makwa
The Ojibwe word for bear is makwa.
makwa refers to the large mammal of the family Ursidae.
Meaning: large mammal of family Ursidae (noun)
Did you know?
- The makwa is frequently associated with the clan system, where the Bear Clan is traditionally responsible for policing and internal security within the community.
- In many stories, the bear is depicted as a healer, and the term makwa is associated with the knowledge of medicinal plants and forest properties.
- Because bears are considered powerful and sometimes unpredictable, some speakers might use a different, more respectful or indirect term when speaking of them in certain traditional contexts to avoid attracting their attention.
Example conversation
Two people are hiking in the woods.
- MakwaMiskwaa, makwa gichi-giigoon!Miskwaa, there is a big bear!
- MiskwaaAaniin? Makwa gii-wiidookoon?What? Did you see a bear?
- MakwaEe, makwa gaa-wiidookoon.Yes, I saw a bear.
- MiskwaaGii-wiidookoon miiwgo?Did you see it just now?
