Monthly Archives: April 2011

What my children learn about themselves in school

Posted on April 28, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

In Quebec, I’ve come to realise, “Métis” still means “half-breed” to most. If you identify as Métis, people will ask which of your parents is an Indian. At first I used to go into this long explanation about the genesis … Continue reading →

Posted in Alienation, Culture, Half-breed, Métis, Plains Cree, Representation of natives | 4 Comments

Language and power

Posted on April 26, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

I talk about language a lot, so it is not strange that on various occasions people have brought up the issue of language as power. This has happened enough times that I’ve given it a fair amount of thought, without … Continue reading →

Posted in Fluency, James Bay Cree, Plains Cree, Roman Syllabic Orthography, Standardisation | Leave a comment

Tân’si

Posted on April 18, 2011 by âpihtawikosisân

Tân’si.  I think a good start for a first post is that word, “tân’si”. I use it when I answer my phone, when I prepare to introduce myself, when I write an email. It’s full of layers, that word. First … Continue reading →

Posted in James Bay Cree, Plains Cree, Roman Syllabic Orthography | Leave a comment