ᒪᐢᑭᐦᑮᐩ
maskihkîy
The Cree word for medicine is ᒪᐢᑭᐦᑮᐩ (maskihkîy).
The term refers to a substance used to promote healing.
Meaning: substance which promotes healing (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
maskihkîy
Did you know?
- Because the word can encompass spiritual power, an object like a sacred stone might be referred to as 'medicine' in a way that has no direct English equivalent.
- In Cree-speaking communities, 'medicine' can refer to the traditional knowledge passed down by Elders rather than a physical substance.
- The way 'medicine' is applied in Cree culture often involves the use of smoke, such as from sage or cedar, which is seen as a healing agent.
Example conversation
A person is asking a friend for help with a cold.
- Aᐩᐩᐩ ᐩᐩᐩ ᒪᐢᑭᐦᑮᐩ ᐩᐩᐩ?maskihkîw kî-mohkâk?Do you have any medicine?
- Bᐩᐩᐩ ᐩᐩᐩ ᐩᐩᐩ.ê, nîna kî-mohkâk.Yes, I have some.
