kiskikawinaw askiy
The English phrase 'mother earth' is translated into Cree as kiskikawinaw askiy.
kiskikawinaw askiy is used as a personification of the Earth.
Meaning: personification of Earth (name)
Did you know?
- In many Cree traditions, the relationship with kiskikawinaw askiy is expressed through the act of offering tobacco to the ground before asking for a favor or healing.
- Cree is an animacy-based language, meaning words are categorized as 'animate' or 'inanimate' rather than masculine or feminine, which influences how askiy is described.
- In Cree culture, referring to the earth as a mother reflects a kinship system where humans are seen as younger siblings to the animals and plants of askiy.
Example conversation
Two people are walking in the woods.
- AKiskikawinaw askiy ᒫᒫ ᓂᐤᐤᐤ.Kiskikawinaw askiy mama nuyuyu.I love Mother Earth.
- Bᐤᐤᐤᐤ ᐤᐤᐤᐤ.uueu uueu.I do too.
- AKiskikawinaw askiy ᒫᒫ ᐄᐤᐤᐤ.Kiskikawinaw askiy mama eueue.Mother Earth is very beautiful.
- Bᐄ, ᐄᐤᐤᐤᐤ.ii, iueueue.Yes, she is.
