kahkiyaw awâsisak kipihtêyitâkositowak
The English phrase "every child matters" is expressed in Cree as kahkiyaw awâsisak kipihtêyitâkositowak.
This phrase is used to express the sentiment that all children are important and deserve care and protection.
Did you know?
- The phrase is frequently paired with the visual symbol of the orange shirt. This custom honors the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose personal experience with residential schools sparked a global movement centered on this specific sentiment.
- Because Cree is a polysynthetic language, the long word kipihtêyitâkositowak functions as an entire sentence that would require several separate words in English.
- In the Cree language, the word for 'child' awâsis is an 'animate' noun, meaning it is grammatically treated as a living entity with spiritual agency.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a poster in a community center.
- AKîyâm, kahkiyaw awâsisak kipihtêyitâkositowak.kîyâm, kahkiyaw awâsisak kipihtêyitâkositowakIndeed, every child matters.
- BÊyî, kîyâm kîyâm.êyî, kîyâm kîyâmYes, very much so.
- AKîsipâmâwâwâwin êyâw ôma.kîsipâmâwâwâwin êyâw ômaThis is about healing.
