past and Present
ᒪᐢᑭᐦᑮᐊᐧᐣ Maskihkîwan (Medicines)
The Four Sacred Medicines are tobacco, sweet grass, sage, and cedar. They are used in everyday life, for ceremonies, and used to smudge. Tobacco sits in the eastern door, sweet grass sits in the southern door, sage sits in the western door, and cedar sits in the northern door.
Sage– Sage holds deep cultural, spiritual, and medicinal significance for the Nîhetho. It is one of the four sacred medicines, alongside sweetgrass, cedar, and tobacco. Sage is commonly used in smudging ceremonies, where the smoke is believed to cleanse negative energy and bring clarity. Burning sage is done to purify people, places, and objects, often before ceremonies, prayers, or important events. It also carries teachings of respect, balance, and connection to the Creator as the smoke rises to the skies and connects to the spirit world.
Traditionally, sage has been used for its medicine to treat colds, flu, and respiratory issues. It was used to reduce inflammation and sooth digestive problems and treatment of minor wounds and infections.
Cedar – Cedar is used in ceremonies, healing, and smudging to purify. The smoke is believed to carry prayers to the Creator and cleanse negative energy. It is often placed in sweat lodges to promote healing and protection. Cedar branches are sometimes used to line the floor of lodges or homes to connect to nature and the Creator. As a medicine cedar is brewed into a tea to treat colds, fevers, and respiratory issues. The oil and scent of cedar are believed to have calming properties and are used to promote relaxation and well-being.
Cedar trees are known for their resilience, which symbolizes strength, endurance, and wisdom in Nîhetho teachings. It is associated with balance and harmony with the land, reinforcing the Nîhetho worldview of interconnectedness with all living things. Cedar wood is highly durable and resistance to decay, making it useful for building canoes, shelters, and tools. The boughs and leaves were used as bedding or insulation and sometimes placed in moccasins and clothing for its aromatic and insect-repellent properties.
Sweetgrass– (wîyokaskwa) Often used in smudging ceremonies, sweetgrass helps cleanse negative energy, invite positive spirits, and strengthen the connection to the Creator. Its sweet aroma is believed to carry prayers and promote healing.
The long strands of sweetgrass are traditionally braided, symbolizing unity of mind, body, and spirit or past, present, and future. It also represents kindness and respect, reminding people to live in harmony. Sweetgrass is used in ceremonies, given as a gift, and sometimes used in traditional medicine. It carries teachings of balance and connection.
Natural Tobacco– (Semâ) holds deep spiritual, cultural, and medicinal significance and is one of the Four Sacred Medicines. Tobacco is used as an offering to the Creator, spirits, and ancestors. It serves as a means of giving thanks and asking for guidance, protection, or blessings. Before harvesting plants, hunting, or fishing, tobacco is often placed on the ground as a sign of respect for the land and animals.
When seeking knowledge or wisdom from an Elder, Knowledge Keeper, or healer, it is customary to offer tobacco as a sign of gratitude and respect.
It represents sincerity and an acknowledgment of the wisdom being shared. It may be included in sweat lodge ceremonies, pipe ceremonies, and other traditional gatherings. While commercial tobacco is harmful, natural tobacco is sometimes used in traditional healing practices.
Crocus – The crocus holds significance for the Nîhetho people, in relation to their traditional knowledge, seasonal indicators, and medicinal uses.
It is one of the first flowers to bloom after winter and signals the arrival of spring and the renewal of life, aligning with traditional teachings about nature’s cycles. The crocus represents strength and resilience and is connected to teachings about patience and perseverance. The flower’s appearance signaled that certain activities, such as preparing for summer hunting or gathering, could begin.
As a medicine the prairie crocus plant contains potent compounds and was used with caution for pain relief. When properly prepared, parts of the plant were used for treating headaches, joint pain, coughs or congestion.
Red Birch and Its Significance
Red Birch holds cultural, spiritual, and practical significance for the Nîhetho. Birch is known for its strength and flexibility and was commonly used by hunters and trappers. When branches are boiled, they can be made and bent into hoops or arcs for stretching and curing animal pelts and hides as well as snaring. Cree healers use birch bark and sap in traditional medicine. The bark was commonly brewed into a tea to treat colds, fevers, and digestive issues. Birch sap is sometimes used as a cleansing tonic. The bark also contains tannins, which can be used in leather tanning and to create natural dyes.
The birch was also used for purification and cleansing ceremonies like smudging, similar to how other sacred plants like sage or sweetgrass are used. Trees like birch are often considered gifts from the Creator, representing renewal, strength, and healing. The wood and bark are used for tools, shelter, and crafts. Birch is known to be useful for canoes, baskets, and even fire-starting.
Animal Skins, Pelts and Hides Play a Key Part in Our Nîhetho Lifestyles and Traditions
For the Nîhetho people, deer, moose, and caribou were culturally and spiritually significant and served as part of every day living. These animals have been important for survival, traditions, and way of life for generations.
Moose, caribou, and deer provided essential nutrition, especially in the harsh northern climate where reliable food sources were crucial.
Traditional hunting was (and still is) a skill passed down through generations, teaching patience, respect, and survival techniques. Many Cree stories, including stories of Wîsakecahk and teachings involve these animals as guides, teachers, and symbols of strength, endurance, and balance.
Parts of these animals were used in ceremonies, dances, and spiritual practices, connecting people with nature and their ancestors.
The hides of moose, caribou, and deer were tanned and used for clothing, footwear (like moccasins), and shelter coverings. Bones and antlers were crafted into tools, weapons, and utensils.