Have you been trying to count or teach in Ichiskiin or another Native language?
I am really excited to share this post with you and it includes a video, image, and a list of happiness. Today, I heard our 6-year-old daughter asking, "Siri spell naxsh (one)." She was poised with her crayon waiting for her to spell it. I held my breath, wondering what will come up. When the incorrect information came back, she remarked, "That's weird." I feel bad for her. Our children want a world with our language. She is one of the helpers for the counting video, so that helps her shrug it off. I was going to stretch out this work across a couple days, but I really want her and you to have this information now.
There are many Native American languages throughout North America. This is one of many. Also, there is some spelling variation of these words due to dialect or availability of font, accent marks, and underlines.
Count 1-10
1 Nax̱sh
2 Níipt
3 Mɨtat
4 Piníipt
5 Pax̱aat
6 Ptax̱nínsh
7 Túskaas
8 Pax̱at’umaat
9 Ts’mɨst
10 Pútumt
Here is a video counting to 10 in Ichiskiin
With the help of my husband and two of our kids, we include a video of how to count to 10 in Ichiskiin. When I edited the video our 2-year-old counted along, so he helped set the pace of the counting prompts.
List of Happiness
After all of this counting, I thought I should actually make a list. So, I include a list of things that made me happy recently. Also, I wanted to give ideas for others that may use another Native American language. I have often been the person on a language learning website looking for ideas on how to help teach or use language. After looking through lists of languages that don't include Native languages, it can feel a bit lonely in the online. We are working on that though, right?
1 Nax̱sh
Governor Jay Inslee appointed me to the Central Washington University Board of Trustees. This is a public service - volunteer position with a lot of paperwork, but it is all worth it as I am happy to serve in this capacity.
2 Níipt
Our toddler is coloring and saying, “Look it, I did it!!” He asks our applause after each line, he draws. He reminds us to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they might seem to others. If they are major to you, then ask the people you live with or love to recognize and celebrate with you. I'm not saying give everyone a trophy, but just a moment to acknowledge work.
3 Mɨtat
I presented to The Evergreen State College, Master of Public Administration (MPA). I presented in the same classroom that I had when I was working on my MPA degree. I graduated seven years ago. I saw the seat where I would have a range of emotions - worry about papers and amazement at the great classroom discussions. If you have the opportunity to talk to a class, I highly recommend it.
4 Piníipt
I finally figured out why I failed that 0.5 credit History aide class in high school, even though I got A’s in history. After I walked from language class at Tribal School to Toppenish High, I would serve as a history teacher’s aide. I didn’t know how to have the conversation with my history teacher about including Native history in the high school class. I was nervous about sharing that, all these years later, but I decided to be honest about my confusion about a situation. What better time to share, then when you are on the cover of the local newspaper? You can read the full article here: New Member of CWU’s Board of Trustees Dedicated to Connecting Cultures
5 Pax̱aat
I got to present to a Yakama Tribal school class, while my uncle, Kwyamat, Tony Washines, sat at a desk to listen. At first, I got really nervous when I looked out into classroom he was sitting there. But it is awesome that he sat at a desk, he's proof that you can always learn. His advice as a former elected official, elder and fluent Ichiskiin speaker is so valuable and the students gain immensely from it. We talked all the way to the parking lot about the importance of hearing the language being spoken for the learning process.
6 Ptax̱nínsh
My kids are working on counting to 15 in Ichiskiin as well as Yakama legends. Thanks to the Yakama Tribal School Teacher, Dawn Depoe-Ike, the girls were able to hear and learn from her students as they were practicing teaching the younger generation through a new class called “Yakama Ways.”
7 Túskaas
I wrote 51,300 words in November as a part of National Novel Writing Month. This is my novel “Unfinished Fish.” I will edit and have an update in January. My immediate thought was, “Whew, got there!” Even with frequent breaks courtesy of my 3 kids under 8...Dancing, count them jump roping, or holding my 2-year-old. He enjoyed hearing my dictation (voice-to-text), he kept looking at my phone wondering why I was talking to myself. I won NaNoWriMo, and they even gave me a certificate.
8 Pax̱at’umaat
I am a visual learner, therefore, I like Pinterest. The pin about not dressing like Natives on Native Friends Pinterest got over 5,000 impressions. Glad to help add information and perspective on this social issue. Two posters show Native Americans next to popular Native American Halloween costumes, which include mock versions of sacred headdresses (Source: Ohio.edu and Medium).
9 Ts’mɨst
It's important to practice self-care. I got a haircut, but it is still long and layered. Also, I got a shine by Redken shades EQ Crystal Clear. Photo and Courtesy of stylist Katie Finch at Alexandra on Second. I received no financial compensation, for sharing. I just like my hair. lol. I am pretty specific and for a non-Native stylist, she totally understands the importance of me wanting to transition from straight, curly, or braids. She layers my hair with care.
10 Pútumt
My husband said that my gluten-free cornbread stuffing was the best stuffing he ever had in his life! I don't use wheat flour at home due to a family member's gluten allergy. Even though it's been almost two years, I still get confused about ingredients or the process.
Okay, thanks for joining me on this random list of happiness.
What is something that made you happy recently?
Let me know in the comments.
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