Page 79 - Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness

To this day when we see the Seven Stars dancing in the sky, they remind us that the cycle of ceremonies will begin
once again. We also remember that our children understand the importance
of the ceremonies, and that we should include them each time that we gather to give thanks.
Orihwí:yo ki ná:’a tsi yorihowá:nen onkwehonwe’néha ahontá:ti’ ne onkwehón:we. Shi’kenikénhteron, takatáhsawen akewén:na akà:ronke’ ahse’kén watyé:sen ‘tho shikahá:wi akataweya’tá:ne’ tsi nón:we shakotirihonnyén:ni’s na Kanyen’kéha. Táhnon nón:wa, íhsi nón:we oyé:ri niyohserá:ke yotohétstonh, táhnon shè:kon wake’nikonhrahserón:ni’ tsi éhtho niwakatyé:renh.
Translation in English:
Of course it’s important for Native peoples to know their language. When I was a teenager, I started to learn my language because I had access to a community- based language program to learn Mohawk. Now, 10 years later, I’m still quite pleased with what I’ve done.
– George Doxtater*
BA in Linguistics,
McMaster University, Canada
MA in Multilingualism,
University of Groningen, Netherlands Mohawk, Turtle Clan,
Six Nations Indian Reserve #40 Grand River Territory.
*George attended a Federal Indian Day School on Six Nations from kindergarten to Grade 8.
Commemoration • Education • Healing/Wellness 71