Beesuum
Dibs cow beesuum
Chee kowii noo
Choo taa wii
Chii shaa mintoo
Konnoronhkwa
Definition: Sun - pronounced: bee - soom
Definition: Moon - pronounced: dibs cow bee soom
Definition: Earth, Our Mother - pronounced: chee cow wee noo
Definition: Father - pronounced: choo ta we
Definition: Creator - pronounced: chee shaa min too
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Definition: "I value,treasure,love you" // Mohawk - pronounced: goon-no-loon-cwa
I grew up in a non-traditional home on-reserve (Six Nations of the Grand River). Learning my language was a journey I hadn't intended to make. At the time, I would say I just "stumbled" into it. I was not happy with my job at the time and needed a break from the city life.
By a lucky coincidence, a program was beginning back home to teach adults our Mohawk language. When I entered the program, I knew about 10 words. Today, four years later, though I do not feel I am "fluent", I can understand and converse with speakers on any topic.
Learning to speak my language didn't just teach me a few words or expressions. Learning my language changed the way I thought, the way I see the world, and the way I express myself in Mohawk and English. It gives me strength and a sense of self that I didn't even know was missing. Today I know I did not "stumble" on to this path. The Creator saw one of his children struggling and in need of direction back home.
Everything we are is in our words.
