Glossary of Terms
- Aakde’ewin
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one of the seven grandmothers’ teachings (Kokum Dibaajimowinan), in Anishinaabemowin, means courage, the art of being brave, or being “strong-hearted,” not in the physical sense but in the sense of self-knowledge.
- Chinook jargon
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developed by Indigenous Peoples as an inclusive means of communicating across cultures, nations, and languages.
- Dbadendiziwin
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one of the seven grandmothers’ teachings (Kokum Dibaajimowinan), in Anishinaabemowin, means the art of humility, never looking upon yourself as better than anyone else, and looking after yourself.
- Debwewin
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one of the seven grandmothers’ teachings (Kokum Dibaajimowinan), in Anishinaabemowin, means truth, or “sound of the heart” in the sense of speaking from the heart.
- Gwekwaadiziwin
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one of the seven grandmothers’ teachings (Kokum Dibaajimowinan), in Anishinaabemowin, means living a straight or honest life.
- ikta
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“what” in Chinook jargon.
- Indigenization
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a relational and collaborative process that involves various levels of transformation, from inclusion and integration to infusion of Indigenous perspectives and approaches in education.
- kahta
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“how” in Chinook jargon.
- Kokum Dibaajimowinan
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in Anishinaabemowin, means the grandmothers’ teachings around courage, truth, respect, love, honesty, wisdom, and humility, common values typically reflected in Indigenous teachings.
- Mnaadendiwin
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one of the seven grandmothers’ teachings (Kokum Dibaajimowinan), in Anishinaabemowin, means respect, or deeply cherishing each other.
- Nbwaakawin
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one of the seven grandmothers’ teachings (Kokum Dibaajimowinan), in Anishinaabemowin, means putting others before yourself, and keeping ego in check.
- Turtle Island
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the name the Lenape, Iroquois, Anishnaabe, and other Woodland Nations gave to North America. The name comes from a story about Sky Woman. Many Indigenous people, Indigenous rights activists, and environmental activists now use the term for North America.
- wake siah kopa
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near, “not far there” in Chinook jargon.
- yaa-yuk-miss
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a Nuu-chah-nulth term that expresses both the love and pain involved in transformative experiences.
- Zaagidewin
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one of the seven grandmothers’ teachings (Kokum Dibaajimowinan), in Anishinaabemowin, means love, or unconditional love.
