Words

Kwey – Three sisters

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language onheadshot of Anita Tenasco campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus is home to the Three Sisters Garden. The Haudenosaunee, (hode-in-OH-show-nay)or “people of the longhouse,” are commonly referred to as Iroquois or Six Nations in what is now northern New York state. The Three Sisters symbolize peace, friendship and respect and includes traditional plantings of corn, beans and squash. Continue reading

Kwey – Animal pathways

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language onHeadshot of Anita Tenasco campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

In 2022, major routes within and between each building at the Ottawa Campus were identified to become interior “pathways” and were assigned an animal and a coordinating colour for enhanced wayfinding.

The five major corridors include bear/màkwa (MAH-KWAH), wolf/mahìngan (mah-ING-gen), blue jay/tendesì (TEN-DEH-see) moose/mònz (monzz) and deer/wàwàskeshi (wah-wash-KESH-shee). Continue reading

Embracing the Anishinàbe language: A cultural connection at Algonquin College

Nawapon played host to an enthusiastic group of faculty and employees on Tuesday, April 8, as participants attended the Tea, Teaching andParticipants from the Kwey Indigenous Language lab post next to the spinning word wheel. Bannock Language Lab to enhance familiarity with the Anishinàbe language, encouraging them to use traditional words and phrases with confidence.

“This event exemplifies how we bring our classroom work into the public domain and invite everyone to participate,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO. “From our hallways to our campus streets and several of our gathering locations, Anishinàbe words and phrases are prominent throughout.” Continue reading